<Titus - Intro>

The Just Shall Live By Faith

Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

The letter to Titus; along with the letters to Timothy are often referred to as evangelistic letters. Paul would address his two trusted fellow soldiers in Christ chiefly regarding matters of internal church order. The major points of these letters are very closely related and may bear a close and familiar resemblance. Throughout this study, we may often reference the similarities.

Author: Paul is imaged as an “Apostle” to the Gentiles ( I Timothy 2:7 ), as well as a spiritual father to both Timothy and Titus ( I Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4 ).

After his release from prison in Rome ( Acts 28:30 ); he would take and leave Titus on the Isle of Crete with a specific intent and mission, “ to set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city ”.

From Crete , Paul would go on into Asia Minor (where he would leave Timothy in Ephesus with a similar charge, I Timothy 1:3 ), Macedonia , Corinth , and finally on to Nocopolis where he calls for Titus to join him ( 3:12 ).

Titus: Titus was a Gentile, who is first mentioned as one of the company of men who went with Paul to Jerusalem to discuss the issue of circumcision ( Acts 15:2; Galatians 2:1-3 ). Titus was most notably associated prior to this with his work on behalf of the Christians in Corinth (He delivered the two letters of Paul to them as well as staying and assisting them to repentance, II Corinthians 8:2-16 ).

Although Titus is referenced by Paul in a similar way as Timothy (a loyal child in a common faith), his profile is of a mature minister and evangelist. Paul left Titus behind in Crete to put in order what remained to be done and appoint elders in every city. In addition Titus would receive from Paul various directives on church order and controversy. Paul would instruct Titus that he must be a pattern and model of good works, integrity, gravity, and sound speech ( 2:7 ). He is to exhort and reprove with all authority and is not to let anyone look down on him ( 2:15 ).

Throughout this letter Titus appears in the mind of Paul as a faithful and capable minister, who can be trusted to receive orders and execute them without pampering.

Crete : It is an island in the Mediterranean Sea that forms a natural bridge between Europe and Asia Minor . It is about 156 miles long and about 30 miles wide. Even though it has a favorable geographic position in this world, because of internal strife among its own populace, it never achieved any notoriety.

It is this internal strife and what seems to be a very low moral fabric among the Island 's inhabitants that seem to have the churches here, still at this time, lacking! There were Cretans present on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem for the first Gospel sermon ( Acts 2:11 ), so many of them would have been Jews. As the Gospel was projected outward from the Jews to include the Gentiles and as they became members of the Lord's body, strife broke out between the Jew and Gentile members as it did in many other places ( 1:10-16 ).

However, because of the character flaws of the Gentiles, the Jews were particularly harsh towards them, and thus disqualifying themselves as true servants of God in the process. This divisive nature as well as a low moral fabric would create a difficult work for Titus. However, there is no indication in the language of Paul that it is beyond him to accomplish through the power of the Gospel.

Purpose: The purpose of the letter is two fold as we have already mentioned:

The first is given for the purpose of establishing the proper order in the churches according to the direction of the word of God, to include the placement of elders.

The second is given for the maintenance of this proper order, and to defuse those who would undermine and attempt to divide the unity being established.

Additional Points of Interest: In addition to the intended purpose of the letter and the reason for Titus being among these brethren; there are some additional important images and lessons that cannot be underscored:

In both the letters to Timothy as well as this letter to Titus the power, splendor, and glory of God illustrated in the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ; is spoken of in great doxological language, note:

1 Timothy 1:17 “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever.” Amen.

Titus 2:13-14 “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 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.”

This great image of the power of God revealed in Christ Jesus was to be a motivating factor in their desire to be zealous, and productive in good works as revealed by the Spirit of God in the word. In addition the very revelation of Christ Jesus in the flesh was to be a pattern to these Christians of their walk in this life until His glorious return, note:

1 Timothy 3:15-16 “but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.”

The listing of virtues and vices is also a significant feature of Titus. Behavioral concerns are at the fore front in the setting in order the household of God; whether it be for the elders or overseers ( 1:5-9 ), older men or women ( 2:2-3 ), younger men and women ( 2:4-6 ), slaves ( 2:9-10 ), or of the Cretans themselves ( 1:13 ). It is projected through the teaching of Paul that the reinforcement of both scriptural virtues and scriptural order ( 1:5 ), would serve as a protective hedge against destructive false teachers and temptation from the worldly lusts that threaten these brethren.

The letter to Titus comes at a point in the history of the church in which spiritual gifts are receding and giving place to the written word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete , thoroughly equipped for every good work .”

It had been the intent all along (since the church came before the written word ) that the spiritual gifts given to the early church would recede towards something better, note:

1 Corinthians 13:10 “But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

It was through this inspired word of God, that His grace that brings salvation has appeared to all men , and is now teaching us the virtues and works for a sound and special (set apart) people, note: Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 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.”

Life within the household of God carries its own tensions and subversive threats from adversaries, and virtually all of it centered on words. Some are led away by myths, endless genealogies, speculations, and old wives tales ( Titus 1:10 -16; 3:9; I Timothy 1:4; 4:7 ).

The crux of the conflict is words! Words that compose the sound teachings of the word of God and the words that foster controversy and error. The latter, was what the elders that were appointed as oversight must stop! They would only be able to accomplish this via the ability to hold fast the faithful word, and by that sound doctrine to exhort, and convict those who would contradict ( 1:9 ).

Conclusion: In this short letter there is much to learn! It is vital after studying the importance of the church as directed in the letter to the Ephesians (in establishment, order, and work), that we see the need to always maintain within the body of Christ the things that may be lacking. The tools given within this short letter are alive and useful to this very day in restoring any congregation of God's people to His designed order and work.