Simple
Studies in the Scriptures
The Epistle of
Paul the Apostle to Titus
Leader’s Study Guide
Titus
Human Author: Paul
Date Written: c. AD 65- 67
Key thought:
Teach the Gospel
“ Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
~*~
TITUS 1
The combined letters to Timothy and Titus can be called Pastoral Epistles as exhortation is given to be diligent in Christian service. To Timothy the apostle stresses the importance of sound doctrine whereas to Titus the apostolic concentration is on proper behavior. The Theme of Titus is, “The Truth which is According to Righteousness.” Paul wants Titus to be sincere and without hypocrisy.
The apostle had just been freed
from prison when he wrote to his Greek friend Titus on the
Godliness simply means to be like God. In the soul of the godly person will be piety produced by biblical truth in the heart.
In order for godliness to rule
the church, qualified elders are to be appointed provided they have met
specific standards of conduct. A need for spiritually strong leaders in
Moving from instructions concerning church conduct the apostle speaks of godliness in the home. He has a message for aged men and women, young men and women and the servants as well.
In instructing others Titus must never be insincere. He who handles holy matters must be blameless or the power of the message proclaimed will be diminished if not lost.
In Titus 3 the relationship of the Christian to the world is considered. The believer is to be a responsible citizen. No Christian is to argue with others but live soberly, righteously in a godless age. Individuals are to be helped whenever possible.
The epistle closes with the
customary Pauline benediction, “Grace be with you
all. Amen.”
1 Paul, a servant of God, and an
apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect [chosen], and
the acknowledging of the
truth which is after godliness;
1:1 The Faith.
The reference is to that body of gospel truth which Christians are called to
defend.
1:1 God’s elect. The doctrine of election was
a precious truth in the early church. Paul was personally and perpetually
grateful he had been chosen in
Christ for salvation and service, as should every Christian.
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
1:2 What God cannot do.
· God cannot lie
Titus 1:2
· God cannot be faithless.
2 Timothy 2:13
· God cannot change or be less than God in His
essence.
Malachi 3:6
· God cannot sin and so should never be charged with
evil
Matthew 5:38
1:2 Eternal life.
Eternal life is not only a quantify but a quality. It
is defined in Scripture as having a personal relationship with the living God
and with His Son, Jesus. John 17:3 And this is life
eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
1:2 Promised.
The first promise of God is stated in Genesis 3:15. “And
I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her
seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” These words in the Old Testament find a
parallel in the New Testament in John 3:16. Before the ages
of human
history began God promised eternal life. Since the Garden hearts have lived in
the hope of that promise.
“My faith has found a
resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
I
need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.”
~*~
3 But hath in due times manifested [revealed] his
word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment
of God our Saviour;
1:3 The value of preaching
cannot be over stated. It is God’s ordained means of revealing His Word.
“Preach the Gospel,
sound it forth,
Tell of free and full salvation;
Spread the tidings o’er the earth,
Go to every tribe and nation.
Spread
the joyful tidings
In anthem and story
Jesus hath redeemed us,
Oh, give Him the glory!”
~*~
4 To Titus, mine own son
after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and
peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
5 For this cause left I thee in
2:5 A Gentile by birth (Gal.
2:3) Titus
was converted through the ministry of Paul (Titus 1:4). Recognizing his
faithfulness to Christ and administrative gifts Paul used Titus when trouble
arose. In the city of
There is need for someone with organizational skills to provide a framework for service. Direction is needed as a biblical theology is set forth. Details need oversight. Decisions have to be made about church location, requirements for membership, doctrinal
stance, matters of discipline and many other matters.
To facilitate him in the work Titus was to ordain elders. Here is the apostolic patter. The leaders of a congregation are called by God, prompted with a desire to lead by the urging of the Holy Spirit, appointed by other elders and recognized by the
church body as worthy to b submitted to in matters of doctrine and practice provided belief and behavior is based upon the Word of God with chapter and verse to appeal to.
6 If any be blameless [above reproach], the husband of one wife, having
faithful [obedient] children
not accused of riot or unruly.
1:6 Blameless
Qualifications for Church Leadership
·
The husband of one wife. The qualification may mean
having only one wife at a time or it may mean being married only once. In
either situation the man is to be above reproach in his marital status.
·
Having faithful children. The children of church
leaders seem to be a special target for satanic opposition and so must be under
authority. They are not be undisciplined as the sons of Eli who brought shame
to the priesthood and to the people of God (1 Sam.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of
God; not self-willed, not
soon angry, not given to wine, no striker [brawler], not given to filthy lucre;
·
Not self-willed. The elder is to be a servant
and not a lord over the people (1 Peter 5:2,3).
·
Not soon angry. While some dispositions are
gentle by nature an elder must possess a calm presence for he will face many
trying circumstances.
·
Not given to wine. An inclination to excessive
drinking prohibits a man from leading the people of God.
·
No striker. The person who is a verbal
or physical brawler to settle matters will no use his mind or the fruit of the
Spirit.
·
Not greedy. There is no place in
spiritual leadership for a person whose heart desires to be rich or have much
of the goods of this world.
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate [self-controlled];
·
A lover of hospitality. Because elders lead by
example they are to be gracious in the use of their home to entertain others.
·
A lover of good men. It is just as easy to love
good men as it is bad and the elder is to enjoy not only helping people but
also helping the right type of people. Pearls are not to be case away recklessly.
·
Sober. Laughter is good medicine
but being serious should be a way of life. There are eternal
issues that presses doctrine upon the sensitive soul.
·
Just. The elder must be a fair man
and able o be impartial without taking sides.
·
Holy. Without holiness no one
shall see God. Those who seek to lead others to a holy God must be sanctified
themselves.
·
Temperate. Self-control in all areas of
life is a requirement, not a suggestion for being an elder. The honest soul
knows if there is a lust pattern or a behavioral pattern out of control. Such a
person becomes disqualified to be an elder.
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine
both to exhort and to convince [convict] the
gainsayers [opposition].
·
Hold fast the faithful word. A man without convictions will convince no
one.
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision [Jews]:
1:10 The scribes, Sadducees, Pharisees and other
Jewish officials and religious leaders had much to lose if the implications of
the Christian faith were embraced by the masses. Therefore, Paul found much
opposition to the gospel among the circumcised or among the Jews, the very
people for whom the Messiah had come to minister. “John 1:11 He came unto
his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them
gave he power to
become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert [mislead] whole houses,
teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's [ill gotten money]
sake.
1:11 Mouths that must be stopped.
By the nature of the new birth the people of God
called sheep are non-confrontational. Nevertheless, there are great doctrinal
issues at stake that must be contended for thereby stopping the mouths of those
who are characterized by spiritual lawlessness and deception. Prayer must be
offered for holy boldness.
Hugh Lattimer (1485-1555) once preached
before King Henry VIII. Henry was greatly displeased by the boldness in the
sermon and ordered Lattimer to preach again on the following Sunday and
apologize for the offence he had given.
The next Sunday, after reading his text, he
began his sermon by saying, “Hugh
Lattimer, dost thou know before whom thou are this day to speak? To the high
and mighty monarch, the king’s most excellent majesty, who can take away thy
life, if thou offendest. Therefore, take heed that thou speakest not a word
that may displease.
But then consider well, Hugh, dost thou not
know from whence thou comest—upon Whose message thou are sent? Even by the
great and mighty God, Who is all-present and Who beholdeth all thy ways and Who
is able to cast thy
soul into
hell! Therefore, take care that thou deliverest thy message faithfully.”
Hugh Lattimer then proceeded to preach the
same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday, but with much more boldness.
.
12 One of themselves, even a
prophet of their own, said, The
Cretians are alway liars, evil
beasts, slow bellies [idle gluttons].
1:12 Quoting from the Cretan poet Epimenides, Paul characterizes the people of Crete as being liars and gluttons. Because of this Titus was to rebuke them in strong terms. The people of Crete were religious but not righteous. They professed to know God but denied Him by the works. A life of disobedience and abominable acts destroys any basis of confidence a person may have for salvation. God will not be mocked. Either the gospel produces a change in a person or it does not. To profess conversion and then behave in a wicked way is to deny the faith and fall into the pit of hell in the Day of Judgment.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
15 Unto the pure all things are pure:
but unto them that are
defiled and unbelieving is nothing
pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
1:15 Unto the pure.
The pure in heart delight in spiritual and
moral wholesomeness while the unholy delight in that which is morally and
spiritually reprehensible. By self-examination an honest assessment must be
made to discover what is delighted in. If time and money and effort are given
to supporting that which defiles the conscience and hardens the heart then
prayer must be made to be converted. God will have mercy and grace toward the
honest heart. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable [evil], and
disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate [worthless].
1:16 Religious
hearts without redeeming grace shall find no grace extended to them in the day
of ultimate judgment. Let this warning go forth. It is possible to profess
knowledge of God but in reality deny God through a spirit of rebellion towards
every good work. When the gospel presses upon the heart to be kind, forgiving,
suffering long and a heart of anger and bitterness and mean spiritedness is
manifested then the spiritual life can be summarized in one word, hypocrite.
Simple Studies in the Scriptures
The Epistle of
Paul the Apostle to Titus
1.
What can God not do and why is this significant (Titus 1:2)?
2.
Why was Titus left in Crete?
3.
Describe the people on the isle of Crete?
4.
Who are the elect of God (Titus 1:1)?
5.
When did God promise the hope of eternal life and why is it important?
1.
God cannot lie which means He cannot violate His own essence. The
stability of the universe and all of life depends on the holiness and
righteousness of God and His faithfulness to Himself.
2. Paul left Titus in Crete so
he could bring order out of disarray in the body life of the church by teaching
sound doctrine and appointing appropriate spiritual leaders.
3.
The people on the isle of Crete did not have a good reputation. Many
were religious but not righteous. They professed to know God but denied Him by
the works. Others gave no pretense of religion. One of their own poets said, “The Cretians are alway liars, evil
beasts, slow bellies [idle gluttons].”
4.
The elect of God are those who have been chosen by grace to be the
heirs of salvation.
5.
God promised the hope of eternal life before the world began. This is
important because the omniscience of God took into factor the Fall prior to
creation which means that He was not surprised or taken off guard by the events
in the Garden of Eden.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Have you ever led someone to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus
Christ? How did you feel at such an experience?
2.
How does the Christian reconcile the commandments to mark those who
cause division and avoid them and rebuke sharply those who err (Titus 1:13)
with other commandments to be meek and humble and non argumentative?
3.
Should elders be voted upon or appointed? What other issues should the
church vote on or not vote on? Does it matter?
4.
How would you respond to the accusation that doctrine divides?
5. Is wrong or unwise for
ministers to quote non-biblical sources in preaching and teaching? Why or why
not?
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but
unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind
and conscience is defiled.
TITUS 2
1 But speak thou the things which become [are suitable to you] sound
doctrine:
1:1 “The true doctrines of the gospel are sound
doctrines, formally and effectively; they are in themselves good and holy, and
make the believers so; they make them fit for, and vigorous in, the service of
God” (Matthew Henry).
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience [endurance].
2:2 Spiritually mature Christian men have
distinct characteristics.
·
Spiritually mature Christian men are sober or vigilant. There is much watchfulness
needed within the Christian’s life first over one’s own heart and then over the
gospel message.
·
Spiritually mature Christian men are grave or dignified. They have a distinguished
aura about their presence that commands, not demands, attention.
·
Spiritually mature Christian men are temperate. They have self-restraint
and are discreet in all matters. Secret
sins in the privacy of their home and the darkness of the night are avoided.
·
Spiritually mature Christian men are sound in faith. They know Bible doctrine and are able to articulate
the same.
·
Spiritually mature Christian men are sound in charity. The quality of love marks
their lives. They lovingly minister to others who are in need or have a hurting
heart.
·
Spiritually mature Christian men are sound in patience. In trying circumstances the
spiritually mature display a brave endurance of the moment knowing that God is
sovereignly in control of every situation.
3 The aged women likewise, that they
be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much
wine, teachers of good things;
2:3 Spiritually mature Christian women are to be
marked by distinct behavior.
·
Spiritually mature Christian women live in such a way to produce
holiness in their personal life.
·
Spiritually mature Christian women are not false accusers. That includes take a
matter and deliberately misunderstanding the issues involved in order to twist
the situation in a certain direction that will hurt the object of their
emotional venom and mental hatred.
·
Spiritually mature Christian women are not given to excessive drink
with a view to intoxication or drowning personal sorrows.
·
Spiritually mature Christian women are teachers of good things. They teach the children.
They teach each other. They teach the younger women in particular. By life and
by lip spiritually mature Christian women communicate the gospel message.
4 That they may teach [train] the young women to be sober
[responsible], to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet [sensible],
chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of
God be not blasphemed.
2:4-5 Of particular concern is the spiritually
mature Christian women instruct the younger women in the church in the
following matters.
·
To be sober or responsible. The acceptance of responsibility for the
consequences of one’s attitude and actions is a mark of maturity. There comes a
time when individuals must put away childish ideas and behavior and act in a
different way. But it takes training.
·
To love their husbands. If a marriage has been arranged or entered into for
less than romantic love the process of learning to love is needed. Spiritually
mature Christian women can teach or train the younger women in the art of
biblical love making which goes beyond the erotic to the heart. Elucidation of
this principle is found in defining what love will and will not do according to
gospel terms as set forth in 1 Corinthians 13.
·
To love their children. Because of the Fall maternal love is not as natural
to women as might be popularly believed. The allowance of partial birth
abortions and the high rate of abortions as a birth control method indicate
this reality. Each year thousand upon millions of young children are exploited
for sexual favors, manual labor and because of simple meanness. The Christian
community must lead the way in teaching women to love their children.
·
6 Young men likewise exhort [urge] to be sober minded [self
controlled].
2:6 Christian young men are also to be exhorted to
be sober minded which means to exercise self-control. The great inner struggles
young men face are summarized in this exhortation. Sexual passions in
particular are strong. The ruthless pursuit for the most expensive toys of time
becomes legitimized. A ruthless philosophy can be developed that no one matters
but self. Only the gospel can subdue the dark passions of the soul.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness [soundness], gravity [gravity], sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the
contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
2:7-8 People will forgive a pastor if he is not
eloquent or unduly sophisticated They will allow him much grace if he is not
even personally attractive or the best and the brightest intellectually.
However, people will never forgive if they suspect a person of being insincere.
The person who handles holy matters must live in the power of them. His speech
must be a measure of his heart, sound and sincere. Only then will the Enemy and
his minions have nothing to say as those who opposed Daniel were at a loss of
how to hurt him.
9 Exhort [urge] servants
[slaves] to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well
in all things; not answering again;
2:9 Though slavery is a terrible institution
it has served a place in the plan of God including the outworking of
retributive justice (2 Chron. 36:21-22). Christians who found themselves
enslaved were to be obedient to their own masters as unto the Lord. Respect was
to be shown instead of a sullen spirit or a willingness to be argumentative.
Slaves were not to steal from their owners but were to be honest and truthful
in all matters. Such behavior would bring self-respect, honor to God and a good
witness to those watching the behavior of those in the Christian community.
10 Not purloining [stealing], but shewing all good fidelity; that they
may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all
men,
2:11 Once more it is stated the grace of God has
appeared to all men, not without exception but without distinction. Jew and
Gentile have access to the gospel of redeeming grace. The Christian way of life
has come to teach a death to ungodliness and worldly lusts while embracing
righteousness in this present world.
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 Saviour
Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem [rescue] us from
all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
2:15 In this passage Paul does not argue formally
for the doctrine of the extent of the atonement. Nevertheless, he does
indirectly address that great issue by declaring with personal pronoun
references the church is the true object of redemption. Christ came to redeem “us”
the church; He came to deliver “us” the members of the body of Christ
from all iniquity. He came to purify unto himself a people, not all people but
a people, zealous of good works.
No person need ever doubt if Christ has died
for them or not personally for the test is simple and the promise is sure
according to Acts 16:31 “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved”
“Christ our Redeemer died on the cross,
Died for the sinner, paid all his due.
All who receive Him need never fear,
Yes, He will pass, will pass over you.
When I see the blood,
when I see the blood,
When I see the blood,
I will pass,
I will pass over you.
Chiefest of sinners,
Jesus will save;
As He has promised, so He will do;
Oh, sinner, hear Him, trust in His Word,
Then He will pass, will pass over you.
Judgment is coming, all
will be there.
Who have rejected, who have refused?
Oh, sinner, hasten, let Jesus in,
Oh, He will pass, will pass over you.
O great compassion! O
boundless love!
Jesus hath power, Jesus is true;
All who believe are safe from the storm,
Oh, He will pass, will pass over you.”
~*~
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let
no man despise thee.
Titus
1.
Why must women be taught to love their children (Titus 2:4)?
2.
What is a minister’s best defense against personal assaults that are
unjust (Titus 2:8)?
3.
What is the blessed hope believers are to look for (Titus 2:13)?
4.
List the various categories of people Paul addresses in Titus 2.
5.
In what way are Christians to be peculiar?
1.
Because of the Fall maternal love is not as natural as might be
expected. The evidence for this lack of love is reflected in the number of
annual abortions. Historically the church has called upon individuals to love
life and parent to love children.
2.
By living a good life and by being sound in doctrine the opposition
will have nothing evil to say (Titus 2:8).
3.
The blessed hope of the heart of every Christian is the resurrection
from the dead that will follow the Lord’s appearance.
4. Paul address several groups
of people.
· Aged men verse 2
· Aged women verse 3
· Young women verse 4
· Young men verse 6
· Ministers verse 7
· Servants verse 9
· Christians in general
§
verse 12-3
5.
By their manner of living and speech Christians are not to be conformed
to this world but to be transformed so they will be a distinct people, peculiar
to the mind of the world, but precious to God.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
In what way do you think the grace of God has appeared to all men?
2.
Do you think there is any significance to the use of personal pronouns
in Titus 2:14 in considering the extent of the atonement? What might this
passage indicate?
3.
How is it possible for a Christian to live in such a way they will not
be despised (Titus 2:15)?
4.
Do you think most Christians today are living a “peculiar” life that is distinct from the world? Why or why not?
5.
Do you think the noble Christian principles of responding to injustice
in the context of slavery have a modern application in the relationship between
an employee and employer? Explain.
Titus
2:11 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 Saviour Jesus
Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These
things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise
thee.
1 Put them in mind to be subject to
principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers,
but gentle, shewing all meekness unto
all men.
3:1-2 Throughout the Pastoral Epistles of
Timothy, Titus and Philemon those virtues are set forth which are to
characterize the Christian. Several more
are enumerated here with the motive for cultivating them provided in verse 3.
·
The Christian is to be submissive to legitimate authority.
·
The Christian is to be ready to help someone in need.
·
The Christian is to speak evil of no man.
·
The Christian is not to be a brawler.
·
The Christian is to be gentle.
· The Christian is to display a spirit of meekness knowing that meekness is not weakness.
The reason so much care is to be taken to be
gracious is because the heart remembers how foolish, disobedient and deceitful
it once was all the while being self-serving, living in sensual pleasures,
living in malice and envy, hateful and hating all others.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes
foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving [slaves] divers lusts and pleasures,
living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating
one another.
3:3 The reason why believers are to be gracious, meek and gentle towards all is because of what the heart was once by nature and by choice. If Paul includes himself in this list of sins then he has become convicted of other sinful impulses other than covetousness (Rom. 7:7-12). The list is a litany of the dark side of the soul.
·
Foolish.
·
Disobedient.
·
Deceived.
·
Serving as slaves to different lusts and
pleasures.
·
Living in malice.
·
Living in envy.
·
Displaying a hateful attitude.
·
Hating others personally with a passion.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God
our Saviour toward man appeared,
3:3 But after that.
Truly these are some of the most wonderful words in the Scripture. “But after that,” after all the vile expressions of evil the kindness and love of God appeared.
“O boundless love divine!
How shall this tongue of
mine
To wond’ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine—
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!”
~*~
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
3:5 It is not in the baptismal pool that regeneration takes place but by the baptism of the Holy Spirit who cleanses by the Word. Southern preachers like to note that a person can go down into the baptism waters a dry sinner and come up a wet one and nothing is changed apart from the new birth. Baptism in and of itself is like any other works of righteousness, it will not save. "To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect” (John Owen, Vol III: 433).
However, the mercy of God does save whereby the Holy Spirit renews the whole person. “Nicodemus”, said Jesus, “ye must be born again” (John 3:7). God the Holy Spirit must work a divine work of grace in the heart before there is the capacity to believe, express faith or engage in a righteous work. The biblical evidence that regeneration precedes faith is found in the following passages.
·
Ephesians 2:5 "...even when we were dead in trespasses, made us
alive together with Christ (by grace have you been saved)". Notice when regeneration took place, when we
were dead in sin. Dead men do not even co-operate with divine grace, they
receive it so that it can be said, “Salvation is of the Lord.”
·
1 John 5:1 - "everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God". Notice the past tense.
·
John 1:13 Which were born,
not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
·
Romans 9:16 So then it
[salvation] is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God
that sheweth mercy.
·
John 6:63,65 "It is the
spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak
unto you, they are spirit, and they are life... Therefore have I told you that
no man can come to me, unless it be given to him by my Father."
6 Which he shed [poured out] on us abundantly
through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
3:6 The death of Christ was definite in its
intent and application. He has poured out on “us” Christians an
accomplished work of redemption. Jesus Christ is “our” Savior. Only the
church can say that. Only the elect can say, “Jesus Christ is MY Savior.” Those
who do not come to Christ in time will face Him in eternity as Judge.
Sinner, art thou still
secure?
Wilt thou still refuse to pray?
Can thy heart or hands endure
In the Lord’s avenging day?
See, His mighty arm is
bared!
Awful terrors clothe His brow!
For His judgment stand prepared,
Thou must either break or bow.
At His presence nature
shakes,
Earth affrighted hastes to flee;
Solid mountains melt like wax,
What will then become of thee?
Who His advent may
abide?
You that glory in your shame,
Will you find a place to hide
When the world is wrapped in flame?
Then the rich, the
great, the wise,
Trembling, guilty, self condemned;
Must behold the wrathful eyes
Of the Judge they once blasphemed:
Where are now their
haughty looks?
O, their horror and despair!
When they see the opened books
And their dreadful sentence hear!
Lord, prepare us by Thy
grace,
Soon we must resign our breath,
And our souls be called to pass,
Through the iron gate of death.
Let us now our day
improve,
Listen to the Gospel voice;
Seek the things that are above;
Scorn the world’s pretended joys.
~*~
John Newton
7 That being justified [declared righteous]
by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
3:7 Only infinite wisdom could have found a way to declare the guilty innocent and establish the principle of grace or unmerited favor bestowed on the undeserving.
“Some day the silver
cord will break,
And I no more as now shall sing;
But oh, the joy when I shall wake
Within the palace of the King!
And
I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story—Saved by grace.”
~*~
Fanny Crosby
8 This
is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm [emphasize]
constantly [confidently], that they which have believed in God might be careful
to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
3:8 While souls are saved by grace through faith alone the faith that comes to save is not alone, good works accompanies it. There is no controversy between free grace and good works. The root of righteousness produces good works as its fruit.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and
genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are
unprofitable and vain.
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and
second admonition [warning] reject [keep out];
3:10 A heretic differs in degrees from
someone who is simply in doctrinal error as when Apollos had to be tutored in
his understanding of Scripture following conversion (Acts 18:26). Where there
is extreme error the truth is lost and the one who causes truth to be lost by
false teaching is a heretic. Another characteristic of a heretic is an
unteachable spirit. Finally, such people are known to want to bring individuals
to their way of thinking at all cost and so are factious in nature and divisive
in spirit.
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted
[perverted], and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or
Tychicus, be diligent
to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have
determined there to winter.
3:12
·
Artemas, is probably an abbreviation
of Artemidorus meaning “gift of Artemas,”
the Greek goddess of hunting and so corresponding to the Roman goddess Diana.
·
Tychicus, was a Gentile convert from
Ephesus. He was selected to go with Trophimus to Jerusalem. An offering from
the Ephesian congregation was going to be made to the saints in the holy city.
Tychicus and Trophimus were suppose to join Paul’s party journeying to
Jerusalem. Following the arrest of the apostle Tychicus became a valued
messenger and representative for Paul to various congregations. He carried
Paul’s letters to the Ephesian and the Colossians and possibly carried the
second letter to the Corinthians. Whether Tychicus went to Crete as Paul had
hoped is uncertain. According to tradition Tychicus became bishop of Chalcedon
in Asia Minor and died a martyr (Acts
20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 3:12).
·
Nicopolis (ni-kop'o-lis; "city
of victory") was a city Paul intended to visit. Titus was at this time
in Crete (1:5). Actually there were several cities of this name, which means
there is doubt as to the one about which Paul wrote. Of the three, one was in
Thrace, another in Cilicia, and a third in Epirus, Greece. This is probably where
the apostle wanted to go since it was only four miles away. Augustus Caesar had
built the city in 30 BC in honor of the victory at Actium over his political
enemies Antony and Cleopatra.
13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on
their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting [needed] unto them.
3:12 Having a Gentile name, Zenas may have been a legal advocate who was converted to Christ.
14 And let ours [our people] also learn to
maintain good works [make honest trades] for necessary uses, that they be not
unfruitful.
3:14 As a witness to the world Christian are to engage in a useful trade to take care of the necessities of life.
15 All that are with me salute [greet] thee.
Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Leader’s Study
Guide for
Titus
Questions on Titus 3
1.
What must the Christian never forget about a former life (Titus 3:3)?
2.
On what basis does God saves a soul?
3.
What constitutes a heretic?
4.
Why is eternal life called a “hope” in Titus 3:7?
5.
According to Titus 3:8 is it probable that Christians will live
careless lives because they have the right to believe in eternal life?
Answers for Titus 3
1.
The Christian would be wise never to forget once being “foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one
another” (Titus 3:3).
2.
The best response is Scripture
if there is to be a definitive answer as to the basis of salvation. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
3.
A heretic differs in degrees from someone who is simply in doctrinal
error as when Apollos had to be tutored in his understanding of Scripture
following conversion (Acts 18:26). Where there is extreme error the truth is
lost and the one who causes truth to be lost by false teaching is a
heretic.
4.
The word “hope” does not
convey the idea of potential but confidence. The believer has confidence of
eternal life. There can be and is a divine assurance of salvation and life
eternal through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:15; 10:28; 17:2).
5.
Salvation is not a license to sin but freedom to serve not in order to
achieve eternal life but because one has it. Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou
affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Personal Application and Reflection
1.
Why do individuals who have received so much grace from God refuse to
extend grace to others when they need it most?
2.
What should be said to careless Christians who do not attend church,
read the Scriptures, support the work
of the ministry, witness and partake of many practices of the world? Should
they have confidence they are going to heaven? Why or why not?
3.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your study of Titus?
4. Are you able to explain the
following doctrinal words and thoughts to someone?
Titus 3:5
5. Do you commit the Scriptures to memory on a regular basis?
If not why not start immediately? As an exercise in spiritual discipline do the
memory work associated with each chapter in Titus, then have someone listen to
you as you quote the Word of God. You commitment will encourage other to
memorize Scripture too.
Hiding God’s Word in my Heart
Titus 3:5 Not
by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being
justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of
eternal life.