Titus for Beginners
Introduction to Titus
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the basics of Paul’s letter to Titus noting its history, author, recipient, and context.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the purpose and principles contained in the book of Titus.
- Feel: Value Paul’s instructions to Titus.
- Do: Apply Paul’s teachings to increase our faithfulness to God.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. Summarize the following elements about Paul's letter to Titus.
Note: Consider assigning this question to the class prior to beginning this unit. This enables them to come to class as prepared to study deeper elements of the letter.
It is the third of three: I & II Timothy, Titus.
To teach, guide, and encourage (pastor/shepherd) these two young ministers.
Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete.
To guard and teach the church in their regions against false teachers, to "set in order" the functioning of these congregations and to appoint congregational leaders (elders and deacons) for each group.
Between 62 – 64 AD. Paul was in a brief period of freedom from prison.
- He was a Gentile converted to Christianity (Galatians 2:1-3).
- He was sent to Corinth to see if the issues there had been resolved (II Corinthians 7:13-16).
- Paul left Titus in Crete to organize the church there and to appoint leaders (Titus 1:5)
- Paul's final mention of Titus is in II Timothy 4:10.
2. Summarize the false teaching of Gnosticism. Explain what their response to this destructive doctrine should be.
Gnosticism is a combination of Jewish and Greek philosophies. Generally, it taught that man's spirit was good and the material world, including man's flesh was evil. To resolve this conflict between man's good spirit and the evil material world, two ideologies emerged:
- Asceticism – renouncing the flesh in order to liberate the soul. Some even taught to not marry and produce children so as to not create more materialism (See Colossians 2:8-33; I Timothy 4:1-4).
- Antinomianism – This means no law. Once the soul was released from the body through enlightenment, it was no longer morally responsible for what the flesh did.
Jewish Gnosticism also favored mysticism, the study of genealogy, and debate with an emphasis on salvation through works. This teaching also produced a lack of concern for sin and moral responsibility.
In any case, Gnosticism undermined the pure gospel message of salvation through God's grace and our obedient faith.
3. What are the three major components of Titus?
- Salutation – 1:1-4 – Paul presents his mission to preserve and pass on sound doctrine.
- Body – 1:5-3:11 – Titus' mission was to appoint elders and provide sound doctrine.
- Conclusion – 3:12-15 – Personal greetings and instructions.
4. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
God clearly and consistently lays out His will for us throughout scripture, including Paul's teachings in his letter to Titus. God's will is that we first become saved by obeying the gospel message: We acknowledge that Jesus is the Divine Son of God, turn away from willful sin (repentance), submit to baptism by immersion Acts 2:38), and remain faithful to Christ until death (Matthew 24:13-14).
Sadly, Satan will attack us, even as we seek to discover God's will. He will use every tool he has against us, including arguments based on man's philosophies rather than God's pure word.
Our responsibility is to discover God's will and follow it in our lives. When we do so, we begin a journey to spiritual maturity that increases as we become more like Jesus.