The New Testament provides specific instructions for various groups within the Christian community, reflecting the early church's structure and the diverse roles of its members. These instructions are primarily found in the Pauline Epistles and the Pastoral Epistles, offering guidance on how believers should conduct themselves in accordance with their faith.

Instructions for Older Men

Older men in the church are called to exhibit qualities that reflect spiritual maturity and wisdom. Titus 2:2 instructs, "Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance." These attributes are essential for setting a godly example for younger generations and maintaining the integrity of the church community.

Instructions for Older Women

Older women are similarly given specific guidance. Titus 2:3-5 states, "Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited." This passage emphasizes the role of older women as mentors and role models, fostering a nurturing and respectful environment within the family and church.

Instructions for Younger Women

Younger women are encouraged to focus on their roles within the family and community, as outlined in Titus 2:4-5. They are to love their families, exercise self-control, and manage their households effectively. These instructions highlight the importance of family unity and the influence of a godly home on the broader church community.

Instructions for Younger Men

Titus 2:6 provides concise guidance for younger men: "In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled." This call to self-control is foundational for personal growth and spiritual development, enabling younger men to resist temptations and live lives that honor God.

Instructions for Slaves

In the context of the early church, slaves were also given specific instructions. Titus 2:9-10 advises, "Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, and not stealing, but showing all good faith, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." These instructions emphasize the importance of integrity and respect in all relationships, even within the societal structures of the time.

Instructions for Church Leaders

Church leaders, including overseers and deacons, are given detailed qualifications and responsibilities. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 outlines the qualifications for overseers, emphasizing qualities such as being "above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach," among others. Similarly, deacons are instructed to be "worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain" (1 Timothy 3:8). These standards ensure that church leaders are equipped to shepherd the congregation faithfully and effectively.

Instructions for All Believers

Beyond specific groups, the New Testament provides general instructions for all believers. Colossians 3:12-14 encourages Christians to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." These virtues are central to the Christian life, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ.

These instructions for various groups within the church underscore the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ, promoting harmony, respect, and love among all members of the Christian community.