Single lesson
Titus 2: Teaching Sound Doctrine
Titus 2:1–10; Titus 2:11–15
Titus 2 shows that true teaching should shape ordinary life. Children will see that God’s grace brings salvation and also teaches people to live in ways that match God’s truth.
Before you teach
This chapter first tells Titus to speak what fits sound doctrine and gives examples for several groups. Then it explains the reason: God’s grace has appeared, bringing salvation and training people to live godly lives as they look for Jesus Christ.
Students will name one instruction in Titus 2:1–10 and explain that Titus 2:11–15 says God’s grace brings salvation and instructs us to live for good works.
Welcome: Teaching that fits truth
4 minAsk for examples of things people must be taught, such as reading or sharing. Read Titus 2:1. Explain that ‘sound doctrine’ means teaching that is healthy and right. In this passage, true teaching is not only spoken. It is meant to shape how people live.
Titus 2:1
Read and explain: Everyday instructions
8 minRead Titus 2:2–10 in short parts. Help children notice repeated ideas: self-control, faithfulness, good behaviour, good works and sound speech. Explain that the passage gives practical instructions for different people. Verse 10 says such living can ‘adorn the doctrine of God’, meaning behaviour can display God’s teaching well.
Titus 2:2, Titus 2:3, Titus 2:4, Titus 2:5, Titus 2:6, Titus 2:7, Titus 2:8, Titus 2:9, Titus 2:10
Discuss: Grace teaches us
7 minRead Titus 2:11–14. Point out that verse 11 begins with ‘For’, linking these verses to the earlier instructions. God’s grace brings salvation and also instructs us to turn from ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly now. Jesus gave himself to redeem and purify a people zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:13, Titus 2:14
Make and respond: Reminder card
7 minChildren choose a short phrase from the passage such as ‘sound doctrine’, ‘good works’ or ‘the grace of God’. On a card, they write the phrase and draw or write one matching action, such as truthful speech or faithfulness. Explain that the action is a response to what grace teaches in this passage.
Titus 2:1, Titus 2:7, Titus 2:8, Titus 2:10, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14
Closing: Keep saying these things
4 minRead Titus 2:15. Review with two prompts: one instruction from verses 1–10, and one truth about grace from verses 11–14. Finish by reminding children that Titus is told to keep teaching these things with seriousness and authority.
Titus 2:15, Titus 2:1, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14
Questions to explore
What does Titus 2:1 tell Titus to speak, and what is one example of that in verses 2–10?
Start with the words ‘fit sound doctrine’, then choose one example such as good works, sound speech or faithfulness.
Titus 2:1, Titus 2:7, Titus 2:8, Titus 2:10
According to Titus 2:11–12, what does God’s grace do?
Include both parts of the answer: grace brings salvation and instructs people how to live.
Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12
Why do good works matter in Titus 2:14?
Use the verse’s own words about Jesus redeeming and purifying a people who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:14
Make, think or respond
Grace Teaches Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- paper or index cards
- pencils
- markers or crayons
- Bible
Try it together
- Read Titus 2:1–15 and let each child choose a short phrase from the passage.
- Write the phrase and its reference on the front.
- On the back, draw or write one action that matches the verse.
- Invite children to share how their action connects to the passage.
This helps children remember that Titus 2 joins true teaching with everyday living, and that grace brings salvation and instructs us toward good works.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer two or three pre-chosen phrases and let them respond with a drawing.
- For older children, ask them to explain how Titus 2:11–14 gives the reason for Titus 2:1–10.
An optional closing prayer
You may pray: ‘God, thank you for your grace. Help us learn what is true and live in ways that are good and faithful. Amen.’
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Titus 2
1 But say the things which fit sound doctrine,
2 that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance,
3 and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,
4 that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.
6 Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded.
7 In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
8 and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.
9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting,
10 not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
15 Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.