Description
Paul writes a letter to his missionary partner in Crete, Titus, to provide motivation and instruction on how to select proper elders for the established church. He advises Titus to be alert of false teachers and be an effective ambassador for Christ, selecting those who walk maturely in the spirit and can help spread the truth of the gospel to others so they too will not be twisted by false doctrine. Strong leadership is a vital aspect to the growth and health of the church. Paul lists many specific criteria within his letter. NOTE: Study references include the “Holman Everyday Study Bible, KJV (King James Version) as well as the “Crossway Illuminated Scripture Journals, ESV (English Standard Version), New Testament Set. All KEY VERSES included in each chapter summary will be translated in the English Standard Version.
Chapter 1
Paul greets Titus as an apostle elected by God in Christ Jesus, our eternal Lord who never lies (John 14:6, Numbers 23:19, & 1 Samuel 15:29). He then refers to Titus as a true child of faith. Paul explains that he left Titus to monitor the selecting of church elders at the Greek island of Crete. The criteria’s Paul writes to Titus when choosing these elders are ones of a godly character. One must be above reproach; a devout husband and father to his household of faith. He must not work within the ways of the flesh but be led by the Holy Spirit in hospitality and temperance. An elder must be willing to stand up for the truth of the gospel, correcting those who receive a false understanding as well as contend with deceivers of the truth who go by the works of man to achieve salvation. False teachers will deny God by their works, and they must be called out for doing so.
KEY VERSES: Titus 1:2 ~ “in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” Titus 1:15-16 ~ “To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”
Chapter 2
To counter the falsehood the deceivers, preach, Paul advises Titus (and all other elders, leaders and Christians) to walk in the Spirit and soundly in faith. Older men and women are advised to teach what is good, pure, lovely, and true to the next generation. The young are advised to listen to sound doctrine, becoming mature men and women of the faith. They must model good works and show hospitality to others. Slaves (workers, employees, bondservants) are to act likewise toward their masters (leaders, employers). Speaking the truth of the gospel and affirming it in one’s life demonstrates the mark of a believer and will encourage others to walk away from false doctrine and live according to the Spirit, accepting the universally offered gift of salvation. The grace and saving plan of God includes a new way of living we ought to be instructed in, which will teach us to renounce the ways of our flesh. Titus is advised to declare these truths to the church of Crete.
KEY VERSES: Titus 2:7 ~ “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:11 ~ “For the grace of God has appeared, brining salvation for all people,”
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: An importance regarding the finished work on the cross was to establish a people who are eager to perform good works for God’s glory. This is contrast to the false teachers who claim to be just based upon their own righteousness. We must be “zealous” to perform good works unto the Lord and for his people, demonstrating the love of Christ to all. Christians are to show kindness in teaching and correcting, for we too were once given to our fleshly desires, fulfilling our sinful natures for selfish gain. Christ saved us not by our own works but by the grace and mercy of our Lord God who desired a people to spread His truth and love to all those willing to receive. We are cleansed. We are renewed by His Holy Spirit. Let us walk according to the fruitful works of the Spirit. Titus is advised to instruct all of this to the church, avoiding foolish banter and vain questions which gratify the works of the law. Those who are unwilling to be instructed are to be left tangled by the knots of their sin. Paul closes with the intention of bringing fellow brothers in the faith to Crete to help Titus and takeover his post. He once again advises Titus and all who may read to devout themselves to fruitful works through Christ’s Holy Spirit.
KEY VERSES: Titus 3:5 ~ “he saved us, not because of works done in us for righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” Titus 3:9-11 ~ “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”