Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together

by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

OVER 100,000 COPIES SOLD! Winner of the 2018 Christian Book Award® (Bible Study Category) Known for her wisdom, warmth, and knowledge of Scripture, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth has encouraged millions through her books, radio programs, and conferences. Now she’s back with a legacy work on Titus 2 and its powerful vision for Woman to woman. Older to younger. Day to day. Life to life.
This is God’s beautiful plan. The Titus 2 model of older women living out the gospel alongside younger women is vital for us all to thrive. It is mutually strengthening, glorifies God, and makes His truth believable to our world. Imagine older women investing themselves in the lives of younger women, blessing whole families and churches. Imagine young wives, moms, and singles gaining wisdom and encouragement from women who’ve been there and have found God’s ways to be true and good. Imagine all women—from older women to young girls—living out His transforming gospel together, growing the entire body of Christ to be more beautiful. This is Christian community as God designed it. Read this book and take your relationships to new depths, that your life might find its fullest meaning as you adorn the gospel of Christ.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Faith, Theology

352 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2017

About the author

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth also known as Nancy Leigh DeMoss is the host and teacher for Revive Our Hearts and Seeking Him, two nationally-syndicated programs heard each weekday on over 1,000 radio stations. She is a mentor and spiritual mother to thousands of women and a leader of the True Woman movement.

Reviews

[Michelle Haggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, just wow. I haven’t learned so much from one book (besides the Bible) probably since college.

So, so rich. Tons of takeaways. Inspiring. Motivational as I now have a few new areas I can grow in, because one of my favorite feelings in the world is to have a clear picture of something I’d like to accomplish and to begin working in that direction. The process toward a goal is just as fun, if not more, than achieving the goal itself.

🔑 🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑

▪️God cares about children which is why he wants us to. ♥️
(I love this!!!! I love this about our God! It is why I fell so in love with the Lord because I remember being an unseen little broken hearted girl, and God found me, and God cared! God was there! And I can testify, that He loves children! ♥️♥️♥️)

▪️God’s heart is always beating in the rhythm of redemption.
(I also love this about our God!! He doesn’t just give up on people, He doesn’t just give up on His children- and neither should we! When I am tempted to spare myself the heartache and headache of some people, it is truths like this that encourage me to never give up, or stop praying for someone, or stop believing they can change!)

[Glenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read and discuss for our church’s first foray into Titus 2 mentoring groups. My only critique is that the chapters are a bit long and a few of our women who aren’t big readers struggled to get through the content each week. But the content itself is excellent and I recommend it!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed for older women, mentors, and disciplers but I still loved it and learned so much from Nancy! I will definitely go back and read it again!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent and convicting book about mentoring and being mentored as women and living out Titus 2. I love that it included so much about how to live out each aspect no matter what stage of life or marital status.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Titus 221st Century King James Version (KJ21)

2 But speak thou the things which befit sound doctrine:

2 that the older men be sober, serious, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience;

3 the older women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things,

4 that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Likewise exhort the young men to be soberminded,

7 in all things showing thyself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing uncorruptness, seriousness, sincerity,

8 sound speech which cannot be condemned, that he that is of a contrary mind may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not gainsaying,

10 not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world,

13 looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ,

15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

It's about adorning the doctrine of Christ by giving the world a picture of love that never fails.

I have followed Nancy Demoss teaching for awhile. For so long, she was a faithful woman in her singleness and has ministered to all women. She is now recently married and has a new perspective in her teaching. I think her teaching is more complete now that she has lived has a single woman in serving God and now as a married woman.

Each chapter of this book in expository style teaching is for women to adorn themselves with the gospel in all areas of life. The text comes in 3 parts.

A Woman Under God

A Woman Under Control

A Woman under Her Roof

Within these chapters, she shares our weaknesses and the strength of the Gospel that we can only grow closer to the Lord. How to live sacrificially when the world tells us to live for ourselves. Each chapter ends with questions that challenge you to live out the beauty of the gospel.

Highly Recommend.

A Special Thank You to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth is both convicting and encouraging at the same time. She unpacks each portion of Titus 2: 1-5, 10 in such a clear and approachable manner that you are drawn into the book instantly. With each portion of verses that she discussed, she walks you through them in their context of when Paul was writing to Titus and then she goes on to give a modern day application for both the “older woman” and “younger woman.” I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn a bit more on what is often called being a “Titus 2 woman.”

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

~This is an ARC from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.~

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so encouraging, challenging, thought provoking, and good. It’s not the kind of book you just read through. You need to take it in pieces. Chapter by chapter. Not only was I challenged and encouraged and motivated in my own life, but there were a few chapters about loving husbands and children that didn’t apply to me as much since I’m single without kids, but I found myself thinking of the characters in my stories and wondering if they portray these aspects in their lives.
Recommended.

[Erin Ching · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book about women's relationships in the church. The tone was conversational and it works great as an audiobook.

Covers topics like kindness, self control, marriage, parenting, but specifically in the context of how intergenerational relationships are helpful towards all these things. The biggest takeaways for me are 1) remembering to be intentional about friendships with women who aren't in exactly my same life stage, as that often comes easier, and 2) thinking about how in middle age, you are very much in a position to teach some things and learn others, and to be actively working towards both.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read on your own, but a great book to read with others! I read this with a group of ladies and it fostered such wonderful conversation. The material is great, my only complaint is that it is quite lengthy at over 300 pages. Other than that, I enjoyed it and recommend it!

[Mariana Jiménez · Rating 5 out of 5]

El libro es relevante para mujeres de todas las edades y etapas de la vida, ya sea que estén casadas, solteras, sean jóvenes o ancianas. Muy hermoso.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete and through Bible Book Study of Titus 2:3-5. Very well researched by the gifted author. Biblical based study that takes readers 14 weeks plus the epilogue at the finish. Each chapter reflecting a word or phrase from the verses . All about how older Christian women should come along side of a younger Christian women with encouragement and in teaching them sound doctrine, in kindness and with a sincere heart.
I have always wondered what these verses in the Bible written by Paul the apostle really meant. To come along side of a younger woman teaching her sound doctrine and to love her husband and children and to work in the home. I was never really sure how to go about it until this Book study we had at my church. I will admit to trying to come along the side of a young woman once but unfortunately I went about it the wrong way and she still isn't speaking to me.
When this book study became available this winter for the women of my church I signed up. I felt I was unqualified to be a mentor to a younger woman and that a woman would almost need to be a saint to do this. At times this study was hard and overwhelming. But I feel that if God led me to take part in this study that he will also grant me the wisdom and strength to mentor a younger woman. It's all about trusting Him in my life.
This book is for all Christian women both young and older, because no matter your age you are always older than someone else. I highly recommend it for individual or group study .
I read this book as part of a book Study at my church. A review was not requested. All opinions on how I felt about the book are my own honest thoughts.

[Lauren Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good and edifying read/listen. Wolgemuth brings much-needed exhortation to women--young and old, married or single--to step up and reach out to make the Titus 2 vision of life-on-life discipleship of Christian women a reality.

This is a pretty thorough treatment of Titus 2:3-5 and the broader context of Paul's letter to Titus, with an emphasis on adorning the gospel and with plenty of examples and support from other passages of scripture as well. It's written with a very accessible tone and a heart that clearly loves the Lord Jesus and God's people.

I thought the chapter on slander was particularly good.

I give this book 4 (really 3.5 rounded up) rather than 5 stars for a few reasons, however.

While the treatment is thorough, it is also pretty wordy. It could have been a shorter book.

The two chapters on sobriety and a sound mind/self-control overlapped a lot, and each felt like an opportunity to spring-board into a laundry list of any and all possible ways a woman might be enslaved to something or be lacking in self-control. One warning area was being overly desirous of sex--even in the proper context of marriage. While this might be a problem in some rare? cases, it seems strange to warn against this but not spend much energy in the rest of the book on promoting the enjoyment of this good gift of God as a part of a healthy marriage. Flirtatious behavior was also in the bad column but not mentioned as a healthy and fun part of marriage. Protecting the purity of your marriage involves fueling the home fires. This was almost entirely neglected.

I'm sure these kinds of practical lists (like the chart on self-control) can be helpful to some readers, but I think they may also be stretching far beyond what Paul had in mind in his letter, not to mention they may be unbalanced or biblically incomplete.

The application of a passage should not be confused for the original intent. I think the author could have clarified the meaning of Paul's words a bit more before diving into the many possible applications that are a step (or a few!) removed from Paul's obvious meaning.

For example: "not enslaved to much wine" is pretty self-explanatory, but Wolgemuth begins the chapter on this phrase by talking about all of the secondary applications (basically any form of excess or idolatry). She does get around to dealing with drunkenness/drinking, and she does a good job for the most part, but she doesn't really ever paint a picture of a godly woman who *can* enjoy a drink on occasion. The only stories we read of are negative experiences with alcohol or of someone who could righteously enjoy alcohol deciding to give it up for the sake of someone else (which is fine--wonderful even!, but still only shows one side of how godly people could handle it). There are also a ton of questions that lead the reader to question whether it is ever ok to drink. I'm actually not against these questions--they can be good to consider. But lacking a positive example, it feels unbalanced and would likely lead some readers to view those who do drink responsibly with suspicion. The weight of the chapter was just far beyond what Paul's words to Titus had to say. The author did recommend reading other authors who disagree with her on this point, so I really think she attempted to handle this subject carefully and with all good faith. I respect her convictions and intentions-- I'm not too far removed from them myself.

Again, on the whole, this is a very good book. It could be beneficial and edifying for individual study or in a discipleship relationship or small group. BUT when it comes to fleshing out the details, *young* married women (the target audience of Titus 2:4-5) will need older women who have been married for the long haul to speak more deeply into their lives about (among other things) the good gift of sex in marriage and how to enjoy one another and keep that gift alive--through pregnancies, illnesses, rough seasons, etc.

The strength of this book is that Wolgemuth can speak to a broad range of experience for women--including singles. The weakness is that she only has only been married for one year at the time of writing this book, at age 58. And Titus 2:4-5 is directly speaking to *young* *married* women. Broadening the focus for all kinds of women means watering down what can be given to that target audience. This doesn't make this a bad book, it just means it probably shouldn't be the only book a young woman reads on Titus 2. And it underscores the need for real-life mentorship, which Wolgemuth herself rightly emphasizes over and over.

One last note: since I listened to the audio book, I found the chapter organization to be a bit confusing. I expected the chapter topics to follow the order in which they occurred in Titus 2. But they don't. They are organized a little differently: A Woman Under God (doctrine and reverence), A Woman Under Control (slander, excess, self-control, purity), and A Woman Under Her Roof (home and family relationships). The rather primary encouragement to younger women to love their husbands and children gets put off until part three. Once I looked up the table of contents, I was fine. But for a while there, I was concerned. Hopefully this note helps anyone who plans to listen to the audiobook rather than read a physical copy.

[Erica Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

LADIES, READ THIS BOOK. Read it slowly. Read it prayerfully. Read it throughly. Refreshing, encouraging, and convicting all in one. Nancy does a beautiful job of exhorting women to live lives worthy of the gospel. It really is a “MUST READ.”

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is setup for a women's Bible study. I especially liked chapter 8 on having self-control and a sound mind. The chart was very helpful.
A book about Christian living.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorned: Living Out The Beauty of The Gospel by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth is one of the books on the short reading list for our WMS group. Although this author has written numerous books and received awards, I had not heard of her or her books. Others in our small group were well acquainted with Nancy DeMoss books. (She is a new bride with a longer name, and this is her first book after marriage.)
Using the book of Titus chapter 2 with special emphasis on verses three through five, the author explains its meaning and encourages us to let it define our lives and relationships. "The more we let it define our lives and relationships, the more lovely Christ will be to us, and the more clearly the beauty of His gospel will shine through us to others."

Titus 2:1-5,10:
"Teach what accords with sound doctrine.
Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine.
They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind,and submissive to their own husbands,that the word of God may not be reviled.
...so that and everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Titus 2:1-5, 10

"But when we exercise it in Jesus name, kindness can provide us with some of our best opportunities to do what we've been put on this earth to do – to bring glory to God and make known the life-giving, transforming gospel of Christ." -Wolgemuth

This insightful and inspiring book would be a good study book for a small group of women. For bonus content, including a small group guide and companion resources, visit www.ADORNEDBOOK.COM

4.5stars

[Valerie Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I couldn't stop listening! I listened to the audio book but quickly bought the hard copy to re-read. I really appreciate this author and all the books I've read from her. She never fails to deliver the truth (especially the hard to hear truths) in such a direct but gracious way. This book was perfect to read at the start of the year to give such encouragement to grow in Christ-likeness as a Titus 2 woman and to hopefully encourage other women to do the same! Such an applicable book for women of all ages in any season as we are called to learn/pass on Gospel truth from/to one another.

[Caroline Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book encouraging, convicting, practically helpful, and honestly slightly depressing lol. Nancy DeMoss Wolgemouth did a thorough job of unpacking what it does and doesn't look like to be a Titus 2 woman, and she did it in a way that builds up the reader rather than being judgmental, while also being clear to call out sin for what it is. I would definitely recommend this for all Christian women.

[Bethany Doom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for book club, and really enjoyed the community aspect of it! Would recommend getting a diverse group of women to discuss it.

I felt a little like this book was more directed at married women (would’ve loved some application for the unmarried women out here), but there were some really good truths in the book to be learned or affirmed in!

[Katharina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect read for our ladies book study group. Nancy gives a beautiful picture of how we as women can practically adorn the gospel of Christ - together. The chapter on having a sophron mind is pure gold.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciate the encouragement to be purposeful about multi-generational relationships in the church and for women to seek ways to build up and come alongside one another.

[Alexa Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Particularly the chapters on sobriety of mind and on marriage were most impactful.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a book that I plan on coming back to. This book is packed with so much truth for everyday living!

[Victoria W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lately, I've become more aware of the importance of other women in my life. Regardless of age, we all have things to teach, encourage, and support one another in, their can be a strength and beauty in these female friendships and mentorships. As a result, I was intrigued to read Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. Unfortunately, sometimes, no matter how excited you are about a book, the actual text falls short of expectations.

In the book, Wolgemuth takes readers step by step through Titus 2 as it applies to women. A beautiful passage filled with instruction on women, both older and younger, and how they should and can interact. While there were parts (mainly surrounding her direct look at the passage) where I found helpful nuggets. Theological and culturally differences made this book a difficult and unhappy read.

First, theological. If I had to guess, most of this book led me to assume that Wolgemuth is a conservative, traditionalist, not a strain of theology I've found very welcoming with my background. Wolgemuth's views on women in the home, a women's role in the family all seemed to stem out of an idealized view of this that seemed discouraging and, at times, unrealistic.

I also had cultural reservations. While there was a chapter on the foundational nature of a sound mind there was no inclusion for the presence of mental illness which has risen noticeably both inside and out of the church in recent years. While there was a chapter on the danger of slander, a few chapters later the author tells a story regarding a child on a tablet that reads as disparaging towards the mother. There seems to be an idealized notion of mothering in the home with no regard for how many mothers work tirelessly to keep food on the table and heat in the house outside of the home. Everything just read as too neat and people as too easily classified and categorized when the truth is the human race is far more messy and diverse than the narrow audience who would identify with this book.

2.5 out of 5 stars


I received this book from Moody publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just full of wisdom and a beautiful vision for all generations of women in the church.

[Sequoyah Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! So much good stuff broken down into challenging but encouraging bits.

I loved pausing this audiobook to pray over how the Lord would have me to apply parts to my life right now.

Sound and insightful!

[Gabrielle Houweling · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 13, 2022- Encouraging read for all women in the church! What a blessing intergenerational friendships can be

April 2025- Read with our book club- I still love love this book. It made for great discussions and I liked how each week was a different topic.
Highly recommend this book, either as a book club or on your own!

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started the book. Hated it. Then had a change of heart. And voila! I think the author needs to examine her tendencies toward legalism. It often seemed like the gospel or Christology even was an afterthought.

[Susan Feaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Adorned. Living Out the Beauty of The Gospel by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, and I can't say enough good things about it. Wolgemuth is a well-known author and Bible teacher, and reading this book is just like sitting and listening to her teach.

This is a long book when compared to many other books in this genre - 14 chapter plus an epilogue - and is a book that should be read slowly and deliberately. Adorned takes several verses from the New Testament book of Titus (Titus 2:1-5, 10) and bases each chapter on a specific phrase from these verses, all pointing us toward "adorning the doctrine of God our Savior."

This is a book written to women about how to be Godly women. Wolgemuth says that "we need to understand how to adorn the teaching of the gospel of Christ with the way we live - and help others to do the same." With that goal in mind, this is an excellent book for personal study or for Bible study groups.

Adorned is a much-needed book in our culture. The focus in this book is on sound doctrine, without which we can be easily led astray and become susceptible to false teachings. Wogemuth reminds us that we must learn how to discern truth from error, which comes from knowing sound doctrine, without which we cannot live in a way that honors God.

I found this book to be convicting and encouraging and refreshing. I urge you to get a copy and read it for yourself.

[Jane Cantwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content was a great reminder of the importance of discipleship for women, what that should look like, and provided a thorough deep-dive into Titus 2:1-5. My high expectations for this book led to some disappointment though, particularly in Part One. This read was a commitment- the early chapters felt repetitive and therefore excessively long. Additionally, while the message of the Titus 2 scripture- women intentionally discipling one another- is something that is lacking in many churches and needs the attention it was given in this book, Wolgemuth leaned toward legalism in her explanation of the passage. Titus 2 does use the phrases “older women” and “younger women,” but age was given such an emphasis here when the passage also says the former are to “teach what is good, and so train…” Not all women come to faith at a young age. The book would have benefited with a strong emphasis on simply teaching/training Christ-like virtues and practices to those new-to-faith.
The rest of the book, however, was written in an organized fashion and was very convicting!