This is the first of a four-part series on “everyday faith,” based on the instructions Paul gives in Titus 2:1–6. Gospel-centered folks are often allergic to instructions, so it’s important to keep in mind that Paul lays these out as our response to the gospel—not as a way to gain acceptance. “Because of what God has done for you,” Paul says, “your lives will look different.” Be sure to read part two (older women), part three (younger women), and part four (younger men).
First up: older men. Paul says, “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance” (Titus 2:2).
What exactly counts as an “old man” in Paul’s book? Since the life expectancy of the ancient world was so much lower than today, the threshold for “old” would have been quite a bit lower, too. I like to think it was around age 42. (And yes, I’m 41 years old.) Regardless of the actual age, Paul is aiming at temptations particular to those with much of their life behind them.
Many of Paul’s instructions get repeated to the later groups (old women, young women, young men), but one that only shows up here is endure. Endurance isn’t natural for any of us, but it’s especially challenging for older men. So many men get to the last third of their lives and they start to coast. They’ve made all the money they need. They feel like they’ve done enough. They feel tired. And so they can start to think only about themselves—pursuing their hobbies, investing in their interests, all the while ignoring service to others.
It’s no surprise, then, that many older men become grumpy and cynical. Old men don’t become grumpy because they’re old; otherwise all old men would be. No, the reason some old men become grumpy is that’s what always happens when people focus on themselves.
So Paul says: endure. All of the other commands he gives to older men can be read in this light. “Be self-controlled.” In other words, don’t think all about your own desires. Put them second to the needs of the church and the next generation. Your life’s accomplishment shouldn’t be a pile of money, but seeing the kingdom of God thrive long after you’re gone. So don’t give the last years of your life to fish or play golf or collect toys. Give it to the kingdom.
“Be sound in faith.” Don’t get cynical. Keep believing, even if the world looks like it’s getting worse. Remember: God’s promises haven’t ceased to be true. Jesus rose from the dead, and he has a plan in this world that he won’t give up on. If God didn’t give up when Jesus’ body was cold in the grave, he’s not going to give up on this generation, however far from God they seem.
“Be temperate.” Don’t give yourself to numbing things like alcohol. Don’t throw your filter away and rail at everyone that bothers you. There’s still a purpose for your life, so don’t act like your glory days are behind you. If you are lying in a rest home, you can still be part of the greatest mission on earth—even if all you can do is silently pray.
The promises of God don’t expire. So keep believing in them. Be like Caleb, that Old Testament hero who had seen God do so much that he wouldn’t let his 80+ years stop him from taking God at his word. He was old enough to have great-grandkids, but because God said, “You’ll conquer this land,” Caleb picked up a sword and said, “I want that mountain.” And with God’s help, he took it.
We have even more of a reason to persevere than Caleb. He had seen God lead his people through the Red Sea, but knew nothing about how God could raise Jesus from the dead. If we really believe in the resurrection, we know that nothing we do for his kingdom is wasted. Even a cup of cold water, given in Christ’s name, has an impact.
Older men, we need you in our churches today. We need you to help us plant churches. We need you to serve alongside of us. We need you to mentor younger men. We need you to lead on our mission trips. We need the wisdom and experience that God has given you.
But as much as we need you to finish strong, you need to finish strong. Don’t stand by while others claim God’s promises for you. Finish the race with endurance. Because, as Henry Ward Beecher said, “It is not the going out of port, but the coming in, that determines the success of a voyage.”
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