2:7 - Verse 6 finishes off the instructions to others and now there is a shift in focus to Titus himself.  Paul instructs him to carefully watch his own behavior and teaching so he can be an exemplary model for all the groups to follow an so no one will have a legitimate complaint or accusation against him.  Titus teachings must be preceded by his life example in order to establish credibility.  He must show by his conduct that he is uninfected by the false teachings (ch. 1).  Look at 1 Tim. 4:12 (HPYC) as how this approach should effect out lives as well.  We are to be examples of a life changed by Christ – “a pattern of good works” or “by doing what is good.”  Read: Phil. 3:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-3 (about elders) and 1 Thess. 1:1-10. Paul even documents his own life as an example for others to follow: 2 Thess. 3:1-15.

Also, Titus teaching was to be from a background of uncorrupted learning, which is only possible when it is the Word of God being taught.  1 Pet. 1:23 and 2 Tim. 1:10.  The Word of God speaks for Itself and can be used alone to teach the deep truths of God to men – see 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

2:8 – In order to have “soundness of speech” we would have to start with sound doctrine (God’s Word).  Whatever we say should always line up with the principles and intent of the Bible.  This goes for our personal conversations as well as teachings.  If we are lined up with the Truth, then any accusations against us will be false; there will be no reason to accuse.   The phrase: “those who oppose you” is left intentionally vague here to include any types of critics that may come against him (and us).   That they “may be ashamed” – they should look foolish to have accused because there is no basis to their claim.  They have no case!  This does not mean that people will not “badmouth” us; it just means there will be no legitimacy to their claim and no substance to their stories.  We need to, and should be able to, rest in the fact that all accusations against us are false and deserve no retaliation or concern on our part.  Their maligning will be turned back on themselves.  So the admonition to us is:  “Don’t allow lapses in your personal behavior or in your teaching provide ammunition to your detractors.”  Read: 1 Pet. 2:11-16

2:9 – Slaves (now back on instructions to a group) are a general social group that spans ages and sex.  Slaves made up a large portion of the population and were a significant group within the church.  No distinction is made between slaves with Christian masters and those without.  The same instruction is given to all slaves.  Paul instructs that slaves must voluntarily subject themselves to their masters.  They must please their masters in everything by obedience although they are still responsible to God overall.  They are also to do all things as unto the Lord and be content (Phil. 4:11).  Believers, slave or free, can have inner happiness and other blessings as they follow the Christian Way of Living.  All believers are subject to orders from above, and in full-time service to the Lord.  God’s principles and commands transcend vocation and deal with all mankind equally.  This is why His principles never fail and are faithful and true for all people.  Look at Eph. 6:5,6; 1 Tim. 6:1,2; Ps. 75:5-7 ~ It is God who is ultimately in control overall.  (Rom. 12:1-3; Rom. 14:16-18)  They should not be talking back to their masters or disputing their commands.

2:10 – Slaves of this efra were notorious for doing whatever necessary to stay ahead – secretly stealing from their masters for their own gain.  But – contrary to answering back and stealing, they should show themselves able to be trusted.  They needed to show their Christianity by roving themselves dependable in everything and beneficial to their masters.  Dishonesty was a way of life for the Cretans.  Honesty and good character are two of the most important aspects of the Christian’s testimony.  Whenever, discipline or personal integrity is even slightly relaxed, honesty and productivity tend to slip a lot.  Even from the beginning of the Law, God commanded honesty and integrity (Lev. 19:35,36; Deut. 25:13-16) and it carries into the New Testament  (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:20-24; Eph. 4:28 ~ repentance).  They need to keep the gospel attractive by their example.  The Lord intends for us to be a testimony to His grace, both now and in eternity, that we may honor the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.