Paul stated that he intentionally left Titus there to unify them doctrinally and organizationally. The letter to Titus was to offer more guidance as well as encourage Titus in his tasks. It seemed that the people of Crete were a tough bunch to work with. Life and moral values during this time on Crete had plummeted. The churches were made up of new believers and thus were not mature. They clearly were in need of teaching regarding their lives as Christians. Making it worse was the fact that there were a wide variety of false teachers adding confusion into the mix.
CHAPTER 1
Paul begins Titus 1 by identifying himself and his duty as a follower of Christ. He then identifies Titus as the recipient of the letter.
He recaps that he left Titus on Crete to finish what they started together and to appoint elders in the churches. He also defines what is meant by an elder as well as the character needed to be one.
Paul points out that there are many teaching wrong things. Again they are battling the teaching that circumcision brings salvation, which it does not. Paul expresses the urgency to stop that wrong teaching. It sounds as if Crete is an extremely difficult place to minister and instruct people in the truth. Paul even quotes a prophet who said that all the people on Crete are made up of liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons. Can you imagine life in such a place, let alone trying to teach the principles of Christianity there?
Paul added that he agrees and that what the Cretan said is true. Titus is to correct them, make them strong in their faith in Christ and stop them from listening to the false teachings, Jewish myths, and those who have turned away from the truth.
Paul concludes chapter 1 with the point that if one's heart is pure everything is pure and that for those who have impure hearts, all things will be impure. This happens because their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim they know God but the way they live their lives tells the opposite story. They deny God, are detestable and are worthless for doing anything good.
CHAPTER 2
Paul begins chapter 2 by giving Titus some instruction. He instructs Titus to promote right living that comes from teaching the truth. He is to teach the older men to exercise self control, to be respectable and to live wisely. These men must have strong and sincere faith and live with love and patience.
He then gives some instruction regarding what to teach the older women. They are to live in ways that honor God. They are not to slander others or be heavy drinkers. They are to teach others what is good and train the younger women to love their husbands and children. They are to live wisely, be pure and work in their homes. They are to do good and submit to their husbands. If they live in such a way, they will not shame God.
Titus is to encourage the young men to also live wisely. Titus must show how that is done by living wisely himself and by doing good works, by letting all his actions be a reflection of the integrity and seriousness of his teaching. He was to teach the truth (and live it) so that no one can criticize what he taught. Living that way will quiet the opposition because they will have nothing to say against him.
Paul instructs that slaves are to always obey their masters and do their best to please them. That can be done by never talking back, showing themselves trustworthy and good. By slaves living this way, they will make the teachings about God the Savior attractive to others.
He then gives a general teaching to all believers. Believers are to live so that the grace of God can be seen and by that salvation can be brought to all people. To accomplish that, we are to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. Rather we should live in this sinful world but not be one with it. We should live with wisdom, righteousness and be devoted to God. While we live that way, we should look forward to that amazing day when the glory of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ will be seen by all. Christ gave His life to set us free from sin, cleanse us and make us His very own people who are committed to doing good.
Paul then tells Titus that he must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. He affirms that Titus has the authority to correct them when needed and to not let them disregard what he says.
CHAPTER 3
Paul instructs Titus to continue to remind the people to obey the rulers and authorities there. They are instructed to not slander others but to do good, to be people of peace, to be considerate and humble.
He states that they (Paul and Titus) too once lived foolish, disobedient lives and were deceived by wrong things and were addicted to passions and pleasures. But that when the kindness and love of God appeared, they were saved not because they had become righteous or had done good things but solely because of the mercy of Christ. Paul uses their transformed lives as an example, pointing out their rebirth and renewal by the work of the Holy Spirit which he poured out generously on them through Jesus Christ our Savior. Having been cleansed and justified by Christ they now have the hope of eternal life. Paul encouraged Titus to stress this point to those churches so that those who have become followers of Christ will be careful in making sure they devote themselves to doing good things as such things are good for everyone.
Titus should not get into controversies, genealogies or arguments and quarrels regarding the law. For such arguments and discussions are useless. He is to deal with divisive people by warning them once and if they do not stop, warn them again. If they still continue to be divisive after the second warning, he is to have no further contact with them. He told Titus that he can be sure that such a person is warped and sinful and brings condemnation upon himself.
Paul closes with his plans. Here he plans to send either Artemus or Tychicus to them in Crete. As soon as whoever he sends arrives, they are to meet Paul at Nicopolis which is where Paul will be spending the winter. He asks Titus to give as much help as he can to Zenas, the lawyer and Apollos on their trip and also to make sure they have everything they need. Helping them will teach the people that they are to do good by helping meet the urgent needs of others.
In closing he sends the greetings of those he is with and asks Titus to send his greetings to all the believers there and to those who love them. His final sentence is a blessing to them that God's grace be with them.
AS PLANNED, WE WILL TAKE A BREAK FOR THE MONTH OF JULY. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL FIND TIME FOR FUN AND RELAXATION AS WELL AS REST.
I WILL SEND OUT A NEW POST AS JULY COMES TO AN END SO THAT WE CAN ALL BE ON THE SAME PAGE AS WE CONTINUE THE STUDY OF HIS WORD.