The Zone Gathering

The book of Titus commonly is referred to as one of the “pastoral epistles” of Paul (the others being 1 and 2 Timothy). These letters are so-called because they were addressed to Titus and Timothy, left by Paul to preside in their respective churches during his absence. The “pastoral epistles” contain instructions on appointing leaders in the church and guarding against prevailing corruption.

Paul wrote the book during his fourth missionary tour, some time between his two Roman imprisonments. The book is estimated to have been written some time between A.D. 62 and A.D. 66. After he was released from his first imprisonment in Rome, Paul sailed from Rome into Asia Minor, passing Crete along the way. He left Titus at Crete and appointed him to continue establishing churches there (1:5). There was an acute need for the gospel in Crete, an island characterized by a godless lifestyle.

Qualifications for Elders

Paul expressly states his purpose for writing Titus in chapter 1, saying that Titus was to “straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (1:5). Paul outlines the qualifications for a person serving as an elder. Those include being above reproach, the husband of only one wife, and having children who believe and are not rebellious (1:7). Elders are not to be self-willed, quick-tempered, addicted to wine, pugnacious (belligerent), or fond of sordid gain (1:7). They are to be hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, and self-controlled (1:8). As leaders, they are to “hold fast the faithful word” and “be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (1:9).

Paul stresses the importance of sound doctrine throughout the epistle, and it is no wonder why. Crete was an island of rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers (1:10). In fact, Paul mentions that even one of Crete’s own prophets said that “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (1:12). Ouch! The Cretans were upsetting families, teaching things they should not teach, and paying attention to myths and commands of men who turn away from truth (1:10-14). In his most strident indictment, Paul characterizes the Cretans as those who “profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed” (1:16).

As small group leaders, we may never encounter the type of situation facing Titus in Crete, but we are bound to face conflict and trouble at some point along the journey. Fortunately, Paul’s instructions to Titus in the first century remain practical for leaders in the 21st.

Godly Conduct for Various Groups in the Church

In chapter 2, Paul delineates Titus’ role with regard to various groups in the church, including older men, older women, young women, young men, and servants (2:2-10). These verses contain a list of characteristics that were to mark the lives of believers. The goal of developing these godly traits is that “they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” (2:10).

Paul then makes a doctrinal statement that gives the basis for the appeals he has just made for righteous living. God, in His grace, brings salvation to all men, “instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (2:11-13).

General Standards of Conduct for Believers

In Chapter 3, Paul moves from conduct in groups to conduct in general (3:1-11). The behavior of believers as citizens must be different from the behavior of unbelievers. He stressed that we are to be subject to rulers/authorities, obedient, and ready for every good deed (3:1). Believers are to “malign no one” and to be uncontentious and gentle, “showing every consideration for all men” (3:2).

He reminds Titus that they, too, were once foolish and disobedient, but that God made them righteous through His mercy (3:3-7). This doctrinal statement emphasizes the kindness, love and mercy of God who saves us not because of the righteous things we do, but because of His grace (3:5).

In essence, Paul makes the argument that God’s grace in the lives of His children should prompt believers to good deeds. The need for good deeds as a result of salvation (not as the way salvation is achieved) is stressed several times in Titus (1:16; 2:7; 2:14; 3:1; 3:8; 3:14). Having the qualities of elders outlined in Titus 1 and the characteristics of godly men and women listed in chapter two will serve as a good foundation on which to perform good deeds. When we are living in obedience to God and pursuing His righteousness, He will spur us to good deeds and enable us to serve others.

Food for Thought

As a leader, do I adhere to and teach sound doctrine and do good deeds?
Am I leading myself well?
Am I a leader worth following?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 15th, 2006 at 9:39 am and is filed under Bible Drills. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.