Self-control. Titus 2.

Was there any choice on what to blog about for this chapter?

At then end of the first chapter of Titus (keeping in mind that this was just the previous sentence of Paul's letter), Paul wrote, "They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed." (Titus 1:16 NET) Paul continues that thought by saying to Titus in v.2:1, "But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching."

As Paul gave Titus the instruction to complete the task of putting things in order in the church in Crete (v.1:5), a part of that task was to stand firm against the false teachers (v.1:11). And that meant providing teaching that led to proper behavior and good works. Paul gives Titus specific instructions for older men, older women, younger women and men, and bondservants (slaves). And one of the chief characteristics to be taught is that of self-control -- given to older men, younger men, and through the older women to the young women. It's not too much to assume Paul meant it for everyone.

There are several Greek words that are translated as self-control. The two words we're concerned with are: egkrateia and sophron. Both these words occur in Titus 1:8, but only the latter, sophron, is used in Titus 2. The NIV translators chose to translate sophron as self-controlled, so in Titus 1:8 they translate egkrateia as "disciplined". Unfortunately, this is not the same translation they used in Galatians 5:23, where self-control (egkrateia) is listed as a fruit of the spirit. The NET Bible is more consistent, but using the English word "sensible" instead of self-control for the Greek word, sophron throughout the letter to Titus. This leaves the translators free to use "self-control" for egkrateia in Titus 1:8. Here's a chart to sort it all out.

Greek Word	sophron	egkrates/egkrateia
Definition	- sensible, self-controlled; chaste, modest (of women). - pertaining to being sensible and moderate in one's behavior.	- to exercise complete control over one's desires and actions. - self-controlled; pertaining to exercising self-control.
NET Bible	sensible	self-controlled
NIV Gal. 5:23		self-controlled
NIV Titus 1:8	self-controlled	disciplined
NIV Titus 2	self-controlled

Now why all this potential confusion? In part it has to do with closeness of the meanings between the words self-control and sensible. Louw and Nida, whose lexicon contains the longish definitions you've read as the last definitions for each "Word of the Day" on the blog, divide the Koine Greek language into "semantic domains." These domains are a way of classifying various words in a language into a meaningful hierarchy. The concept comes from an understanding about the way we tend to think in and learn a language by those who study semantics. Thus, there are domains for plants, and one for animals that we pretty quickly learn to differentiate between. (And so, Gallagher can make jokes about a sledge hammer as a kitchen device, the "Sledge-o-Matic.")

Louw and Nida classify sensible and self-control as adjacent domains, signifying the very close relationship between the words. Take a look at the chart above for the definitions. The difference between the Greek words is subtle, but may be worth singling out. In the case of egkrateia (Titus 1:8 and Galatians 5:23), there is the idea disciplining oneself (exerting power), like a runner training for a marathon getting up every morning to run. In the Titus 2 passage, the idea to be taught is that of sensible living, modesty in behavior, and the thoughtful awareness that leads to living that way.

Both ideas are implicit in who we are to be and how we are to act as Christians. For this day, then, where are the places where my living is less than sensible and lacking self-control? God help me in those areas, that my life might be a better reflection of who You are.