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“For the grace of God that brings Salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14 Background to the Book The Book of Titus was written by Paul from Ephesus in AD 63, after Paul was released from his first imprisonment in Rome. On his second visit to Crete he left Titus, a Greek convert, to set in order things that need sorting out. Understanding Titus Titus came from a pagan background. He accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1). He served in Corinth and was a key messenger of Paul (2 Corinthians 7:6-7). Paul had won Titus to the Lord. He was a trophy of grace to Paul, but he was also a red flag provocation to the Judaizers. Paul appointed Titus, a Gentile, as Bishop over Jews to set in order what needed to be done to deal with false teachers and replace teachers not teaching sound doctrine. Titus was commissioned to fight against false doctrines. Titus was used as a pretext for a riot in Jerusalem because he had not been circumcised. Paul steadfastly resisted all pressure by the Judaizers to have Titus circumcised. Titus was a very capable and trustworthy co-worker. He was sent to Crete, one of the most difficult of all places, a stronghold of paganism. Crete was renowned as the birthplace of Zeus on Mount Ida. Titus was a brave, resourceful, reliable man of few words, but was capable to sort things out. Titus was martyred for Christ in the arena, in the colosseum in Durres (Albania), where the Illyricans fed him to the lions. Truth and Godliness “Paul, a bondservant of God and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His Word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour to Titus, a true son in our common Faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” Titus 1:1-4. God our Saviour is repeated three times and Jesus Christ our Saviour is repeated twice. The Truth of God is emphasised as the people and Greek gods of Crete are liars. Truth and Godliness go together. Our doctrine must affect our duties. Our belief affects our behaviour. Our creed affects our conduct.
Qualifications for Church Leaders
“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you - if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful Word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” Titus 1:5-9 Faith, Conduct and Integrity We see the importance of Godly leadership in the church. It lists the righteous leadership qualifications required for an elder, bishop, or overseer. He deals with faith, conduct and integrity. Conduct in the home is where it starts and this will affect the church. As goes the family, so goes the church and the church will affect society. We need to apply the Lordship of Christ to all areas of life. We are to be salt and light, seeking to fulfil the Great Commission, teaching obedience to all things that the Lord has commanded. Family is Foundational The family is the basic building block of society. What we believe is going to affect how we behave. An Elder is to be married to one wife and bring his children up in the Lord. Martin Luther pointed out that he learned more in one year of marriage than he did in ten years in the Monastery. Blameless An Elder is to be blameless, which means he has repented and done restitution in putting things right. No one is faultless. No one is good except God alone. We are to be blameless. Not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent. (Not greedy for money seems to disqualify the name-it and claim-it prosperity cults where it seems to be all about money.) Christian leaders are to be hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded and balanced. They must be holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful Word of God. Confront Corruption Sound doctrine is essential to enable a minister of the Gospel to encourage and convict. Both our Faith and conduct work together to confront corrupt leaders, to expose false doctrine and to resist that which is against the faith. The context is overwhelming to fight against the two big enemies in Crete, the Greek Gnostics and Polytheists of pagan mythology and the Judaizers who were continually trying to drag people back into worthless circumcision, Jewish rituals and arguments about genealogy and the Sabbath. Recognise, Resist and Rebuke False Teachers “For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the Faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:10-16. This is a description of the wicked, the fruit of false teachers and of the enemies of the church. Crete was infamous for its deception. They claimed Mount Ida as the birthplace of Zeus. They subverted whole households. They were interested in dishonest gain. They were extortionists. They were defiled by what they saw and did. A good teacher is to rebuke false doctrine and to expose false teachers. Consistent Christian Character and Conduct Paul is encouraging Titus: We need consistent Christian character and conduct. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. God's Word is truth. You cannot be a good servant of God if you are not willing to be His soldier as well. You cannot teach good doctrine without exposing false doctrine. The truth is essential for Godly living. Sound doctrine should lead to good works. We are not saved by works, but we are saved unto good works. We are saved by grace alone. Doctrine Includes Duties – Belief Affects Behaviour “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things - that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” Titus 2:1-10 Our Creed Must Be Seen in our Conduct and Character This shows the importance of Godly living in the church. Christianity is not egalitarian. That it is unbiblical. Distinctions of age, from older to younger, of male and female and of class, each have specific duties. There are requirements given to employers and others given to employees. Each of us have our duties. Today many are trying to make the church a tool of politicians. We are part of the Kingdom of God. We are to be salt and light to the world. We should not allow ourselves to be polluted by the world. You cannot proclaim the love of God without proclaiming the light of God. You cannot proclaim the mercy of God without proclaiming His wrath against sin. You cannot proclaim Christ the Saviour without also proclaiming that He is the eternal Judge. We need to have Biblical balance. This starts in the home, with male and female, husband and wife, who need one another, to be balanced. Children need both a father and a mother. The Gospel includes both the severity of the wrath of God and the comfort of the Word of God. In Crete they were mixing Greek mythology and Jewish fables with Christianity. Titus was instructed to explain the truth and expose error. To root it out and expel false teachers. Make sure your people have good doctrine and good behaviour. Belief and Behaviour. Doctrine and duty must go together. Redeemed from Every Lawless Deed – Zealous for Good Works “For the grace of God that brings Salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14 Salvation, Sanctification and Service This is an excellent summary of the Gospel. Many important doctrines are emphasised. We are told to leave the old life, to live the new life, to look for the glorious return of Jesus Christ. We see God's generous grace which leads to Godliness. We are saved to serve. We have salvation, sanctification and service. Hope should lead to holiness. Sola Gracia and Solus Christus It starts with Sola Gratia, salvation is by the grace of God alone. Solus Christus, Christ alone is the Head of the Church. Salvation is through the sacrifice of Christ alone. He saved us, redeemed us and purified us. Salvation includes redemption from lawlessness. The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The Law of God is the schoolmaster that leads us to Christ that we may be justified by faith. Sanctification for Service He also redeemed us to purify us, to be set apart as His own special servants and soldiers. To work with zeal: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10. “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11. “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” 1 Corinthians 14:12. “But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always…” Galatians 4:18. “…stir up the gift of God which is in you…” 2 Timothy 1:6. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19. “…Levites were more diligent in sanctifying themselves than the priests.” 2 Chronicles 29:34. “Thy zeal has consumed Me…” Psalm 119:139. “…His Word was in my heart like a burning fire…” Jeremiah 20:9. “…Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” John 2:17. “For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you…” Colossians 4:13. “…being fervent in spirit…” Acts 18:25. “…clad with zeal as a cloak.” Isaiah 59:17. “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” John 4:34. My Utmost for His Highest Christians are meant to produce excellent work. The Lord deserves the best. He deserves nothing less than wholeheartedness. In Revelation 3, we read that lukewarm Christians make God sick! The Lord wants either hot or cold, but not lukewarm. The Lord requires us to be zealous, enthusiastic and wholehearted. Rebuke with Authority “Speak these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” Titus 2:15. This is one of the first lessons taught to any good leader. You must not let anyone despise you. How can you do your work if people do not respect the authority you represent? It is important to teach obedience and respect for parents and respect for elders. Children should not be punished for making mistakes. They need to be punished for bad attitudes! Titus is going to Crete. Cretans despise authority. Paul gives this final instruction after laying out practical discipleship and the importance of Godly living in the church. If challenged, fight back. When it comes to teaching against false teachers, people’s eternal souls are at stake. You must be ready to fight and rebuke. Not many of us should be teachers. Teachers will be judged with greater strictness. To whom much is given, much is required. To whom much more is given, much more will be required. This emphasises the importance of Godly witness to the world. It involves social obligations. We need Holy Spirit empowered faithfulness to transform all of life. Prepared to Instruct and Correct “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:1-7 Humble and Teachable We must be ready for every good work. Be prepared to rebuke and instruct. We must be patient and humble. Sola Gratia! Salvation is by the grace of God alone. There is no room for pride. We did not choose God, He chose us. We did not find God, God found us. This will keep us humble. Anything good in us is by God's grace. Anything wrong in us is our fault. This verse emphasises the Deity of Christ. Be Careful to Maintain Good Works “This is a faithful saying and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” Titus 3:8. We are to be careful to maintain good works. Do not waste time arguing about things that are not important. We need to focus on what is Biblical, relevant and edifying and what is actually going to extend the Kingdom of God. Our priority is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Love our neighbour as ourselves. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Make disciples of all nations, teach obedience to all things that God has commanded. Reject Divisive Individuals “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:9-11. False teachers are almost always hypocrites. They tend to condemn things in others that they are happy to excuse in themselves. The divisive have double standards. It is good to receive constructive criticism from a friend trying to help you to be better and succeed. Destructive criticism comes from an enemy who wants you to fail. We must live out our faith in the home, in the church and in the workplace/battlefield. Take Initiative, Be Diligent and Productive “When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:12-14. When Titus’ replacements come to him, he must come back to Paul. In the meantime, Paul gives him instructions and says he must use the resources they have. Take initiative, work hard and be productive. The Lord made us to be fruitful. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My Name He may give you.” John 15:16; “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10; “being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:11; “…I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” Philippians 4:17; “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10. The fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 Summary Descriptions of the wicked in Titus: defiled in mind and conscience, unbelieving, liars, lazy gluttons, giving heed to Jewish fables, they profess to know God but in their works they deny Him. They are abominable, disobedient, disqualified, pilfering, slanderers, greedy, living in sin and malice, envy, hateful, divisive and warped. Descriptions of those people who are disqualified for church leadership: those who are self-willed, quick tempered, drunkards, violent, greedy, insubordinate, idle talkers, deceivers, subverters, liars, lazy and gluttons. Descriptions of leaders: character and integrity, blameless, faithful husbands and fathers, faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them, holding fast to good doctrine, hospitable, a lover of good, sober minded, just, holy, self-controlled, able to exhort, teach and rebuke, convincing those who contradict. Specific requirements to men: to be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, love and patience. Specific requirements to women: to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, discreet, chaste, homemakers, lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children, good and obedient. Specific requirements to young men: be sober minded, maintain a pattern of good works, in doctrine show integrity, reverence, incorruptibility and sound speech. Specific requirements to servants: be faithful in all things, not pilfering, be obedient and respectful. Organisation, Offenders, Operation and Obedience We have doctrines and duties which must be done with dedication and discipline. Qualified leaders of integrity and diligence are needed to confront and counter false teachers. Unity in the Faith “All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the Faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.” Titus 3:15. In the final greeting, we are reminded to be united with those in the Faith. Dr. Peter Hammond Livingstone Fellowship P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725 Cape Town South Africa Tel: 021-689-4480 Email: [email protected] Website: www.livingstonefellowship.co.za
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