Recently I wrote about what holiness looks like for younger women. This week, we’re diving into what Paul teaches Titus about holiness for younger men.

“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” (Titus 2:6–7)

Titus was considered a role model to the Cretans, but Paul also considers Titus a younger man because in Roman times there was no category for middle-aged. Forty and under was considered young, everyone else was considered old.

It’s important to remember that holiness for younger men looks a little different than holiness for older men. Problems arise when older men act like younger men and younger men try to act like older men. The Lord loves us, is patient with us, and allows us to progress at different stages in life and in sanctification (becoming more like Jesus). Some of the content here will be similar to what I wrote about older men, because the call of holiness for younger men has similar aspects, but the majority of it will be different.

The following areas are ways in which the gospel and sound doctrine will be displayed in the life of younger men.

1. Be self-controlled

Like we talked about with older men, being self-controlled is equally important to younger men. It means we have control over our emotions and behavior, particularly when life is tough. Young men have a propensity to be idealistic and spontaneous. They say things they shouldn’t say, they feel things they shouldn’t feel, they do things they shouldn’t do. The Holy Spirit produces self-control in our life.

Holiness for younger men looks a little different than holiness for older men.

2. Model good works

The church needs young men who aspire to be in spiritual leadership, men who are true to the gospel and will model their Christ-like lifestyle to others. Paul has this in mind when he tells Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely, so that he won’t only save himself but his hearers as well.

3. Show integrity

Integrity means oneness or wholeness. When we teach, it’s not filled with contradictions, but unity and truth. Jesus is what unifies any good teaching ministry. Paul wanted the gospel to form all aspects of Titus’ teaching.

4. Show dignity

To show someone dignity is to show a person respect. All people are made in the image of God; therefore, we should show them dignity. When someone speaks in an undignified way it’s immediately noticed because it’s repulsive. Paul doesn’t want Titus to not show dignity toward people because it will draw shame to Jesus.

5. Use sound speech

Sound speech is when your words are healthy and true. Living in this way makes it harder for your opponents to speak evil of you. Young men, are you quick to listen and slow to speak? Is your speech sound, healthy, and true to others?

Everything here should be viewed through the lens of Jesus and his redemptive work in reconciling all things to himself. The principles of how to be a godly man can be lived out in a million different ways, but it must be in Christ.

Don’t miss Pastor Dave’s previous post, and join us next week as he continues teaching through Titus.