Bible Commentaries
Titus

INTRODUCTION TO PAUL’S EPISTLE TO TITUS.

TITUS.

Titus is not mentioned by name in Acts of Apostles, but is frequently referred to in Paul’s Epistles. He was born of Gentile parents (Galatians 2:3), and was one of the company from Antioch (Acts 15:2) who accompanied Paul and Barnabas when they went to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about the question as to whether the Gentiles would be re­ceived into the church except they were circumcised after the custom of Moses (Acts 15:1). He was possibly a native of Antioch, and since Paul calls him “my true child after a common faith” (Titus 1:4), he may have led him to obey the gospel by his preaching to him. He was a much younger man than Paul. When at Jerusalem his presence gave offense to the Judaizers, but the church refused to compel him to be circumcised, thus standing with Paul in his advocacy of receiving the Gentiles into the church without compelling them to be circumcised and obeying the law of Moses. (Galatians 2:3-5.)

After this Titus remained Paul’s companion, being perhaps with him when he wrote the Galatian Epistle (Galatians 2:3; Galatians 1:2), and not mentioned again until the time of the incidents which caused the writing of the two Epistles to the Corinthians. At this time he paid three visits to Corinth and was one of the most active in spreading the gospel among the people that had hitherto sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. He was with Paul at Ephesus, thence sent on a special mission to Corinth, probably the bearer of the first Epistle to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:18); with Paul in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 7:6-15) and perhaps with him at Corinth. He had the superin­tendence of the work in Crete and was with Paul in Rome, thence sent by him to Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10.) His missions of investigation and love, his arrangement for the famous collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem were apparently undertaken spontaneously. (2 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 8:16-17.)

The appointment of Titus to the chief superintendence of the churches of Crete was one of singular fitness. There was a strong blending of races and religions in the island. There were many Jews, but the Gentile population outnumbered them. The congregations seem to have been numerous and full of life, but disorganized and troubled with disorders, mis­rule, and even dishonored with many excesses, utterly at variance with the doctrine of Christ. No one was so fitted to restore order and enforce a stern rule as Titus, who had already performed so great a work among the turbulent and licentious Christians at Corinth and had persuaded by his marvelous skill so many Gentile congregations to unite in helping with a generous liberality the pressing needs of their proud and haughty Jewish brethren who disdained them. (Titus 1:4.)

DESIGN OF THE EPISTLE.

The task which Paul committed to Titus when he left him in Crete was one of much difficulty. The character of the people was unsteady, insincere, and quarrelsome; they were given to greediness, licentiousness, falsehood, and drunkenness in no ordinary degree; and the Jews who had settled among them appear to have even gone beyond the natives in im­morality. Among such a people it was no easy work which Titus had to sustain when commissioned to carry forward that which Paul had begun, and to set in order the affairs of the churches which had arisen there, especially as heretical teachers had crept in among them. Hence, Paul addressed to him this Epistle, the main design of which was to direct how to discharge with success the duties to which he had been appointed. For this reason he speaks at some length on the qualification of elders and members and their functions with such local allusions as rendered these directions especially pertinent. Titus is enjoined to appoint suitable elders in every city, sound in doctrine and able to convict the gainsayers.

Paul then passes to a description of the coarse character of the Cretans as testified by their own writers and the mis­chief caused by the Judaizing among the Christians of the island. In opposition to this, Titus is to urge sound and prac­tical Christianity on all classes—on the elderly men, on the older women, and especially in regard to their influence over the younger women, on slaves, taking heed meanwhile that he himself is a pattern of good works. The grounds of all this are given in the free grace which trains the Christian to self-denying and active piety, in the glorified hope of Christ’s second coming, and in the atonement by which he has pur­chased us to be his people. AH these lessons Titus is to urge with fearless decision.

PLACE AND TIME OF WRITING.

The Epistle to Titus was evidently written very soon after Paul left Crete, and will most likely be dated from Asia Minor. Its own notices agree with this, for we find that he was on his way to winter at Nicopolis (Titus 3:12), by which it is most natural to understand the well-known city of that name in Epirus, and the notices of Second Timothy equally agree with such an hypothesis; for there we find that Paul had, since he last communicated with Timothy, been at Miletus and at Troas, probably also at Corinth (2 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:20). That he again visited Ephesus is on every account likely; indeed the natural inference from 2 Timothy 1:18 that he spent some time in the companionship of Timothy, to whom he appeals to confirm what he there says of Onesiphorus.

The date of the Epistle cannot be determined with certainty, but it is usually believed, in the light of all the facts, that it was written in A.D. 67.

The Need For Proper Leadership

Titus 1:1-16

Paul writes to Titus who has been left on the island of Crete. Verse 4 expresses the close relationship between Paul and Titus. “To Titus, my true child in a common faith.” This points to Titus being a younger man such that their relationship could be characterized as a father to his child. But Paul had sent Titus into a spiritual mess with the instructions to get things fixed and cleaned up. Paul had given Titus two important charges to keep when he left him there on the island of Crete: 1) put things in order 2) appoint elders in every city.

What was the situation in Crete? Why did things have to be “put in order?” Reading Titus 1:10-16 reveals the situation that Titus was left with to address.

10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. (Titus 1:10-13; ESV)

Titus is immersed in a world of evil. It is pretty bad when one of their own inhabitants makes a commentary on that society that they are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons. Then Paul comes along and says that the fellow who said that is right. “Titus, you have a mess on your hands.” These are the kinds of people you are dealing with as you set things in order in every city. Crete was proverbial in the ancient world for its moral decadence. The ancient historian Polybius wrote that it was “almost impossible to find…personal conduct more treacherous or public policy more unjust than in Crete.” Cicero also stated, “Moral principles are so divergent that the Cretans…consider highway robbery honorable.”

As I read this background for Crete, I thought about how difficult it would be for Titus to work on this island. Why not simply write off the island as too immoral and go on to other places? But then I wondered if Paul would be able to say same thing about our area. We live in a world where lying is completely acceptable. There is no integrity with anyone’s word. We certainly see people living like animals. In fact, we place the value of animals above humans. We make arguments that if the animals act in a particular way, we should act similarly. Finally, the charge of being lazy gluttons. We live in a society that is only moved to act if it benefits them financially. We are lazy unless given a good reason to act. Otherwise we want to do nothing. We are certainly an overindulgent society. We live for excess.

Paul is going to instruct Titus in this letter about what should be done while living in this society. I want us to see that this letter is very appropriate for us to pay attention to and apply because there are certainly similarities to the cultural conditions. How was Titus to turn this situation of evil around? How were the holy people of God to act when the society around them could be termed as “always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons?” The next few lessons will reveal what we are supposed to do. But the first chapter of Titus centers upon one important step.

Appoint Overseers

Overseers were to be appointed. Overseers are also called elders (1:5), pastors (Ephesians 4:11), and shepherds (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28). Paul gives the qualifications required for a person to be worthy to be counted an overseer of a local church. In the context we can see the value of overseers. These were people of high moral character and integrity to fight against the immorality of Crete.

• ·    Above reproach. The overall characteristic is a person who is above reproach. We are looking for a person who does not have glaring sin that a charge could be laid against. We never want to suggest the idea of perfection. Every person has sin. But the life led reflects the glory of God and a life of practicing godliness.

• ·    Husband of one wife. A man who is faithful to his wife. He is above reproach in terms of adultery. He is not sexually immoral. I do not believe this is saying that a person is only married once because that does reveal much about the character of the man. God has given people the right to remarry if a spouse cheats. Why would this disqualify the innocent person? However, faithfulness to your wife does reflect moral character that would be needed in Crete. Thus, he would show himself to be a “one woman man.”

• ·    Having faithful children. Some translations read “children who believe.” Unfortunately, some newer translations are rendering this as “children are believers.” This is too interpretative and does not reflect the Greek. The text must be left vague so that we can determine for ourselves what these children are to be faithful to. There are two options: faithful to God and faithful to the father. The context reveals that Paul means that the children are faithful to father because of the following words: “not open to the charge of wildness or rebellion.” The second reason we should see this qualification as faithfulness to the father is because the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3 says nothing about children being faithful to God or being believers. Paul simply tells Timothy that the children are “under control.” If Paul gave one set of qualifications for children to be believers and gave another set of qualifications not mentioning this, then God is the author of confusion, giving different qualifications for elders. These texts must harmonize. Children who honor and respect the father reflects proper discipline, training, and leadership in the home.

• ·    Not arrogant. A reflection of humility and does not think highly of himself.

• ·    Not quick tempered. He reflect patience.

• ·    Not controlled by alcohol. He has not given himself to the influences of alcohol.

• ·    Not violent. Is not a striker and is not combative.

• ·    Not greedy. He does not show a greedy heart and is not focused upon the wealth of the world.

• ·    Loves strangers. This is the idea of hospitable. Cares about visitors that comes into our midst and cares about those that are not his friends.

• ·    Loves good. His life reflects goodness and righteousness.

• ·    Self-controlled. Remains even-keeled at all times. In control of mind and emotions. Sound in mind.

• ·    Upright and Holy. Conforms his conduct to God’s standards.

• ·    Disciplined. Strength and control over self

• ·    Able to teach. He must know the word of God and be able to use it.

Titus 1:9 begins the transition to show us why overseers with this characteristics are so important. The society is filled with people who are rebellious, are empty talkers, and deceivers. Titus 1:10 has the connector: “For.” We need overseers because there are many who are rebellious. Notice verse 11: they are to silenced. Overseers are to be able to use the word of God to be able to deal with these rebellious people, overthrowing their empty arguments and useless talk.

Titus 1:13 continues to speak to the overseers about their function. The elders were to rebuke these people so that they may be sound in the faith. Now we fully understand what is happening. We are not only dealing with a society full of liars and rebels, but we are also seeing that Christians were acting this way. These Christians needed to be convicted over their error so that they would hold on to sound teaching. These Christians of Crete were devoting themselves to Jewish myths, following the lies of the circumcision party, and turning away from the truth. The elders were given a very important charge to save these people, by correcting them. Therefore, these characteristics of godliness were so important if they were going to snatch these souls from the fire.

Titus 1:15-16 describes what a mess things had become. Their minds and their consciences had been defiled. Carefully mull over verse 16: They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. There was a real problem. There were people claiming to know God, but their actions did not reveal that knew God. Instead, they were detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work. Let’s get our eyes open. People are going to claim to be disciples of Jesus but their actions will not match their words.

Now, I think this is the point: Here are Christians living in Crete. They are bringing people to Jesus. They have a lot to overcome as they leave their habits of sin that they were used to. When we are reaching the lost we need to have a stable, godly leadership. We need to have men that can be looked upon as examples of godliness. We need to men who know the word of God and know how to use the word of God to be able to confront and expose those who claim to be disciples but are not acting like it. The conduct of the elders allows them to be above reproach as they deal with the lost, the weak, and the deceivers. Further, the elders were to work to keep from those who were false from causing others from falling away. We see this in verse 11. These people had to be silenced because whole families were being carried away by those teachings.

Conclusion:

1. The church needs appointed leaders beyond the evangelist.

2. We need men to grow and be these things because we live in Crete.

Healthy Living From Sound Doctrine

Titus 2:1-10

In our last lesson we saw that Titus was left by Paul on the island of Crete to set things in order among the Christians. The first instruction given to Titus is to appoint elders in every town. Because of the evil society in Crete it was imperative for these overseers to be of high moral character. They need to be above reproach and show integrity to be able to fight against those who teach error, rescue those who were being swept away by the deceivers, and be an example to the flock. Titus commanded to get things in order by getting the Christians to act like holy people and not like Cretans. Paul commands Titus to teach the people things “consistent with sound doctrine.” Rather than acting like Cretans, the following instructions revealed what the holy people of God were to look like.

Older Men (Titus 2:2)

Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.

First, here is what the older men are to be and what the younger men must be working toward since they are commanded to be this when they are older. Older men are to be clear-headed. They are in control of their minds. The NAS uses the word “temperate” carry the idea of being in control of one’s emotions. The word also includes that they will not be controlled by alcohol, in similar way that the elders were to exhibit sober-mindedness. They are to be worthy of respect. They are not going to do things that would cause them or the name of Christ to be disrespected. It is unfortunate how often I have seen older Christians not act in ways that are worthy of respect. He is also to be self-controlled. This refers to making prudent decisions, not being given to passions or opinions. They will be mature in judgment and proper restraint. There are three things that are listed that they are to be “sound” in. The word “sound” carries the idea of being healthy. They are to healthy in faith, in love and in steadfastness. Their lives reveal a healthy, sound faith. I think the idea is that what they believe is sound and healthy. They show a healthy, sound love for God’s people and for the lost. Finally, they show a healthy stand for the truth, the faith. They are steadfast in God’s word, immoveable in the truth.

Older Women (Titus 2:3-5)

3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

The requirements of the older women are somewhat similar, hence the word “likewise.” Along the same lines, Paul is directing Titus to urge the older women to act like the holy people of God. Younger women need to understand that these are characteristics that they are working toward so that they will be these things when they are older. The women are to live in a way that is appropriate for a holy women professing godliness (reverent in behavior). She will make life decisions that reflect godliness. They are not to speak badly of others. Holy women control their tongues. Holy women of God are also not under the control of alcohol. Further, older women are to be teachers. They are teach what is good through their words and through their actions. Particularly, they are be training the younger women. Before we get into what they are training, I want to point out that this is God’s instruction. The church is not going to make you do this, but older ladies, you have the responsibility to teach the younger women. We need to see more of that happening here. You are to teach and train the younger women. If that is through having a ladies class, getting together, or whatever, it must happen. It is commanded.

The older women should be exemplifying what they are teaching the younger women and the younger women are to do these things: First, love their husbands and their children. Some things never change and it seems that this was also a problem in Crete as much as it is today. We live in a world that denigrates men and despises women who love their husbands and children. The single mother and the divorcee is the glorified woman. Paul says, “Listen, a godly woman acts with love toward her husband and her children.” She is going to yield to them and show her love by putting them first. This is commanded of women. It is not optional or conditional.

Further, women (older women teaching the younger women) are to be self-controlled. Just as the older men are commanded to act sensibly, the women are also commanded to act likewise. Their conduct is also to be pure. They are to portray the holiness of God. Further, Paul commands that they are working at home. Here is another facet that has been lost in our society. Women are commanded to be the caretakers of the home. I do not believe Paul is saying that women cannot work outside the home. But Paul is saying that the home is your charge. Regardless of if you are working out of the home or not, you are to be the one who cares for the home, cares for the husband, and cares for the children. Staying at home is not working at home. I know women who stay home but do not take care of the home. The home is a constant mess, the family is not taken care of, either for laziness or because they are doing others. Women, you are to work the home. Older women need to teach the younger women to work the home. Mothers, teach your daughters how to work the home, because this has tragically been lost. This work is not menial, but indispensable to the proper working of the home. I believe my wife makes as much or more money for us because of the way she runs the home. Her efficient use of money is running the home is so important and no man should ever look down on a woman is doing such a task. But women, it is up to you to show that value and do that work by not wasting time in frivolous things. Work the home for the sake of the family.

The older women are to teach the younger women to be kind. I am sure that this includes kindness in general. But it is interesting that the word “kind” is sandwiched between being a worker of the home and being submissive to their husbands. I believe Paul is describing kindness in the way she runs and cares for the home. Do not be angry because of your task and take it out on the family. Further, they are to yield to their own husbands. We spent time on this point a few weeks ago, but remember that this is nothing to be upset about. This is not forced subjection. She is choosing to yield to the best interests of her husband. Older women are to teach the younger women to yield to their own husbands. All these things are to be done so that the word of God is not discredited or slandered.

Younger Men (Titus 2:6-8)

6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Paul now turns his attention to the younger men. It is funny to read some commentators who think that the younger women were skipped. But they were addressed indirectly since we were told what the older women were to teach the younger women. Therefore, those things were the responsibilities of the younger women. The younger men are also to be self-controlled. This has been a consistent instruction to all ages and all genders. The holy people of God must exhibit self-control. In every aspect young men are to be models of good works. Notice the subtle shift to “show yourself” from “younger men.” Due to the context and Paul continuing to stay with categories (slaves, vs 9), Paul is lumping Titus in with the younger men. These responsibilities are for young men and for Titus because he is a young man. Further, Titus’ teaching must show integrity and respect. Further, he must be sound speech that cannot be condemned. Put the opponent to shame, not shaming ourselves or shaming God.

Slaves (Titus 2:9-10)

9 Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

Finally, we are to yield to our masters in everything. Be pleasing, not argumentative and not stealing. Verse 10 is a great summary point to control our lives while we are working in this world. Everything we do should make the teaching of God attractive. What are we doing to make the word of God attractive?

Applications:

1. All of us are to act like the holy people of God. God has expectations from us, young or old, man or women.

2. Teach through words and teach through your example.

3. Make the teaching of God attractive.

Saving Grace

Titus 2:11-15

In the previous ten verses, Paul has commanded Titus to teach the things consistent with sound, healthy doctrine. This doctrine consisted of the older men being self-controlled and sound in the faith. Older women were to reflect godliness, controlling the tongue, and teaching the younger women to love their husbands, work at home, and yield to their husbands. Young men were to be models of good works and being sound in their speech. Titus 2:11-15 explains why these are the things we must do and teach.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, (Titus 2:11 : ESV)

This is an interesting way to speak of something that cannot be seen. You cannot see the grace of God. You cannot see grace, period. It is a concept. But the apostle Paul says that the grace of God has appeared, describing the grace of God as a person. The person is bringing salvation for all people. God’s grace has appeared in the form of Jesus. Jesus came into the world bringing the grace of God. The sentence gives us a picture of arrival. The grace of God has arrived. Jesus came and he brought salvation.

Essentially, don’t forget who you are and where you are. We are lost! We have sinned. We have broken God’s laws. We are deserving of judgment and wrath because we have broken the law. A penalty of death is due to each one of us. But rather than the arrival of God’s wrath, we see the arrival of God’s grace. We deserve death, but God’s grace appears in the person of Jesus, who came bringing salvation to all.

Can we emphasize the all? Every person has the opportunity for salvation. Jesus brought salvation to every person. There is no one excluded. It does not matter what you have done in life. It does not matter what mistakes you have made in your past or what sins you have committed. Salvation has been brought to all people. The grace of God is for everyone. The atonement of Jesus is not limited, but offered to all.

training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (Titus 2:12; ESV)

The grace of God is teaching us and training us how to live our lives. The grace of God is training and conditioning us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. When we see the grace of God as seen through the appearing of Jesus and the salvation offered, how can we not say no to ungodliness? How can we not say no to worldly passions? The grace of God should compel us to become the attributes we read about in Titus 2:1-10. It is far past time for us to say no to ungodliness! Are we saying no to ungodliness? Are we saying no to our worldly lusts? We sin when we forget what God has done for us. We sin when we do not keep our minds on Jesus. Anything that is not like God we must say no. We will not think about it and we will not engage in it.

I really like this idea of God’s grace training us and instructing us. The grace of God, if we truly appreciate, will be a tool to change our lives. What has the grace of God taught you? It should be training us to control ourselves. When I look at the grace of God as revealed through Jesus, I learn to put my body under control. I see God acting with patience toward us and so I must be patient and self-controlled. When I look at Jesus I see that he kept his emotions in check. He had the power to destroy. He had the right to act in anger. But his grace towards us trains us to control our emotions. We learn that though we may have the right to lash out against others, we will maintain control over our tongues and temper.

The grace of God teaches us to live upright. We see Jesus treating others the way they should be treated. We see Jesus doing good toward others and exhibiting compassion. Instead of being compassionate, giving, fair, and just we will act selfishly and uncaring. We will not think about the well being of others, but will act in our own interests. The grace of God shows us that this is not right and we must be upright in our dealings with others. We must be fair. We must be kind. We must be caring. We must be compassionate. We must be thoughtful.

Not only these, but the grace of God also teaches us to be godly. The picture here is very simply. We need to look like God. We have not seen God, but we have seen Jesus. We need to live as God would live on this earth.

waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:13; ESV)

As we live in godliness, uprightness, and self-control, we are waiting something special. We are await a second appearing- the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. We make these life changes because we have been given a hope. We give our lives to Jesus for the hope that has been made clear to us: Christ is coming back. In all of his glory and splendor, Christ is coming back. What was seen of the glory of his first arrival will be nothing to what will be seen of his glory when he comes again.

This hope is something valuable. We use hope today in a different way than it is intended in the scriptures. When we “hope” in our language today, what we usually mean is that we wish for something. I hope to be able to go to Disney. I hope that he will make it back in time from the story. I hope we are not late. Our hope casts uncertainty. We are not sure if we will be on time, so we hope we are not late. We are not sure that we are going to Disney, so we hope that we can go. But that is not how the biblical writers use the word translated hope. Hope in the scriptures speaks of an earnest expectation. It is not a wish and there is no degree of uncertainty. Hope is something you know with certainty will happen and you are just waiting for it to occur. This is the idea. There is no doubt or any degree of uncertainty that Jesus will return, appearing with great glory. That is our happy hope. We just have to wait for it.

We are told when this great return comes, the dead in Christ will rise and those who are alive on the earth will be caught up to meet Christ in the air. And so we will be united to Christ and we will see the glory of Christ in his triumphal return. We are not going to miss it. Those who have died in the Lord will not miss seeing this glorious return. Further, we will be reunited with those who have died in the Lord before. Paul told the Thessalonians that we will not only meet the Lord in the air but that we will be together with the Lord. A union with Christ and a reunion with those who have already given their lives to Jesus. Therefore, take courage and have hope because this day will arrive.

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14; ESV)

So the grace of God has appeared, showing us how to live, teaching and training us to say no to worldly lusts and yes to godliness. We adopt the attributes described in the first ten verses of this chapter as we wait the glorious return of our Lord. Now let us not forget what Christ has done. He gave himself to redeem us from all lawlessness. Redeem means that something was purchased for a price. If we redeem a coupon, the company that created the coupon purchases the paper for a price stated on it. Jesus paid a price to set us free from lawlessness. The penalty that is due to each of us because all of us have broken God’s law is no longer in effect against us because Jesus paid a price. Notice that Jesus bought us. Paul says he redeemed us. Not a piece of paper. Jesus purchased you and me.

The purchase price was staggering. “Who gave himself for us” reveals that his death was the price to purchase us. The price was his life… and he did it. He paid the price. We are now set free from sin, set free from Satan, and set free from lawlessness. Jesus bought us.

But that means we are not our own any longer. Jesus purchased us to be his own possession. I was a slave to Satan for my own choices of sin. Jesus pays the price of his death to release me from that slavery and now I become his possession. We are not our own. People so often talk about doing what they want to do. That is not ours to decide because we do not own ourselves any longer. Jesus owns us. He has put his name on us. We do not decide what is in our best interests, but God does. We do not do what we want because we are not in charge. Jesus paid the price. Jesus paid the price with two expectations:

1. We become purified. We are to be a purified people. We are to be cleaned up, not go right back into the slavery that he purchased us from! How upsetting it must be for Christ to see us go right back into the filth that he just paid to release us from! What are we doing? We are to be purified. We are to be different because we are Christ’s possession now.

2. We are to be zealous for good works. We are supposed to be on fire to do good things for God. Are you on fire? Do you think you could classify yourself as on fire and zealous to do good? Or do you think you are mildly interested or somewhat concerned? Where’s your fire? You can get your fire back by doing good works again. Put it back to the forefront. Put it back into your mind. Get it into your heart. I must be pure and I must do good works! I have been redeemed. The grace of God has appeared. I have no other alternative.

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:15; ESV)

Finally, notice how Paul ends this thought with Titus. Tell everyone about this (declare it). You need to tell everyone that God’s grace has come and they need to act like his purified possession. Tell everyone to do it. Be what God has called us to in the first ten verses of Titus 2. Second, help people do it. Don’t just tell them but help them. Encourage them to reach this mark. We have the hope of God’s glorious return. Don’t give up. Be strong in the Lord. Third, tell people when they are not doing it (rebuke). Friends, we need to do it. We need to older men of this church to be what we read about in verse 2. We need the older women to be doing what we read in verses 3-4. We need the younger women to be doing what we read about in verse 5. We need the younger men doing what we read in verses 6-8. Don’t be Cretans! Be the holy people of God!

Right Conduct In An Evil World

Titus 3:1-15

The third chapter of Titus describes the Christian conduct necessary in an evil world.

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. (Titus 3:1-2, NRSV)

Paul issues a reminder for the Christians in Crete. Don’t forget to be subject to the rulers and authorities. This is an important reminder. Remember, Cretans are known for their immorality. The leaders on the island would have certainly been of the same moral fiber as the island, if not worse. Further, this letter was written when Nero would have been emperor over the Roman Empire. It is not like the time then was an easier time to yield to the authorities. As much as we have immoral, godless leaders and continue to elect more immoral, godless leaders, this is nothing to the godlessness that existed on Crete and within the Empire. Even under the most extreme circumstances, Christians are called upon to yield to the government. We are not to be zealots against the government. It is easy to get caught up in political issues and politicians, but we are to maintain the reflection of Christ. Notice the rest of verse 1 and verse 2. We are to be obedient to the government, not rebels against the government. We must continue to ready to do good works regardless of political circumstances.

Speak evil of no one. Carefully soak in those words. Speak evil of no one. No one is excluded here. We may call out where a person does not live up to the law and grace of the scriptures. But we speak evil of no one. No malicious words. No exceptions. Further, avoid quarreling. It does not look good nor godly to be quarrelers, especially over so much of the nonsense in the world. We need to be careful that we are not arguing for the sake of argument, or for the sake of winning an argument. Instead of quarreling, we need to be gentle and kind. The character the world should see in us is not a fighter or evil speaker, but gentle and kind person. Finally, “showing every courtesy to everyone.” The phrasing of this literally is fascinating, but a little clunky: showing all gentleness (courtesy) to all people. There is a double “all.” Everyone person should receive kind conduct from us at all times.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. (Titus 3:3, ESV)

Why should we do this? Why should we be in subjection to authorities? Why should be speak evil of no one, avoid quarrels, be gentle, and show all gentleness and courtesy to everyone? The answer is that we were the same as them. We did the same evil things that they are doing to us. We made the same errors when we were without God also. Essentially, you were a mess also! We were foolish and disobedient. We were led astray before we came to the light of the gospel. We were slaves to our sinfulness. We acted with malice and evil toward others. Hated by others and hating others was what we were doing. So don’t be so self-righteous! We used to do the same thing.

Sometimes Christians act the worst because they have forgotten where they are and where they have come from. We are to be different from the world. We certainly are not to act worse than the world. If the world is kinder than us, then we are certainly coming up short of what God wants us to be.

4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7, ESV)

The only difference is that we understand that the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared. Notice that in chapter 2 we read about the grace of God appearing, bringing salvation to all people (Titus 2:11). Now we have the goodness and loving kindness of God appearing. A concept cannot appear, but a person can. Hence, “he saved us.” At the appearing of Jesus, God saved us. Let’s go back to the beginning of verse 4. In verse 3 we are reminded of what we were. But God intervened. But the goodness and loving kindness of God appeared. The Greek word for “loving kindness” is a compound word- philanthropia. We know that we get our English word “philanthropy” from this. The first part of the compound word is phileo, which is love. The second part of the compound word is anthropia, which is humans. But when the goodness and love for humans appeared, he saved us.

He saved us, but not by our doing! We are nothing but filthy rags. We have nothing to offer God but sinfulness. What can we contribute? We come to God stained in our sins. God did not save us because of what we were doing. We were enemies deserving of God’s wrath, punishment, and judgment. Our goodness is not what compelled God to act and have grace, goodness, and the love of humans appear in Jesus. I believe our actions should have convinced God that we were too evil and too undeserving for God to die for us. No, he saved us because of his own mercy. God simply chose to be merciful rather than wrathful.

So how do we get the mercy of God? How do we receive it because we know that we are sinful, undeserving of God’s goodness and loving kindness? We receive it “by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek word for “regeneration” is also a compound work- palingenesia: new birth, re-creation, new beginning. We receive the mercy of God by the washing of a new birth. What in the scriptures is describing as a washing that brings about a new creature, a new birth?

Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. (Romans 6:4; HCSB)

11 In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of the Messiah. 12 Having been buried with Him in baptism, you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive with Him and forgave us all our trespasses. (Colossians 2:11-13; HCSB)

Jesus gave this answer to Nicodemus: Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5; ESV)

In baptism we are putting our trust in God, asking God to take away our sins. This is when God’s mercy is applied to the individual. We continue to receive the mercy of God through the renewal of the Holy Spirit. This is perhaps the whole point to the book of Titus. We are to live a particular way, as God’s purified possession for good works. To be that, we must be renewed by the Holy Spirit. This is not us waiting for some sort of feeling to come over us. The renewal of the Holy Spirit is not waiting for the Holy Spirit to whisper words in our ears. The renewal of the Holy Spirit is the changing our hearts by the words revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. We have to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives and change us from Cretans to Christians. But the Holy Spirit cannot work when we have stone hearts that are not listening to his leading, revealed in the scriptures.

Further, the blessings of the Holy Spirit have been abundantly poured out upon us. Just as Peter tied together baptism for the forgiveness of sins and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, the apostle Paul does the same. The blessings of the Holy Spirit include the restoration of the kingdom of God, the restoration of God’s blessings upon his people, and the restoration of God’s covenant with his people. All of this happened through the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ.

Therefore, we are justified. This means we have been declared righteous and pronounced innocent. So let us back up and recap all that we just learned. We were miserable, evil wretches like the rest. But God saved us, not because we were doing anything righteous, but because God’s mercy, goodness, and love for humans. We receive God’s mercy by being washed in a rebirth, a baptism where we put our trust in God by asking him for forgiveness of sins and by renewing our hearts by letting the Holy Spirit change us through his revealed word. This is how we receive the abundant blessings of God which was enabled by Jesus dying for us. Therefore, by being washed and renewing our hearts and lives, we are pronounced innocent from our sins and declared heirs of eternal life.

8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:8, ESV)

This saying is trustworthy. This is how you will obtain mercy. You can have a new life in Jesus. Insist on these things. We must devote ourselves to the ways of God, doing good works. God insists on us have a new birth and a new life.

9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-11, ESV)

Do not get tangled in worldly things. Do not tolerate those who cause divisions. After two warnings, they need to be avoided. We are to be spiritual, not worldly. When we see the mercy, goodness, and love for humans that God has, how can we become embroiled in senseless, useless disputes? Winning arguments is not our goal. Focus on the word of God. Focus upon renewing our hearts and changing our lives. Focus on devoting ourselves to good works. Focus on being Christians, not Cretans.

LESSON 1

THE WORK OF TITUS IN CRETE

TITUS, CHAPTERS 1, 2, and 3

1. By whom and to whom was this letter written? Ans. Titus 1:1-4.

2. Where was Titus? Why? Ans. Titus 1:5.

3. Give the qualifications of an elder. Ans. Titus 1:6-8.

4. A bishop must be able to do what? Ans. Titus 1:9.

5. What kind of men must have their mouths stopped? Ans. Titus 1:10-12.

6. Why were they teaching like this? Ans. Titus 1:11.

7. Why were they to be reproved sharply? Ans. Titus 1:13.

8. Give the difference between the pure and the defiled. Ans. Titus 1:15-16.

9. Sound doctrine instructs older men to do what? Ans. Titus 2:1-2.

10. What is the duty of older women? Ans. Titus 2:3-5.

11. Why should Titus set a good example? Ans. Titus 2:7-8.

12. How should servants act toward their masters? Ans. Titus 2:9-10.

13. How should men live, according to the instruction of the grace of God? Ans. Titus 2:11-13.

14. Why did Christ give himself for us? Ans. Titus 2:14.

15. How should the Cretan Christians regard the civil authorities? Ans. Titus 3:1-2.

16. How did Paul once live? Ans. Titus 3:3.

17. What appeared and changed this manner of life? Ans. Titus 3:4-5.

18. How does the Lord save? Ans. Titus 3:5-6.

19. Justification by grace makes us what? Ans. Titus 3:7.

20. Why was Titus to insist on these things? Ans. Titus 3:8.

21. What things should be shunned? Ans. Titus 3:9.

22. What about a factious man? Ails. Titus 3:10-11.

23. Where did Paul plan to spend the winter? Ans. Titus 3:12.

24. What should be done for Zenas and Apollos? Ans. Titus 3:13.

25. What should Christians learn? Why? Ans. Titus 3:14.

Titus’ Task on Crete

Titus 1:1-16

Open It

1. What characteristics do you think are necessary in a good leader?

2. What leader has had the most influence on you? How?

Explore It

1.    How is Paul’s description of himself at the beginning of this letter significant? (Titus 1:1)

2.    How did Paul describe the faith that he had? (Titus 1:1-2)

3.    In light of Paul’s reference to Titus, what kind of relationship did these two believers have? (Titus 1:4)

4.    Why did Paul leave Titus in Crete? (Titus 1:5)

5.    For what reason was it necessary to appoint elders in the towns? (Titus 1:5; Titus 1:10)

6.    What qualifications were necessary to be an elder in Titus’s church? (Titus 1:6-9)

7.    Why is it necessary for an elder to be blameless? (Titus 1:7)

8.    What is the result of holding firm to the "trustworthy message"? (Titus 1:9)

9.     How should believers respond to "rebellious people" in the church? (Titus 1:10-13)

10.     What were the rebellious people doing that Paul so strongly condemned? (Titus 1:11)

11.     What did Paul tell his audience to pay no attention to? (Titus 1:14)

12.     How is it possible to learn whether a person truly knows God? (Titus 1:16)

Get It

1.     What does it mean that, "To the pure, all things are pure"?

2.     What does the relationship between Paul and Titus teach us about how we should treat other Christians?

3.     Why is it necessary to appoint elders and leaders in the church?

4.    Who are the overseers in your church?

5.     To what extent should we choose church elders according to the guidelines in this passage?

6.    How should the qualifications for a church leader be different from those for a leader outside of the church?

7.     Why do you think it is important for leaders’ children to believe in the Lord and not be disobedient?

8.    What work in the church has God entrusted to you?

9.    What area of your character most needs your attention at this time in your life?

10.    How can you encourage others?

11.    What are rebellious people in the church like?

12.    How should we treat rebellious people in the church?

13.    What should our motivation be in correcting those who teach things they ought not to teach?

14.    What do your actions reveal about your relationship with God?

Apply It

1.    What can you do in the next few days to encourage another Christian in his or her faith?

2.    How can you show support for your church leaders? When?

3.     What is one way you can support true doctrine and sound teaching in your church?

What Must Be Taught to Various Groups

Titus 2:1-15

Open It

1.    How do parents teach their children their values and beliefs?

2.    What religious beliefs were you taught growing up? How?

Explore It

1.    What main theme begins this chapter? (Titus 2:1)

2.    What is important for older men to be taught? (Titus 2:2)

3.    How can older and younger Christians help each other? (Titus 2:2-8)

4.    What must older women be taught? Why? (Titus 2:3-5)

5.    What responsibility do older women have? (Titus 2:4)

6.    What should younger women be taught? (Titus 2:4-5)

7.    Why is it important for Christians to live blameless lives? (Titus 2:5)

8.    What advice did Paul give to younger men? (Titus 2:6-8)

9.     Who should set an example for others? How? (Titus 2:7)

10.     What response did Paul hope for? (Titus 2:8)

11.     How did Paul instruct slaves? Why? (Titus 2:9-10)

12.     What does the grace of God bring? (Titus 2:11)

13.     Why should all Christians, whether old or young, be taught? (Titus 2:11-14)

14.     What motivation do we have to live righteous lives? (Titus 2:12-13)

15.     How did Paul emphasize the importance of teaching all Christians? (Titus 2:15)

Get It

1.    What does a person’s life-style reveal about his or her beliefs?

2.     What should a Christian’s life-style be like?

3.    What responsibility do Christians have to each other?

4.     What role should accountability play among Christians?

5.    What can we learn about work from Paul’s instructions to slaves?

6.    How can you make the gospel of Christ attractive to unbelievers in the way you work?

7.    What motivates you to live a godly life?

8.    From what older, more mature believer do you want to learn?

9.    How can you teach other Christians?

10.    What do you have to share with other Christians about what you have learned in your own Christian walk?

11.    How can you ensure that what you teach other Christians, even by your own life’s example, is in accordance with sound doctrine?

Apply It

1.    Of all the advice Paul gives in this passage about how to live a holy life, what is one specific area that you will commit yourself to concentrate on this next week?

2.    How can you remind yourself each day that the way you work is a testimony to others?

3.     What step can you take in the near future to learn from another more mature Christian?

4.    What step can you take in the near future to share what you have learned with a younger believer?

Doing What Is Good

Titus 3:1-15

Open It

1.    What is the dirtiest job you ever had to do?

2.    When is it beneficial to argue about an issue?

3.    In your experience, how can an argument damage a friendship?

Explore It

1.    How does God want us to respond to authority? (Titus 3:1)

2.    How does God want us to treat all people? (Titus 3:1-2)

3.    What are we like before we are saved? (Titus 3:3)

4.    What changes when we believe in Christ? How? (Titus 3:3-7)

5.    What saved Paul from his foolishness? (Titus 3:4)

6.    Why does God save people? (Titus 3:4-5)

7.    What role does the Holy Spirit play in a person’s salvation? (Titus 3:5)

8.     What is the result of being justified by faith? (Titus 3:7)

9.     What did Paul tell Titus to stress? Why? (Titus 3:8)

10.     Why is it important to avoid controversies and arguments? (Titus 3:9)

11.     How should we treat a person who divides friends? (Titus 3:10-11)

12.     Why is it important for us to do what is good? (Titus 3:14)

Get It

1.     In what ways do you need to subject yourself to rulers and authorities?

2.     What does it mean to show true humility?

3.    How can you show humility in all you do?

4.    What difference does it make that God saves us out of His great mercy, and not because of anything we do?

5.    What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life?

6.    What can you do to devote yourself to doing what is good?

7.    What can you do to guard yourself against getting involved in useless arguments?

Apply It

1.    What is one way you can serve others in your home, place of work, or church this week?

2.    What can you do this next week to reconcile a damaged relationship?

3.    How can you say thank you to God in the next few days for His saving grace toward you?