Titus 1–3
Common Theme
Paul instructs Titus to establish sound leadership and healthy doctrine that produces godly living within the church. True faith in God’s saving grace is shown through transformed lives marked by integrity, good works, and hope in God’s promises.
Questions
- How does sound doctrine shape both leadership and everyday behavior in the church according to Titus?
- What contrasts does Paul draw between a life changed by grace and one that merely claims belief?
God Shot
God is a Savior who acts decisively in grace, not because of human righteousness but because of His mercy. He reveals Himself as truthful, faithful to His promises, and committed to renewing people through the Holy Spirit.
Deeper
Titus 1
Paul, a servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, addresses Titus, emphasizing the importance of faith and knowledge of the truth. He instructs Titus to appoint elders in Crete, highlighting their qualifications, such as being above reproach, self-controlled, and disciplined. Paul warns against insubordinate individuals and false teachers, urging that they be silenced to protect families from harmful teachings. He notes the negative reputation of Cretans and stresses the need for sharp rebuke to ensure sound faith, as those who deny God through their actions are deemed unfit for good work.
Titus 2
Teach sound doctrine by instructing older men to be sober-minded and self-controlled, and older women to be reverent and teach young women to love their families. Encourage younger men to be self-controlled and serve as a model of good works. Bondservants should be submissive and trustworthy. The grace of God brings salvation, training believers to renounce ungodliness and live godly lives while awaiting Christ’s return. Declare these teachings with authority.
Titus 3
The text emphasizes the importance of being submissive to authorities, ready for good works, and exhibiting gentleness and courtesy. It reflects on past foolishness and highlights salvation through God’s mercy, not personal righteousness. Believers are encouraged to focus on good works and avoid unprofitable disputes. Those who cause division should be warned and then avoided. The author also requests the recipients to join him in Nicopolis and to support fellow workers, while sending greetings and wishing grace to all.