Here are some notes for a study of these characteristics:

  1. The Expectations for Older Men (Tit. 2:2)
    a. Sober
    b. Dignified
    c. Self-controlled
    d. Sound in faith (beliefs), love and perseverance
    e. For elders (Tit. 1:7-9) – blameless
    f. Good manager of his household
    g. Humble
    h. Gentle
    i. Contented
    j. Open-hearted
    k. Pure
    l. Sensible
  2. The expectations for exemplary young men (Tit. 2:6-8; 1 Tim. 4:7-14)
    a. Self-controlled
    b. Devoted to good deeds
    c. Teaching honestly, with dignity, and soundly
    d. Avoid silly, frivolous talk (v. 7)
    e. Train yourself to be godly with toil and strife (vss. 7-10)
    f. Be an example in speech, lifestyle, love, faith, and purity
    g. Devote yourself to reading Scripture, to encouraging others, and to teaching the gospel
    h. Flee youthful passions for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with pure believers (2 Ti. 2:22)
  3. Applications
    a. Older Christian men need to step up!
    b. Younger Christian men need to step up for older men.
    i. They need to recognize the exemplary brothers in their assemblies, and imitate their example
    ii. They need to strive to be examples for those who are less mature
    iii. They need to be zealous for doing good to others
    c. Look to outstanding young men of God from the past
    i. Jim Elliot
    ii. Robert Murray M’Cheyne
    iii. Keith Green
    iv. Adoniram Judson
    v. Leonard Ravenhill