Titus 1
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—
Paul uses his name first, identifying himself before the “Cretans” as sometimes many may reject God and His ultimate authority in them, yet still accept man’s council and authority among them. He then adds his point of view [a servant] and attitude in God. To this he adds his authority [Apostle], which, before the Cretans (see Titus 1:10-12), is very much needed.
Then he states something rather matter of factly, “to further the faith…” This is Paul’s simple ministry. This is our simple ministry. Does this mean Paul throws out all the doctrine. No (see Titus 1:9). But, it’s important to remember, as pastors, teachers, and leaders, that our purpose is to “further the faith of God’s elect.” That precious and revealed truth of God through the ages, even Jesus Christ, that leads to a precious cleansing of the body, mind and spirit and on to Godliness.
2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,
Hope is a surety. In our present day, hope has lost its ‘sure’ meaning, and has been moved more into a category of conjecture, maybe or might be. The assurance of eternal life is found in God’s promises, in His Word. And, all of this, all of these promises, given long before Adam named the animals.
3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
So much is found in this one verse. God works everything according His purpose (Romans 8:28). Everything has its season, everything has its time. Nothing happens without a reason, and that reason is in accordance with God’s sovereign plan. What has He brought to light at just the right time? Jesus Christ – the truth, which was promised. How has He brought it, the truth, to light? “…through the preaching entrusted to me.” God has chosen the foolish to confound the wise. God has chosen the week, the mild, and the weak to overcome the strong.
Paul, though entrusted, which seemingly requires acceptance, is under the command of God. we are all with the Word and have the opportunity to accept it or reject it. Add to that “…the command of God our Savior.”
Those last three words are significant, as they relate to us the Trinity, here showing two persons of that wonderful revelation of God in three persons. Paul states very matter of factly that Jesus, our Savior, is God.
4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Paul here leaves no gap or space or conjecture as to who is the one that is receiving his transfer of authority and responsibility. It is made very clear that Titus has come from Paul. No argument, no questions, as he calls him my true son. This signifies that ‘first generation’ student, Titus, is who he says he is. But then, Paul brings Titus, and us, up to his level [our common faith], for we are all equal in Christ, we are all children of God through adoption made possible by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. And, it should be a common faith, and it is, for it is shared among us all as we all partake of the body and blood of Christ. It is in now way common with regard to importance or unimportance, but common to all, available to all that seeks the truth found in and of Jesus Christ. [grace and peace] Paul’s often-called ‘one-two punch,’ identifies the true offering of God, grace. And, the true result, peace, that is only found through one, Jesus Christ.
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
Paul has finished his salutation and jumps right to his purpose for writing this epistle. But first [I left you], indicates a former presence of Paul in Crete, as does [what was left unfinished]. This is important, because it establishes the fact that the Cretans know Paul and his authority as an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
With that, back to Paul’s purpose, “That you might put in order what was left unfinished.” It’s very obvious to anyone in leadership, that certain things should be done early in a ministry to support the life of that ministry. Paul must not have stayed very long in Crete or these things would have been done.
In our modern, technologically-rich world, we are quick to point fingers if no organizational structure emerges from a new church group after a short period of time. Publications, computers, ease of communications, and even traditions, all ensure a quick-launch of churches and ministries. But Paul didn’t have those luxuries, and the mantle of organizing the church bodies on Crete was left up to Titus. In addition to this, he was to go from town to town and appoint elders[pastors] to minister the Word to the people. Finally, it appears that there had been some form of preparatory instruction [as I directed you] before Paul left Titus behind.
6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
After introducing the word elder, Paul now wants to ensure that the Cretans, who were given to such improprieties as written in this verse, understand the qualifications of such a position.
[blameless] An elder is to ensure [must] he is blameless, which means that any words, actions or deeds that could bring dishonor to God or himself, needs to be done away with, and a strict distance be maintained. Not only does one need to maintain his distance, but any perception of sin needs to be strictly avoided.
[faithful to his wife] If a man cannot be trusted with his own family and remain faithful in all things in his family, how can he be trusted with the shepherding of a group of believers, who, when in his presence, let down their precious guard and believe in his advice and counseling? An unfaithful man will surely lead his flock astray if he is unfaithful to his wife.
[whose children believe…wild and disobedient] Surely if a man’s children are running crazy in the church or like Eli’s sons, terrorizing the people and taking their money, sacrifices, etc., the flock of God will fall victim to any false leader that comes along and exerts his power. A tight rein on your own children will mean a healthy church as well as a respectable church. Disobedient children means ‘shaking heads’ and ‘shaking heads’ will lead to problems in the body.
7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
We would all do well to follow these rules of an elder as it will keep us from much pain and heartache.
An overseer/pastor of God’s household is in a very special position. Such a position as this can, if one at to, to get one “into the flesh.” Spiritually speaking, a pastor should be different before the flock of God, but he should not receive any special treatment from the people. He is their equal in all things, though he may receive certain other blessings from God apart from the people.
(being blameless was addressed in Titus 1:6) [Not overbearing, not quick-tempered] These are generally found in those that are trying to get their own way or on a power-trip; or the immature leader.
[not given to drunkenness] It would do everyone good to stay away from wine, etc., whereas [not violent] could be aimed at those that use fear to oversee the flock. [not pursuing dishonest gain] Finally, it goes without saying that all should avoid doing anything for dishonest gain.
8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
[Rather] Instead of following any of those previously mentioned bad habits, or doing one of those ‘nots’ found in verse seven, Paul now gives a quick list of traits that should be fostered in the elder/pastor.
[hospitable] This is aimed at removing any fear that someone may have with the leadershiop of the flock.
[upright] Is our standing upright? Meaning, are we doing what is right at all times before God and man, and not ‘bending’ to the winds of false teachers, idols, or persecution, but remaining upright in doctrine, character, and attitude?
[holy and disciplined] In Titus 1:1, Paul said “the truth that leads to godliness.” It is the truth, Jesus Christ, Who, working in us, keeps us holy and disciplined through urgings, burdens, the Word, others, and even conviction in our consciences. Submission and surrender to His leading ensures a holy life and a disciplined life.
[one who loves what is good] ‘Loving what is good,’ cannot be simulated or feigned for very long until the truth is shouted from the rooftops. ‘Loving what is good’ is an acquired trait as the Spirit of God perfects us in the sanctification process. The nominal Christian still has a way to go on this as the Spirit continues His ministry in them, while the un-believer may do things that is good, but only from a sense of morality, and not the love of God.
9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Get a good grip on the Word, Paul says, and He will be faithful and show himself true in all that you do. If you don’t have a good ‘grasp’ of the Word, it doesn’t matter how ‘trustworthy’ it is, you won’t be able to encourage others, much less refute others because the Word is not found in you.
[the trustworthy message as it has been taught] Paul was a witness of the resurrected Christ, as were many others. He is also adamant that Titus stick to that message, as all followers of Christ should. In Romans 1, Paul says that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, and that it is trustworthy. But, again, if it’s not found in us, that is the Word, how can it be brought out by the Spirit? Why must we get a good hold on the Word? Back to Titus 1:1, to echo this, “to further the faith of God’s elect,” and “to encourage others.” How? By sound doctrine, that good hold on the Word will result in teaching as it has been taught and it will stand up in the face of adversity and persecution, silencing even the strongest opposition.
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.
All shepherds/elders/pastors/leaders would do well to keep this in their minds: there are many rebellious people…People that are not simply satisfied with rebelling against, and rejecting, God. No, they seem to want to destroy the Body of Christ. A shepherd must always be on the lookout for those that have hidden agendas (i.e. power, greed). A church group meets to worship God and encourage each other, not to pass out business cards or worse, to dictate what others can or cann do.
[meaningless talk and deception] Titus 1:9 says that we are to encourage others by sound doctrine; couple with verse 10, we should guard our own tongues and teach others to do the same. Just like in Paul’s day [especially of the circumcision group], there are those that believe their traditions are the only proper way for anyone to be saved, or to approach God. Why do groups, even today, continue to contest those traditions that have little or no meaning to salvation? Why do groups, even today, still try to improve, subtract, or add to Scripture? Or, worse: “Their interpretation of a passage is the only acceptable interpretation.” Which in their reality, what they are saying is, “We’re led by the Spirit and you’re not.” Be on your guard (2 Peter 3:17), you’ve been warned.
11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach--and that for the sake of dishonest gain.
[They must be silenced] Those that rebellious and full of meaningless talk are similar to the first signs of a spreading cancer. And, the quicker they are discovered and silenced the better. The quicker the cancer is removed, the less likely other portions of the body will become infected.
Allowing a forum or position for these people to explain their heresy is tantamount to destruction. Simple minds that are leading simple households, could, if the heretical talk continues unabated, lead these same households down a path of destruction. The cancer will spread, it will not go away on its on. Their doctrine is selfish and their theology is skewed, for, as Paul says, they are only in it for the money…dishonest gain.
You may ask, “What money?” there exists within many flocks, monies in insurance, trust funds, and nest eggs, that are in danger should the wrong person be allowed by the shepherd or pastor to teach something that the shepherd or pastor either doesn’t agree with, or simply hasn’t had the time to evaluate. Better to meet and just read the Bible than have someone teach something that goes against sound doctrine just for the money.
12 Even one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith
Crete, influenced heavily by Greece, was not without its own well-know writers, poets, and philosophers. One of their own, Epimenides, had commented on the vices of these very people. And, since he and the saying were well-known, Paul urges Titus to rebuke them. Notice the adjectives he used: ‘always,’ ‘evil’, and ‘lazy.’ Indicating they were not just a liars, but always lied.
In comparing Paul’s writing to both Timothy and Titus, we see a marked difference in how both of these young pastors were instructed to proceed. Timothy is instructed to teach and admonish in meekness, while Titus is called on to be ‘sharper’ in his correction. This could be connected with their own temperaments or the class of people to whom they were ministering. Whatever the case, the Cretans’ sins were many and habitual, as was idolatry and mythical beliefs. In any case, Paul gives the reason, the same reason any pastor should have for rebuking, correcting and teaching—so that the people will be sound in the faith.
14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.
Continuing from verse 13, Paul adds further reason to his ‘so that they.’ This is a stern command, and, as we’ve said earlier, all teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness is aimed at the heart, for the good of the reproved. The motive must be easily recognizable and simple to incorporate, or the reproved will be lost to the cause of Christ. Through sound doctrine, the saints are equipped. Taking us back to Titus 1:1, Paul exhorts Titus there by telling him, “…for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.” The teaching herein (verse 14) is false teaching. Paul has urged and continues to urge Titus to use sound doctrine only. This is always a serious thing in any church where ‘first things are not first.’ In some churches, the ways of Christ are moved to the side in favor of either man-made traditions or teachings, or in favor of something easier. Sometimes it’s easier to believe a rumor or gossip rather than Christ. Sometimes the gossip or rumor embellishes or exalts men, rather than Christ. Paul is calling for Titus, and us, to re-direct the attention of the Cretans back onto what is right, and what is true.
15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
[Proverbs 15:8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright please Him.]
[Proverbs 21:2 People may think all their ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart…4 …the unplowed field of the wicked //haughty eyes/proud heart// produce sin.
Christ’s sacrifice freed us from the Law, which brought only sin (recognition of sin) and death. Christians have in the Gospel of Jesus a freedom from the legal observances and ceremonies that were once divine appointments of God. Now, these observances and ceremonies, as seen through Christ’s death on the cross, are only the unwarranted commands of men. These observances and ceremonies only turn men to Moses and to works of the flesh, rather than Jesus Christ and the truth.
[to the pure] To those that are sound in faith and are purified through the Word, even meat sacrificed to idols is fit for the table and free to be eaten. For the corrupted however, their minds are seared, much like a wound that was seared to close it, so were the minds of the Cretans (Judaizers) seared closed.
16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
These men had obviously made objections to Paul and Titus that they knew God. They had made claims to know God, and if they claimed to know God, should they be so severely reproved? Remember what Jesus said concerning similar people, people claiming to know Him. [Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.] these men, un-pure (see Titus 1:15) in their minds, claimed to know Him, yet their actions did not reflect a knowledge of Him. The works the wrought were an eyesore to Paul and to God, as their works, their actions, and their deeds actually denied Jesus Christ. Their practice was a contradiction to their profession. [Ezekiel 33:31 “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you and listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.”] Paul, unable to contain his rebuke for the Cretans, since he had just told Titus to rebuke them, burst out in a rebuke himself. Paul uses harsh words that were addressing harsh actions: Detestable—they were not worthy of being looked at; Disobedient—they were doing things against the teaching of Christ; Unfit—they were, in their corrupt thinking, incapable of doing anything good or just. Paul fixed that charge on the Cretans, and rightfully so, but we, ourselves need to remember and focus of Christ. [Philippians 1:10,11 “So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.]
2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
In the previous chapter, Paul had discussed matters concerning setting things right, and those things that might be lacking in the church. Now he turns to exhortation of Titus. All of the previous 12 verses, verses 5-16, dealt with the people, their actions, inactions, and corrupt actions. Now, Paul turns to the teaching of Titus and how he, himself, should teach and reach out to the people of Crete.
[you, however, must teach] Everything that was said previous to this was the opposite of how Titus was to teach. In the face of the ongoing UN-sound doctrine that was being propagated for dishonest gain, Titus [must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.] Again, Paul sets first things first. Without what follows in chapter two, the men and women will have no respect for each other, and much less, God. when you look at what follows you’re going to notice that Paul instructs young Titus to apply this doctrine to several sorts of people. Through this, he’s demonstrating to Titus the need for pastors/elders/ministers/teachers to reach everyone at their level, age, place or condition of life. Men and women that are bring forth sound doctrine must be particular as well as practical in their teaching and preaching. In the verses to follow we are going to see an excellent directory that is to minister to the whole body of Christ.
2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Paul continues to instruct Titus and he goes down the list. He starts first with the older men; those that Titus, as pastor of the church, should be teaching and admonishing directly.
It’s good to have older men, solid in doctrine and conduct, in the church. Those men need to be sober or temperate, or even vigilant in their conduct because they are all under scrutiny by the body of Christ. Their own wives are watching them; the younger men are looking for an example. The younger wives are watching in order to help their own husbands. Other than the pastor, these men are probably the most watched in the church because of the value that they can provide others. However, they can devalue the church if their actions, words, or deeds or suspect or not in accordance with sound doctrine [see 2:1]. As older men, they need to set an example of Holy living for everyone.
[worthy of respect] With age comes respect, but the rest of your life should also be lived ‘worthy of respect.’ People so often do things that are childish or suspect, and they are perceived as immature or derogatory.
[self-controlled] Always being out of control in anger, money, and relationship (esp. sexual misconduct), will doubtless be the ruin of any man. But if he is older, it could set a bad example for the rest of the congregation. As an example, if a young man does something wrong, many will dismiss it because of his immaturity, but if an older man does the same thing, they say, “he should have known better.”
[sound in (faith)] Again we see the word “sound.” Paul wants Titus to make sure the men have that firm ‘healthy’ foundation, for without it the house will be blown down with the winds of bad teaching.
[in faith] A man must be sound in his faith. He must be confident and comfortable in his faith, but not stagnant. He must be always moving, like a stream of water that moves along to its ultimate destination, not stopping and allowing bad doctrine or bad habits to take root in the living water. Being sound in faith, especially for teachers, ensures the young men of the church will grow in their knowledge of the Lord. Being sound in faith ensures the older men have an answer for what they believe and that answer must be biblically sound.
[in love] Any teaching, any relationship, any practice, must be mixed with love. Without love – love for God, love for the Word, love for oneself, love for others – there really isn’t any drive to care for engaging other or deeds.
[in endurance] Jesus says there will be persecution, and we must meet it with Him head on, and through the aid of the Holy Spirit, we’re able to persevere.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Teaching must begin in the home. Yet, even if it does begin in the home, if that teaching is wrong or heretical, the results could ruin a generation (or more). In these New Testament times, the children were first taught by their mothers and grandmothers, and if they are not living Christ-like lives the impact is disastrous.
[in the way they live] An excellent method of teaching is by example. Being respectful and reverent instills manners and habits that will be carried through lives and generations. Living a respectful life ensures a life without gossip. And, that slices both ways. Not only will you NOT be prone to gossip about others, but others will not gossip about you.
[addicted to much wine] any addiction is bad, but with wine, beer, (and now drugs), etc., there is a transformation in the drinker that is usually not desired by those having to live with him/her. That’s probably why it was called ‘spirits,’ as it seems to ‘put a bad spirit’ in the drinker (drunk).
[but to teach what is good.] Those that are addicted and disrespectful are naturally unable to teach what is good. Additionally, their lives can’t be an example for the younger women. They’ll eventually wind up having someone else take care of them and their decrepit bodies.
4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Again a good testimony is the beginning. The older women (Titus 2:3) have no standing before the younger women if their own lives don’t reflect Jesus Christ. No one, for that matter, is able to teach, correct, or rebuke if their own lives are clouded with unrighteousness and don’t reflect Jesus Christ. Through living out a Spirit-led and –fed life, your actions words, and deeds are a constant [urge], or spurring on to perfection. One’s life in Christ should always be so.
[to love] A good relationship begins with love. A good home begins with love. The older women, if they are gossipers and slanderers have no respect when they speak on the subject of love. They would appear as hypocrites. Following that, Paul mentions teaching them self-control, which could cover many areas in one’s life. Self-control is needed in talking, in eating, in dressing, etc. But, he adds [and pure] which could indicate there may haven no control in the younger women’s lives with regard to adultery.
[to be busy… kind… subject…] Housework in a home with children requires diligence, but it must be balanced with kindness as it’s very demanding and frustrating, as well as, at times, becoming very mundane. I believe that is why, at this point, Paul asks the older women to urge the younger women [to be kind]. Subsequently, Paul exhorts the women to teach submissiveness. Again, if the older women are not doing this themselves (as well as those things he has already mentioned), then this is indirectly talking to the older women.
[malign the Word] Any unrighteous action, word, or deed will bring embarrassment to the Christian, to the body of Christ, and to the Word of God.
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
[encourage] Titus is asked to encourage the younger men. Younger generations are always seeking easier and better ways, and are more likely to rebel than the older men. In encouragement, you don’t stand behind the group and drive them with a stick rather you’re out front leading, and as Paul says, setting the example. And, Paul stresses that the example to be typified by doing what is good. That’s in overall life, then Paul narrows it down.
[in your teaching] When you are sharing God’s Word, Paul tells Titus, you must show integrity. There can’t be any leaks, there can’t be any inconsistencies or conflicts. God never changes, His Word never changes, so, the teaching of His Word must be taught with integrity.
[seriousness] The Gospel of Jesus Christ should and must be taught with certain seriousness to reflect the dire need to accept Christ as Savior. Joking or funny stories may have a small place in general teaching, but there must remain a certain seriousness that comes straight from an eternal perspective as you share Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross.
8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
If we step back to Titus 1:16, [They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.] Our actions, words and deeds speak volumes about how much we know God. Paul has been telling Titus [7…in your teaching, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech]. These areas, as well as [2:1 …sound doctrine] must be Christ-like or he (Titus) is no better than the unbelievers Paul talks about in Titus 1:15-16. Paul is telling Titus that he must teach from his personal relationship with Christ. By teaching from a fundamental and sound knowledge of God, no one can fault you. It is the accusers that will stand condemned because their words and actions cry out hypocrisy or charlatan. They, instead, will not be able to condemn, if you follow these simple rules. A quick glance at the life of Billy Graham should be enough to convince us if we are having trouble with Titus 2:7-8. His life is a personification of these verses. He has taught simple, but sound doctrine, with integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech. His messages are clear, understandable, and his life is an example to every young believer that has recently started down the path with Jesus Christ.
[ashamed…nothing bad to say] People are waiting to discover any Christian, whether famous or not, to stumble so that they can validate or rationalize their current God-less life. Yet, by keeping to the basics, by focusing on those things that are fundamental to Christian life and teaching, then there will be [nothing bad to say about us.]
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
Earlier Paul naturally looked to the older men to minister to the younger men, teaching and setting examples. Now, in what should be masters teaching slaves what is good, he instead stresses that the slaves, who in this case are the Christians, should be teaching the masters. Life as a slave is difficult enough and much of their mind time was probably spent in thinking bad thoughts about their masters. But Paul says that is not right. They need to be submissive and try to please their masters and show that they can be fully trusted. What does that do? It makes the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Paul wants Titus to express to the Cretans that their actions, their words, and their deeds before others are what make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. And the reason for that is because it is for all men. If in our own ugly way, we present the gospel, or misrepresent the Word of God in such a way that it is unattractive to others, then we’ll be held accountable for that because it has been made available to all. We shouldn’t pick and choose who should or shouldn’t hear the Word of God. Further, the grace of God that brings salvation is the catalyst that enables us to say “No” to those things that are ungodly, or are not becoming to a Christian. The ungodliness on the island of Crete was so profuse and wide-spread, that it was probably difficult to say no for fear of ridicule or persecution. Yet, Paul exhorts Titus to teach the Cretans self-control and uprightness, and to live godly lives. He then gives the very reason why their lives need to be godly, because Christians have been set apart from the world and all of its passions as we wait the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Paul finishes this section with a final exhortation to Titus to use the authority that he has been given by God to encourage or rebuke people accordingly.
Summary: It is important for the Christian to live upright lives and to maintain their separation from the world. One major reason is the damage that we can do to the cause of the gospel. Our lack of self-control, which has been very evident in some pastors in the U.S. could be one of the reasons many are turned away from Christianity.
I read recently where a small church group in the U.S. had demonstrated at the funeral of a soldier that had been killed in Iraq. The purpose of their demonstration was to say that God is punishing the U.S. for its toleration of homosexuals by allowing so many Americans to die.
The general feeling of those attending the funeral of that young man was in opposition to God.
The simplicity of demonstrating a little self-control could have won many into the kingdom that day instead, they were all turned off and harden their hearts toward God.
3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
I’m sure none of us need to be reminded of what Paul is speaking of. In Romans he says,
(Romans 13:1-2) Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Our place and station, as well as our nationality, has been set by God, but our citizenship is in heaven. Without governors, presidents, and authorities there would be total chaos. Man cannot live peaceably without something, or some group, such as a nation, state, county, or even the city council looking out for him.
[to be ready to do whatever is good]
Paul is always prompting us to be ready.
He told us in 2 Timothy 4, to be ready to preach the word, in season and out of season and in 2 Corinthians he tells us to be ready to give. Here we need to be ready to do whatever is good. Thus, by not doing good when we have the opportunity to do so, could be called the sin of omission.
2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
[to slander no one]
Again, gossip and slander are dangerous. Short of killing someone, more can be done to hurt someone through words, than could ever be done through any other means. If one makes it his or her habit not to gossip or slander, but to cut it off such things at the root, they’ll notice a change in the people around them. It takes time, but it’s a welcome change.
[to be peaceable and considerate]
Living in peace in this terror-infested, selfish world is impossible, but that is not what Paul is saying. He is telling us to be peaceable. Though there is no peace around us, surely, through the one that transcends all understanding, there is peace within us. And, we are to balance this with consideration. This is a very rare commodity in the world. People rush through doors without bothering to hold them open. People walk right in front of you without noticing your direction or that you are even occupying the space that they are trying to walk through. It’s difficult to be considerate in these times, but think of the New Testament times when soldiers or peacekeepers really didn’t have to explain themselves for killing you. Being considerate during Paul’s time could prolong your life. Now, it just difficult to do because it’s thrown back in your face.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Paul, wants to put the Cretans at ease and does so by comparing his past life and the past life of others as being on par with the new and immature believers in Crete. If we were to re-word, we could say…”Relax. We too were exactly like you at the same point in our growth. We too had done similar things, and had similar thoughts.
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Paul reaches out to the people at just the right point. Prior to this he had been telling Titus to tell the Cretans this or that. Now, he reaches out to all of the Christians in Crete and tells them, relax. You will develop. You will grow. We too were just like you. We all have those skeletons in the closet. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…he brought us back from the brink of destruction. And, he says, we didn’t do anything, we just let the Holy Spirit cleanse and transform our lives through Jesus Christ.
8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Paul is not boasting here. He is simply emphasizing what the Holy Spirit has moved him to emphasize. He wants Titus to know that what he just said was important and every Christian on that island needs to know that. Paul doesn’t want any Christians to get lost, lose interest, or begin to backslide, so he re-emphasizes the need to devote oneself to doing what is good. Again, if one is presented with the opportunity for doing good, and doesn’t do, no matter if there is no profit for anyone, it still is a sin.
As an example, if I’m the first one to walk through a door and I notice someone behind me about five steps, it really wouldn’t be considered bad manners to let the door go and allow them to open it. Yet, I’m presented with the opportunity to do good, and if my mind recognizes that opportunity and I don’t do it, then I would, and should be under conviction because I just sinned.
Now, Paul, continues his guidance…
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
It’s easy to get into foolish controversies about minor doctrine that really doesn’t matter. It’s easy to get into foolish arguments and quarrels about, “What did Jesus really mean when He said this or that?” And Paul sets us straight – they are unprofitable for spiritual growth and useless to the Christian. Better not to get involved in them at all.
10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
What’s a divisive person? A divisive person is one that is looking to divide the people on an issue. A divisive person is disruptive, on purpose, in order to split the thinking on important decisions that need to be made in the body. Usually divisive people are also gossipers and slanderers, so there isn’t any wonder that Paul continued the point that he made in verse two, though this time from the other side.
He gives the advice that they are to receive two warnings; any more than that would be a waste of time. After the second time, we’re to free ourselves and the body of Christ from their influence.
Paul finishes his thought concerning the divisive person, saying that they are missing the point and are twisted in their thinking, and that their own words and actions will in fact condemn them.
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Paul wraps up his letter to young Titus with some quick instructions. In these instructions he still finds space to once again prompt Titus to ensure that the people understand that they must ‘learn to devote themselves to doing what good.’
