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Titus 2:2
2 That the aged men [presbutes] be [einai] sober [nephaleos], grave [semnos], temperate [sophron], sound [hugiaino] in faith [pistis], in charity [agape], in patience [hupomone]. KJV-Interlinear
2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. NASB
Paul expresses the three main characteristics of the spiritually mature believer. Faith, hope and love, which represent the persons (any persons) attitude toward God, Christ, doctrine and their spiritual life.
Faith is our belief in that which we can not see. Hope is our confidence in that which is promised. Love is the content of the scriptures, the foundation upon which faith and hope are constructed. We studied this in 1, 2, and 3rd Jn.
In addressing older men, Paul is describing mature men, not simply men that have reach an older age. Being old does not equate with wisdom. Although more often than not, a person has to live a good long time before they even begin to learn what life is all about. And all too often people live long lives but learn nothing.
Sober describes prudence, vigilance, alertness, caution, carefulness.
Grave describes honesty, honorable intentions and practices in life.
Temperate describes poise, self control, self confidence, mild, pleasant, emotionally stable.
Sound in faith describes a solid foundation of doctrine within ones soul, healthy, uncorrupted.
Charity describes benevolence, kindness, compassion, empathy.
Patience describes tolerance, enduring, perseverance, lack of complaint, contentment.
All of these do not produce the spiritual life, but all of these come out of an established spiritual life.
The person must develop his or her, spiritual life first, before these characteristics become apparent and functional.
Without doctrine anyone can evolve into a pleasing personality, but without doctrine, no one can maintain it.
1 Tim. 6:11
11 But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. NASB
