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Titus

A Daily Bible Study in 7-Day Sections with a Summary-Commentary, Discussion Questions, and Daily Application

Book Introduction

The prior Section

Sunday (Titus 1:1-4)

Salutation

1:1 From Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness,

1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began.

1:3 But now in his own time he has made his message evident through the preaching I was entrusted with according to the command of God our Savior.

1:4 To Titus, my genuine son in a common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior!

Prayer

Lord, Your promise of eternal life makes every genuine believer 'family', here on earth and forever. May I love and pray for family in Christ.

Summary & Commentary

Paul’s salutation to Titus included three notable elements; that his own calling was “... to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of truth that is in keeping with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began”, that God “has made his message evident through the preaching”, and that Titus is “... my genuine son in a common faith”.

In using a phrase that may be loosely-translated “chosen ones” he was not promoting fatalistic predestination, sometimes referred to as double-predestination. Paul used this phrase interchangeably with “elect” and in most cases the the text clarifies that one is “chosen” or becomes “the elect” after responding to the invitation of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament texts are replete with stories of the intersection of the Gospel and individuals, some of who choose rightly, some of whom do not. The offer would not be made disingenuously, so the freedom to choose or to refuse must be equally legitimate.

The text then moves on to explain that based upon ones “hope of eternal life” [hope is in the Lord God who cannot fail] one is then furthered in their faith “... and the knowledge of truth” so as to enhance their godliness through preaching.

Paul concludes his salutation with the profound assertion that Titus is his “genuine son” because of their “common faith”.

Interaction

Consider

Paul’s affection for and trust in Titus is strong, based on a common salvation, and on a clear mission for which he has prepared him.

Discuss

When you read the text do you understand Paul to say that preaching is for evangelism, discipleship, or both?

Reflect

The promise of eternal life was made “... before the ages began”.

Share

When have you experienced preaching that moved you toward a greater commitment to godliness as it built-up your knowledge of the Lord God?

Faith in Action

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a preacher or teacher for whom He wants you to pray.

Action:

Today I will pray for a preacher or teacher who is faithful to the Word and an encourager of other leaders.

Be Specific ______________________________________________________

Monday (Titus 1:5-16)

Titus’ Task on Crete

1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was to set in order the remaining matters and to appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.

1:7 For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work, not arrogant, not prone to anger, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain.

1:8 Instead he must be hospitable, devoted to what is good, sensible, upright, devout, and self-controlled.

1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.

1:10 For there are many rebellious people, idle talkers, and deceivers, especially those with Jewish connections,

1:11 who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught.

1:12 A certain one of them, in fact, one of their own prophets, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

1:13 Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith

1:14 and not pay attention to Jewish myths and commands of people who reject the truth.

1:15 All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

1:16 They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.

Prayer

Lord, You instructed Paul to appointed “elders” as spiritual leaders, and Paul delegated that to Timothy and Titus and others – with careful instructions as to how to discern those who were appropriate for that role. When entrusted with leadership may I apply Paul's evaluation wisely, adding nothing, and deleting nothing.

Summary & Commentary

Paul reminded Titus “The reason I left you in Crete was to set in order the remaining matters and to appoint elders in every town”, he then reviews the qualifications for an elder:

“An elder must be blameless” [Not readily charged with a genuine offense, more blameless than most.]

“... the husband of one wife” [As noted in Timothy this is about non-polygamous, nothing else is required by the text.]

“... with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion” [dissipation - unruly, drunken]

“... not arrogant”

“... not prone to anger”

“... not a drunkard”

“... not violent”

“... not greedy for gain”

“... must be hospitable”

“... devoted to what is good”

“... devoted to what is ... sensible”

“... devoted to what is ... upright”

“... devoted to what is ... devout”

“... devoted to what is ... self-controlled”

“... hold firmly to what has been taught”

“... give exhortation”

“... correct those who speak against it”

Paul reminded Titus that “there are many rebellious people ... rebuke them sharply”

He added “All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure”

Paul concluded “They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.”

Interaction

Consider

The negative attributes Paul shared with Titus about an elder “... not arrogant”, “... not prone to anger”, “... not a drunkard”, “... not violent”, “... not greedy for gain” are also to be avoided by you, and the “elders” in your fellowship, how are you doing with these?

Discuss

What are some ways that you might do a better job living up to Paul’s list of attributes:

“An elder must be blameless” [Not readily charged with a genuine offense, more blameless than most.]

“... the husband of one wife” [As noted in Timothy this is about non-polygamous, nothing else is required by the text.]

“... with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion” [dissipation - unruly, drunken]

“... must be hospitable”

“... devoted to what is good”

“... devoted to what is ... sensible”

“... devoted to what is ... upright”

“... devoted to what is ... devout”

“... devoted to what is ... self-controlled”

“... hold firmly to what has been taught”

“... give exhortation”

“... correct those who speak against it”

Reflect

Paul’s warned that “there are many rebellious people ... rebuke them sharply”, “All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure”, “They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.” Have you observed any of these things in any leaders within a fellowship? What was the result?

Share

When have you observed a practical example of an “elder” who either did or did not live up to Paul’s list of attributes? Compare and contrast their witness and their fruit.

Faith in Action

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you one of Paul's lists of attributes for an “elder” which He wants you to meet more-completely in your life. (The attributes are about righteousness and most of them are goals for every believer.)

Action:

Today I will intentionally pursue maturity in the identified attribute, even if I am not an elder, until I am more rightly living according to it.

Be Specific ______________________________________________________

Tuesday (Titus 2:1-8)

Conduct Consistent with Sound Teaching

2:1 But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.

2:2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

2:3 Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good.

2:4 In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children,

2:5 to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.

2:6 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled,

2:7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,

2:8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

Prayer

Lord, You prompt us to “... communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching”. May I be found increasingly-faithful in walking the same walk that I talk.

Summary & Commentary

The apostle Paul challenged Titus to a high-standard, not only teaching the principles of right-living with his words, but illustrating them with his life.

He instructed that older men model right-living for younger men and older women for younger women.

Paul also reminded Titus that a leader who matched his walk with his talk would leave no legitimate opportunity for critics of the faith.

Interaction

Consider

We are to “... communicate” in our lifestyle “... the behavior that goes with sound teaching”.

Discuss

How might we make older men and women in our fellowships more aware that they are role-models for the younger members?

Reflect

Nothing in this description for the men “... temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance” includes abusive, bossy, dictatorial, disrespectful, or lazy.

Share

When have you observed an older man or woman truly striving for the standard Paul described for Titus? How did that impact others?

Faith in Action

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a place in your walk that He wants to better match the talk.

Action:

Today I will ask a fellow-believer to be my accountability-partner and prayer-partner as I partner with the Holy Spirit to become more mature in my walk before Him.

Be Specific ______________________________________________________

Wednesday (Titus 2:9-15)

2:9 Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back,

2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.

2:12 It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

2:13 as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

2:14 He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good.

2:15 So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you.

Prayer

Lord, You are most concerned about our integrity - which earns us the opportunity to be witnesses to Your power in our lives – regardless of circumstances. May I not excuse wrong choices based on difficult circumstances.

Summary & Commentary

Paul did not endorse slavery, he merely addressed the right-living of one who found themselves in bondage (before or after salvation).

He argued that one must live rightly before the Lord God and therefore also before man.

Paul reminded Titus that we are to see ourselves as the saved children of the Lord God and to therefore press-away the things of the world that would dirty us.

He concluded with encouragement for Titus to speak boldly, to not fear criticism, and to promote truth and challenge falsehoods.

Interaction

Consider

The Lord God does not want careless and worldly children who are useless, or worse, as instruments to bring His Gospel to the unsaved.

Discuss

How might your fellowship, especially the leaders, improve their exhortation and pursuit of purity?

Reflect

No matter how difficult ones circumstances one always has choices.

Share

When have you observed a leader who exhorted and rebuked, walked toward purity, and refused to allow difficulties to be an excuse for careless living?

Faith in Action

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a challenging situation which may become an opportunity to be a witness for Christ.

Action:

Today I will choose to rise above my circumstances, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and be a living-witness to the Lord God in my life.

Be Specific ______________________________________________________

Thursday (Titus 3:1-7)

Conduct Toward Those Outside the Church

3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.

3:2 They must not slander anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people.

3:3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another.

3:4 But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,

3:5 he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,

3:6 whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior.

3:7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.”

Prayer

Lord, You “poured out on us … the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit”. May I be faithful to manage my conduct outside the fellowship of believers (The Church) so they might see You in me.

Summary & Commentary

Paul instructed Titus to teach believers to be appropriately law-abiding so that they might earn an opportunity to share the Gospel.

He added that believers were to be grace-filled, loving, and respectful toward all people.

Paul listed for Titus what was to be avoided:

· Foolishness

· Disobedience

· Being misled

· Being enslaved to various passions and desires

· Spending our lives in evil and envy

· Hating one another

He reminded Titus that the Lord God “... poured out on us … the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit”

Paul concluded that because humankind had no works of any value to earn any of the gift of salvation through Christ – believers were “... justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.”

Interaction

Consider

The Lord God did it all, we are asked to surrender the worthless in order to receive His gift of what is beyond any earthly measure of value.

Discuss

How might your fellowship more-effectively teach believers to be grace-filled, loving, and respectful toward all people?

Reflect

Believers are to be appropriately law-abiding so that they might earn an opportunity to share the Gospel.

Share

When have you experienced leadership that was truly grace-filled, loving, and respectful toward all people – regardless of physical appearance, gender, race, or social status?

Faith in Action

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to which of Paul's list He wants you to work on; foolishness, disobedience, being misled, being enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hating one another.

Action:

Today I will partner with/surrender to the Holy Spirit as He leads me to a more-mature walk. I will ask a fellow-believer to pray in-agreement and to be my accountability-partner.

Be Specific ______________________________________________________

Friday (Titus 3:8-11)

Summary of the Letter

3:8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.

3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty.

3:10 Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings.

3:11 You know that such a person is twisted by sin and is conscious of it himself.

Prayer

Lord, You have taught us to focus on our own walk before You and the simple story of Your Gospel, all of the rest are details. May I stay focused and not allow myself to be distracted by the less-important and miss-out on the most-important.

Summary & Commentary

Paul wanted Titus to be without doubt as to the integrity of his instructions.

His goal was to multiply the ministries of evangelism and discipleship; the latter so that believers were equipped to also multiply the ministry.

Paul warned against quibbling about minor matters, debates about genealogy, and the Law (which, for believers, was covered by Grace)

He taught that boundaries were necessary in fellowships so that “divisive” persons not disrupt and divide.

Paul explained to Titus that the divisive person knew that they were “twisted by sin”.

Interaction

Consider

Believers must be well-discipled if they are to walk rightly and be valuable instruments in the ministry of the Lord God.

Discuss

What can your fellowship do to improve focus on the most-important matters in discipleship?

Reflect

It is a strategy of the enemy to get believers arguing about the unimportant.

Share

When have you observed a fellowship dealing with a divisive person?

Faith in Action

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you “good works” for which He has prepared you through discipleship.

Action:

Today I will be intentional about the good works He has prepared and sent me to do.

Be Specific ______________________________________________________

Saturday (Titus 3:12-15)

Final Instructions and Greeting

3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

3:13 Make every effort to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; make sure they have what they need.

3:14 Here is another way that our people can learn to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful.

3:15 Everyone with me greets you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Prayer

Lord, You instruct us to take care of one-another rather than waste time unproductively. May I be alert to the needs of fellow believers and seize opportunities to assist them.

Summary & Commentary

Paul asked Titus to be a resource to other leaders and to come and visit him.

He instructed Titus to model and teach caring and support for fellow-believers

Paul explained that believers who invested time in the care and support of other believers would be less-likely to engage in “unfruitful” activities. [Earlier in the text of his letter to Titus Paul listed many of the “unfruitful” activities to be avoided.]

He concluded his letter with one request; to “Greet those who love us in the faith”, a special word for believers, and a blessing “Grace be with you all.”

Interaction

Consider

We are to care for fellow believers so that they are not without the resources necessary to continue their ministry.

Discuss

What can your fellowship do to make certain that no believer goes without necessities and those doing extra for the Lord also well-supported?

Reflect

When believers are not about the Lord’s work they tend to drift into the things of the world.

Share

When have you been part of meeting the needs of a fellow-believer or supported a special ministry?

Faith in Action

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a place where you have drifted into unfruitful activities.

Action:

Today I will purge the unfruitful activities from my life and rather than leave a vacuum I will fill that space with ministry His name.

Be Specific ______________________________________________________

All Bible text is from the NET unless otherwise indicated - http://bible.org

Note 1: These Studies often rely upon the guidance of the NET Translators from their associated notes. Careful attention has been given to cite that source where it has been quoted directly or closely paraphrased. Feedback is encouraged where credit has not been sufficiently assigned.

Note 2: When NET text is quoted in commentary and discussion all pronouns referring to God are capitalized, though they are lower-case in the original NET text.

Commentary text is from David M. Colburn, D.Min. unless otherwise noted.

Copyright © 2012 by David M. Colburn. This is a BibleSeven Study –“Titus” – prepared by David M. Colburn and edited for bible.org in April of 2012. This text may be used for non-profit educational purposes only, with credit; all other usage requires prior written consent of the author.

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