SOULJournal

Titus 3

Paul tells us that those of us who have experienced and understand God's grace will demonstrate a lifestyle of godly living.  In our reading today he gives us examples of this behavior in our role as citizens.

Paul listed seven qualities expected of Christian citizens: 

1. to be subject to rulers and authorities; 
2. to be obedient 
3. to be ready to do whatever is good 
4. to slander no one
5. to be peaceable 
6. considerate
7. to show true humility toward all men. 

 A Christian citizen should be an influence for good in the community, demonstrating the loveliness of Christ to all through courteous and gracious behavior.  

 

Titus 2

Paul tells Titus that an elder must be blameless and then repeats this in verse 6. The reason this quality is so important is that an overseer serves as a steward of God. Damage to a church leader’s reputation is damage to God’s reputation. He also says that leaders in the church should be people who have their household in order, carrying the understanding of not just discipline in the household but having a positive spiritual influence as well.  Leaders in God’s household should not be overbearing (arrogant and self-willed, not easily angered and flying off the handle, not given to much wine and certainly not pursuing dishonest gain.  Men of integrity who are hospitable, holy and disciplined.  Leaders in the church should be people who are knowledgeable about what we believe and able to teach it and defend the Word of God as well.  Wow, being a leader in the church is something that should not be entered into lightly.

 

Titus

Titus was a Gentile convert (Gal. 2:3) who had served and traveled with the Apostle Paul (Gal. 2:1-3). Titus had also functioned as a faithful emissary to the troubled church in Corinth (2 Cor 7:6-7; 8:6, 16).

In approximately a.d. 63-64, sometime after they left Timothy behind in Ephesus, Paul and Titus traveled on to Crete. After a brief visit Paul then left Titus behind to help provide leadership for the Cretan churches (Titus 1:5). Subsequently the apostle wrote this epistle and had it delivered to Titus. The exact time and place of writing is unknown.

The purpose of the epistle to Titus was to instruct him about what he should do and teach in the Cretan churches. A special theme of the letter is the role of grace in promoting good works among God’s people (Titus 2:11-3:8).

Paul hoped to join Titus again in Nicopolis for the winter (3:12), but there is no way of knowing whether that meeting ever took place. Titus was last mentioned by Paul (2 Tim. 4:10) as having gone to Dalmatia (Yugoslavia). Tradition has it that Titus later returned to Crete and there served out the rest of his life.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary

 

Titus 3

Shaun McLaughlin

Titus 3:1-2:  Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do what is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peacable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

 Titus 3:4-5: But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

 Titus 3:9:  But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

 Titus 3:14:  Our people must devote themselves to doing what is good.

 

The first two verses in this chapter are a reminded of where we live and where our place is in this world. We are not God(aint that the truth!!!) but we are here on earth and we have to follow not only the rules that God himself laid out for us, but also the rules that the world has to live by. Even if we do not like the authority figures put in charge of us, we still must abide by the guidelines that they set out.

In verse 3 it talks about how everyone was foolish and disobedient at some point in their lives. But we of course are saved by the grace  of God. No matter what we as humans have done in the past, God is going to forgive us. But we aren't forgiven for praying for four hours straight, or by raising our hands in worship, or even reading our bibles. We could be the greatest Christian on the face of the earth, but without the grace and mercy of God, we are nothing. Yet again, we are given a guide book directly from God through Paul, that tells us how to live our lives. We need to stay away from fools and foolish controversies, and obey the law and do not fight it because getting into fights about it is useless.

God wants us to devote ourselves to doing what is good.   

Titus 2

Terry Gier

vs 11  "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  and we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.  We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God."
vs 15  "You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them.  You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don't let anyone disregard what you say."

God has instructed us on how we must live our lives, and what our actions and thoughts should be.  He encourages us to continue on the path of righteousness, not only so that we are not diverted, but so that we can truly be set apart.  As God followers we are watched by many, they look to see if we are truly living by God's word or are we living with a foot in the world.  Especially in this time in life, the uncertainty of our economy, and the chaos in our world, we are to remain faithful and trusting that we are provided for.  It is our calling. 

I am reminded that our family at DSC is one of the greatest blessings and support systems that God could have bestowed upon us.  We are encouragers, listeners, and prayer warriors.  These readings of Titus bring to mind the teachings of our GROW discipleship.  God is preparing us, equipping us with his Word. 

Titus 1

Tina Kudelka

Titus 1:1

This is a letter from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.

 

In the very first verse of the first chapter of Titus Paul sets the tone. This is it. This is what our life is all about. What God intends my life to be as a Christian...a slave to God.

 

I have been the recipient of God's grace. I have personally experienced his love and redemption. I know "the truth"...Jesus Christ and him crucified...for me and my sins.

 

I owe a debt I can never repay...and so..I too am sent. Just as Paul was and just as we all are.

Sent into this world as an example of Christ's transforming love. To live an upright life for all to see. To be strong and steadfast in my faith. To love all that is good.

I am sent to be an encouragement, to bring hope to those God has already chosen to know "The Truth".

 

The Truth...the wonderful truth about Jesus. His Gift of love...His sacrifice--and as my life conforms more and more to Jesus, others may see God at work in my life.

So that they may know "the truth", become a slave to God and be transformed.

Then they too will be sent to bring faith to others.