If Paul’s letters were sermons, then 2 Timothy and Titus are life lessons—personal, urgent, and packed with wisdom.
These are letters to leaders.
But they speak to all of us.
Because being a Christian is not just about believing the right things—it is
about living them.
Paul does not just ask these young leaders to preach the
Word.
He tells them to embody it.
To live it out loud.
To walk in good Christian conduct—not for applause, but for witness.
Because character preaches too.
Start
with Submission: Respecting Authority
Paul instructs Titus:
“Remind the people to be subject to
rulers and authorities, to be obedient...” (Titus 3:1)
In a time of Roman oppression, this was no easy ask.
But Paul knew—rebellion for rebellion’s sake does not reflect Jesus.
Good Christian conduct begins with a posture of honor—even
when we disagree.
Not blind allegiance, but Spirit-led humility.
Submission is not weakness.
It is a form of trust—trusting that God sees and leads, even when
systems fail.
Do
Good. Period.
Paul repeats this phrase throughout Titus:
“Be ready to do whatever is good.”
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good.”
Good conduct is not passive.
It is intentional, consistent, and visible.
When believers do good:
- Needs are met
- Hearts are softened
- The gospel has credibility
We are not saved by good works—but we were saved to do
them.
Tame
the Tongue: No Slander. No Strife.
“...slander no one, be peaceable and
considerate...” (Titus 3:2)
This one is hard in a culture fueled by opinions and
outrage.
But Paul says: Watch your mouth. Keep your peace. Choose grace.
Christian conduct includes:
- Speaking truth with love
- Refusing gossip
- Choosing silence over stirring division
Our words are windows to our witness.
Be
a Good Worker and a Good Teacher
“Teach what is appropriate to sound
doctrine... in everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
(Titus 2:1, 7)
Paul calls Titus to be both instructor and example.
Your walk has to match your words.
And in 2 Timothy, Paul tells Timothy:
“Be diligent... a worker who does not
need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
(2 Timothy 2:15)
Whether in ministry or in the marketplace—how we work
and how we teach reflects who we follow.
Be
Kind. Be Gentle. Be Patient. Be Different.
“The Lord’s servant must not be
quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone...” (2 Timothy 2:24)
We live in a loud world.
But Paul calls believers to live quietly strong.
- Not quarrelsome, but gentle
- Not reactive, but patient
- Not prideful, but kind
Because we are not just trying to win arguments.
We are trying to win people to Christ.
Let
Your Life Be the Lesson
These letters reminded me that Christian living is not
complex.
But it is costly.
It means dying to self.
Choosing humility.
Being kind when it is easier to be cutting.
Working with excellence.
Living with conviction and compassion.
So I ask myself:
- Does my conduct draw people to Jesus?
- Would someone want to follow the Christ they see in me?
Because I do not just want to carry the message.
I want to live it.
Live what you believe.
Do what is good.
Let your character match your confession.