The letter to Titus is a practical guide for organizing churches and promoting godly living. Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete to establish church leadership and address behavioral issues among the believers.
The Situation on Crete
Crete had a reputation for moral laxity. Even one of their own poets said, "The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" (Titus 1:12). Into this challenging context, Titus was to establish healthy churches.
Qualified Leadership (Chapter 1)
"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city." — Titus 1:5
Elder Qualifications
Paul provides a detailed list of character requirements:
- Blameless — above reproach
- Husband of one wife — faithful in marriage
- Children that believe — well-ordered household
- Not self-willed — not arrogant
- Not soon angry — self-controlled
- Not given to wine — temperate
- Not violent — gentle
- Not greedy — content
- Hospitable — welcoming to others
- A lover of good — pursuing righteousness
- Sober and just — sensible and fair
- Holy and temperate — devoted to God
- Holding fast faithful word — doctrinally sound
Why This Matters
"Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." — Titus 1:9
Sound leadership produces sound churches. Leaders must be able to teach truth and refute error.
Sound Doctrine for All (Chapter 2)
Paul addresses specific groups within the church:
Older Men (2:2)
Be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, charity, and patience.
Older Women (2:3-4)
Live reverently, teach good things, train younger women.
Younger Women (2:4-5)
Love husbands and children, be discreet, chaste, homemakers.
Young Men (2:6)
Be sober minded.
Titus Himself (2:7-8)
Be a pattern of good works with pure doctrine.
Servants (2:9-10)
Be obedient, not answering back, not stealing, but showing all good fidelity—"that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
The Grace That Teaches
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." — Titus 2:11-12
What Grace Teaches Us:
- Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts
- Live soberly (self-controlled)
- Live righteously (toward others)
- Live godly (toward God)
Our Blessed Hope
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." — Titus 2:13
We live godly lives while anticipating Christ's return.
Why Christ Died
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." — Titus 2:14
Christ's purpose in redemption includes transforming us into people who are eager to do good.
Good Works Emphasized (Chapter 3)
Paul emphasizes good works throughout this short letter:
- "A pattern of good works" (2:7)
- "Zealous of good works" (2:14)
- "Careful to maintain good works" (3:8)
- "Learn to maintain good works" (3:14)
The Foundation for Good Works
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." — Titus 3:5
Good works don't save us—we are saved by God's mercy. But genuine salvation produces good works.
Avoiding Foolish Controversies
"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." — Titus 3:9
The church should focus on what builds up, not on pointless debates that divide.
Key Themes
Sound Doctrine Matters
Truth forms the foundation for godly living. Bad theology leads to bad behavior.
Grace Transforms
The same grace that saves also teaches us how to live.
Every Group Has Responsibilities
Men, women, young, old, leaders, servants—all are called to reflect Christ.
Good Works Adorn the Gospel
How we live either commends or contradicts our message.
Applying Titus
- Does your church have qualified, godly leadership?
- Are you living in a way appropriate to your stage of life?
- Is grace teaching you to deny ungodliness?
- Are you eager to do good works?
- Do you avoid fruitless controversies?
May the grace that saved us continue to teach us godly living!