Movatterモバイル変換

Leviticus 19:32
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: Iam the LORD.

Job 12:12
With the ancientis wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

Psalm 92:14
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

sober.

1 Corinthians 15:34
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speakthis to your shame.

1 Thessalonians 5:6,8
Therefore let us not sleep, asdo others; but let us watch and be sober…

1 Timothy 3:2,11
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; …

grave.

Titus 2:7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrineshewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

1 Timothy 3:4,8,11
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; …

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever thingsare honest, whatsoever thingsare just, whatsoever thingsare pure, whatsoever thingsare lovely, whatsoever thingsare of good report; ifthere be any virtue, and ifthere be any praise, think on these things.

temperate.

Titus 1:8
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now theydo it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

sound.

Titus 1:13
This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

in patience.

1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, andof a good conscience, andof faith unfeigned:

Dignified
Dignity involves a sense of respectability and honor. In the cultural context of the early church, older men were expected to be role models for younger generations. The Greek word used here, "semnos," implies a seriousness of purpose and a reverence that commands respect.Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to think on things that are noble and worthy of respect, which aligns with the call for older men to be dignified.

Self-controlled
Self-control is a recurring theme in the New Testament, often associated with spiritual maturity. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and is essential for living a life that pleases God. In a culture where indulgence was prevalent, self-control set Christians apart. This virtue is also emphasized in1 Peter 1:13, where believers are urged to prepare their minds for action and be sober-minded.

And sound in faith
Being sound in faith means having a healthy, robust belief in the core doctrines of Christianity. This involves a deep understanding and unwavering trust in God and His promises.Hebrews 11 provides numerous examples of individuals who were commended for their faith. For older men, being sound in faith also means being able to teach and defend the faith, as seen in1 Peter 3:15.

Love
Love is central to Christian ethics and is the greatest commandment according to Jesus (Matthew 22:37-39). The Greek word "agape" used here refers to selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. This love is exemplified by Christ's sacrifice on the cross (John 15:13) and is a defining characteristic of true discipleship (John 13:35).

And perseverance
Perseverance, or endurance, is the ability to remain steadfast in the face of trials and difficulties.James 1:2-4 speaks of the testing of faith producing perseverance, which leads to spiritual maturity. In the early church, believers often faced persecution, and perseverance was crucial for maintaining faith.Romans 5:3-4 also highlights that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

Paul begins with “older men,” seasoned believers whose years grant them influence. Scripture esteems their role: “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as a father” (1 Timothy 5:1).Proverbs 16:31 affirms, “Gray hair is a crown of glory.” Mature men are therefore called to set the pace for the congregation, embodying godly wisdom that younger saints can imitate.

“Older men are to be temperate” (Titus 2:2)—clear-headed and free from excess. Paul urges, “let us remain awake and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). Peter echoes, “Be sober-minded and alert” (1 Peter 5:8), andEphesians 5:18 warns against drunkenness. Temperance safeguards judgment, curbs cravings, and keeps the heart hospitable to the Spirit.

• Clear thinking that discerns truth

• Moderation in appetites and habits

• Steady reactions rather than impulsive swings

Dignity reflects a seriousness that invites respect without pride. Deacons must be “dignified” (1 Timothy 3:8); believers are to live “worthy of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). Such gravity shows up in reverent speech, dependable behavior, and a calm presence that elevates conversation and community life.

Self-control—fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a building block of growth (2 Peter 1:5-6)—keeps desires under Christ’s lordship. For older men, it guards against irritability, apathy, or indulgence.

• Measured words instead of sharp retorts

• Disciplined use of time, money, and media

• Purity that honors spouse and church

“Sound” means healthy, uncorrupted. Paul urges, “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13). Robust faith clings to Scripture, trusts God in uncertainty, and resists doctrinal drift.

• Regular intake of God’s Word

• Quick reflex of prayer in decision-making

• Stability when storms hit

Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you” (John 13:34-35). Paul writes, “Love is patient, love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Healthy love shows in sacrificial service, gentle correction, and forgiveness that mirrors the cross. It resists cynicism and remains warm toward people and truth (1 John 4:7-12).

Endurance crowns the list. “You need to persevere” (Hebrews 10:36); trials “produce perseverance” (Romans 5:3-4). An older man who keeps running well through pain, disappointment, or cultural currents proves the staying power of Christ’s grace (James 1:2-4).

• Hopeful outlook amid hardship

• Faithfulness to long-term commitments

• Unshakable anticipation of the Lord’s return

Titus 2:2 sketches God’s portrait of mature masculinity: temperate, dignified, self-controlled men whose faith, love, and perseverance remain healthy and vibrant. When such men lead by example, families are steadied, churches are strengthened, and the gospel’s beauty is displayed to a watching world.

Be sober.--In a more extended sense than the bare literal meaning of the word would give. Let the elder men be "thoughtful," in contrast with the thoughtlessness of careless youth.

Grave.--And quietly earnest, in contrast with all passion and undue excitability.

Temperate.--Discreet, orself-restrained,would be a better rendering for the Greek word.

Sound in faith, in charity, in patience.--Here Paul the aged sums up for the aged men of Crete in these three words, so well known by all his devoted hearers then, by all the devout students of his theology in subsequent ages, the great principles out of which the true saint life springs--faith, love, patience. In the famous Pauline trilogy of virtues, in this place, "patience" takes the place of hope, because this brave patience, this enduring fortitude, especially becomes the old man waiting for death. In respect to these "three" they must be healthy, sound. The faith must not be adulterated with superstitions--the love must be chivalrous, not sentimental. It must be no partisan feeling, but a tender affection, broad and inclusive, as was St. Paul's and his Master Christ's. The patience must be no mere tame acquiescence in what seems to be the inevitable, but must be brave, enduring, suffering--if suffering comes--for the Lord's sake with a smile on the lips. "Not without reason," writes Calvin, "does St. Paul include in these three the sum of Christian perfections." It is with "faith" that we worship God--no prayer, no work of piety, can be severed from "faith." "Love" spreads its wings over all our duties to our neighbour; and "patience" must ever go hand in hand with both "faith" and "love." Without "patience" could"faith" hardly endure; and the affronts and unkindnesses of the world would, without this high virtue of patience, soon deaden and even destroy "love."