Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ » Titus Bible Study (Ready For Every Good Work)

Right Conduct In An Evil World

Brent — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:00:18 +0000

The third chapter of Titus describes the Christian conduct necessary in an evil world.

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. (NRSV)

Paul issues a reminder for the Christians in Crete. Don’t forget to be subject to the rulers and authorities. This is an important reminder. Remember, Cretans are known for their immorality. The leaders on the island would have certainly been of the same moral fiber as the island, if not worse. Further, this letter was written when Nero would have been emperor over the Roman Empire. It is not like the time then was an easier time to yield to the authorities. As much as we have immoral, godless leaders and continue to elect more immoral, godless leaders, this is nothing to the godlessness that existed on Crete and within the Empire.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Saving Grace

Brent — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:00:05 +0000

In the previous ten verses, Paul has commanded Titus to teach the things consistent with sound, healthy doctrine. This doctrine consisted of the older men being self-controlled and sound in the faith. Older women were to reflect godliness, controlling the tongue, and teaching the younger women to love their husbands, work at home, and yield to their husbands. Young men were to be models of good works and being sound in their speech. Verses 11-15 explains why these are the things we must do and teach.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, (2:11: ESV)

This is an interesting way to speak of something that cannot be seen. You cannot see the grace of God. You cannot see grace, period. It is a concept. But the apostle Paul says that the grace of God has appeared, describing the grace of God as a person. The person is bringing salvation for all people. God’s grace has appeared in the form of Jesus. Jesus came into the world bringing the grace of God. The sentence gives us a picture of arrival. The grace of God has arrived. Jesus came and he brought salvation.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Healthy Living From Sound Doctrine

Brent — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:00:40 +0000

In our last lesson we saw that Titus was left by Paul on the island of Crete to set things in order among the Christians. The first instruction given to Titus is to appoint elders in every town. Because of the evil society in Crete it was imperative for these overseers to be of high moral character. They need to be above reproach and show integrity to be able to fight against those who teach error, rescue those who were being swept away by the deceivers, and be an example to the flock. Titus commanded to get things in order by getting the Christians to act like holy people and not like Cretans. Paul commands Titus to teach the people things “consistent with sound doctrine.” Rather than acting like Cretans, the following instructions revealed what the holy people of God were to look like.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Need For Godly Leaders

Brent — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:00:11 +0000

Paul writes to Titus who has been left on the island of Crete. Verse 4 expresses the close relationship between Paul and Titus. “To Titus, my true child in a common faith.” This points to Titus being a younger man such that their relationship could be characterized as a father to his child. But Paul had sent Titus into a spiritual mess with the instructions to get things fixed and cleaned up. Paul had given Titus two important charges to keep when he left him there on the island of Crete: 1) put things in order 2) appoint elders in every city.

What was the situation in Crete? Why did things have to be “put in order?” Reading Titus 1:10-16 reveals the situation that Titus was left with to address.

10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. (Titus 1:10-13; ESV)

Titus is immersed in a world of evil. It is pretty bad when one of their own inhabitants makes a commentary on that society that they are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons.

To read more of this lesson click here.