Titus

Godly Servitude Titus' Task on Crete Godly Teaching Good Works

Godly Servitude (Titus 1) Paul considers himself a slave to God, with no rights of his own. His only wish is to serve the One who occupies the throne, to share the faith and knowledge he has been freely given in order to take many souls with him into heaven. In God's appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching of the Gospel, which helps his children fight unto the death, if necessary, in the war with sin, obedient, faithful servants, the crown of life to win. In striving for perfection, our faithfulness is clear, as we live in preparation for eternity so dear. The day of death is more important than the day of birth, for which the saint looks forward, when he leaves the bonds of earth. The truth which leads to godliness is free for all who seek with humble hearts of gratitude - the needy and the meek. Our hope is in God's promise that he prepares a place for those who serve unselfishly to the finish of the race. § Titus' Task on Crete (Titus 1) Paul had a close kinship to Titus, perhaps had converted him, and left him in charge of the work on Crete in the new church's interim. Appointing elders in every town to lead each flock of saints was a thought-provoking matter with serious constraints. An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, a man with believing children, not wild and causing strife. He must not be overbearing, quick-tempered, nor a drinker, not violent, dishonest, not a rash, unholy stinker. Rather, he must be hospitable, loving what is good, with self-control and discipline to guide the brotherhood, holding firmly to the message just as it has been taught, encouraged by sound doctrine that will not come to naught. There are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, who refuse obedience to God, yet claim they are believers. They must be silenced in the church, for ruin is their goal, leaving whole households in shambles as evil takes its toll. Rebuke them sharply so their faith will be sound and secure and they will ignore the Jewish myths that make their souls impure. With minds and consciences corrupt, their faith is growing dim. They claim to know the Savior, but by their actions deny him. § Godly Teaching (Titus 2) In contrast to false teachers, your doctrine must be sound. Teach the older men to be temperate, with their feet on solid ground. They should be worthy of respect, sensible, dignified, self-controlled, living by the truth implanted deep inside, love God with heart, mind, soul and strength, a decision of the will, enduring to the very end, all righteousness fulfill. Likewise, teach older women to be reverent and chaste, not slanderers or gossips, their precious time to waste, not be addicted to much wine, but teaching what is good. The purity of their holy lives should be well understood. Then they can train the younger women love for their families, to be self-controlled, busy at home, their husbands thus to please. Encourage young men by example, doing good works every day. Show integrity in word and deed, in all you do and say, so those who oppose you may be ashamed of maligning your upright cause. Love and concern for your fellow man should be constant, without pause. Teach slaves to be subject always to their masters in all they do, try to please them, with no back-talk, pay whatever respect is due, show that they can be fully trusted, reflecting God's own light, to make his way attractive in the unbeliever's sight. The Gospel works like yeast in dough, quietly changing hearts, that all men—slave and free alike— become like living sparks to set the world on fire for Christ, with faith to live and die by. He gave himself to redeem us, our sins to purify. His grace (the Gospel) teaches us to say "no" to our will, the worldly passions that enslave, eventually to kill. We must stay on the narrow path, bring glory to his name, for on the wide highway of self is only sin and shame. Too often Christians try to make a home of this old tent that is wearing out, will turn to dust when this short life is spent. We are strangers and pilgrims on the earth, returning soon to sod, longing for the heavenly city whose builder and ruler is God. § Good Works (Titus 3) Paul tells the young preacher, Titus, to remind those in the church to obey their public officials, the laws of the land. Be ready to do whatever is good, be considerate and humble, look for chances to hold out a helping hand. The building blocks of subjection to the teaching of God's word are built by obedience taught at home with love. Whether or not we can agree with every law of man, obedience is admonished by God above. No slander should come from a Christian, but prayers for those who rule, that all may live in harmony and peace. Remember, we were once enslaved by passions and worldly pleasure, but in Christ our foolishness and pride should cease. We lived in malice and envy, hating and being hated, but when the kindness and love of God appeared, he saved us because of his mercy through the washing of rebirth, overcoming for us the sting of death we feared. The Holy Spirit's renewal of the heart and mind and soul was poured out generously through Christ the Lord, so that, having been justified by his grace, we can hope for life eternal, as we live now by his word in one accord. Devote yourselves to doing good, of profit to everyone, avoiding foolish quarrels, causing strife. Controversies are devisive, showing a lack of faith. The attitude of Christ should rule your life. Grace, compassion, pity, love he has poured out on us, and these we are to show our fellow man. Hate, malice, envy grow like cancer, killing from within, produced by Satan any way he can. To stir up dissent among brothers is to earn the wrath of God. No fruit of the Spirit will grow in an evil heart. You must be different from the world, separate and holy. God's word will make your life a work of art. cgtrent@att.net Home