Titus for Beginners

Answers will vary but look for responses that confirm the truthfulness of Scripture and the need to be faithful to the entire content of God's word, the Bible. Be aware that sometimes what we consider "sound" may be based on our preferences, likes and dislikes, or how we were taught. Any teaching that weakens the saving power of God's grace, doubts the Diety of Jesus Christ, and deviates from God's plan for our salvation are common examples of unsound teaching.

To Titus – Speak things fitting for sound doctrine. As an evangelist, Titus must begin by ensuring that his teachings comply with God's truth. (See also verses 7-8).

Older men – Their influence continues by the growth of their Christian character and faithful teaching God's word.

Older women – Their influence also continues through the growth of their character in Christ and is seen in their devotion to family and the training of younger women.

Married women – Devotion to their family and role as a wife. They exemplify purity, humility, and industry.

Young men – Sensible and not ruled by emotions.

Slaves – Remember that much of the culture of Paul's time included a large population of slaves and indentured servants. Although we do not have a slave culture today, we must still be aware of our example in our work environment. We work honestly regardless of our position, and in doing so, bring glory to God.

Note: These are not necessarily doctrinal issues, however, they support the "setting in order" element of Paul's instruction to Titus. This provides a foundation and opportunity for the further teaching sound doctrine.

Many of us are visual learners preferring to see an illustration or physical example of a concept. Patterns help us understand complex concepts. By observing these examples of spiritual maturity, we can better understand God's will and thus map out a pathway for ourselves to follow.

• The appearance of God's grace (Titus 2:11; Romans 16:25) – This is the appearance of the gospel as prophesied and proclaimed by Jesus and the apostles. It includes the truth about life, sin, death, salvation, man, creation and God's rule over it all. Scripture reveals all of this to us today.
• The instruction of God's grace (Titus 2:12) – Grace reveals the person and nature of God and instructs us concerning our lives as Christians (citizens in God's Kingdom). Our teaching must reflect what we learn about and the result of grace (Philippians 3:14-15).
• The expectation of grace (Titus 2:13; I Thessalonians 4:14) – We teach the truth of hope to a world without hope. The gospel offers us hope through God's grace (See I Corinthians 15:3-11; Ephesians 2:8-9).

• The purpose of God's grace (Titus 2:14) – The realization that God, because of His grace, saves us from being destroyed in hell. He restores us as His holy people with whom He can have a relationship. We further bless others with His kindness by revealing to them the gospel of salvation. This is God's way of blessing the world through salvation by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
• The authority of God's grace (Titus 2:15) – Paul provides Titus with the pattern of God's grace which is superior to every other religion or philosophy invented by man. We are commissioned to preach the "Good News" of salvation through God's grace. We must teach this without fear or apology.

• Sound Christians are model citizens (Titus 3:1-2) – We are to be subject to the rulers and laws of our land. In doing so we bring glory to God. (See also Romans 13; I Peter 2:13).
• Sound Christians are highly motivated to live righteously (Titus 3:3-8) – We do not repeat the sins of our past, we draw strength through our salvation, we gain positive reinforcement and encourage others through our actions.
• Sound Christians reject unsound teaching (Titus 3:9-11) – We are not afraid to point out and reject those who teach unsound doctrine. We must identify the real issue being taught (man's sinfulness and God's gracious offer of forgiveness) and not be confused by various theological issues or the religious teachings of men.

This shows the personal nature of Paul's relationship with his fellow believers, especially Titus. It also gives us insight into the challenges he and other early Christians faced. In doing so, we realize the unchanging nature of these issues and how to overcome them, and grow spiritually as we strive to remain faithful.

• Sound teaching and doctrine produce sound churches. Many problems faced by congregations of our Lord's church today flow from weak or nonexistent leadership, an unhealthy inward focus rather than the teaching of God's grace, and allowing the teaching of unsound doctrine. We must learn and follow God's word and encourage our leadership and teachers to hold true to God's word.
• Sound doctrine is measured by God's grace. We must not contradict God's word by our words or deeds. We must focus on knowing and experiencing God's grace in our interactions with one another, and remain committed to obedient faithfulness to Jesus Christ, His teachings, and the teachings of the apostles.

We give God the glory for His love and grace that give us the hope of an eternity in His presence.