Paul had a job to do. Having met Jesus on his way to Damascus, he was made blind by the encounter. A disciple named Ananias is given a message directly from God to go to and pray with Paul. Understandably, Ananias is quite unsettled about meeting the man who is actively persecuting and killing the early followers of Jesus face to face. But God gives Ananias a specific message: Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9: 13-16).
Later, as Paul wrote to Titus sometime between 63-65 AD. Paul had been a converted man traveling, spreading the gospel, and starting Christian communities for over 25 years. Titus is a Greek gentile that Paul had traveled with and had mentored along side of Timothy. Paul, being ever mindful of his purpose and calling, sent Titus to an island in the Aegean/Mediterranean Sea. It was a rough place. It was a Pagan place. However, it was a center of trade and travel. Paul knew that if he could start a Christian community there, the word of God would spread far and wide. Our lesson today is about what he tells Titus to do in order to build up a Christian community in the midst of riotous, treacherous, pagan nonbelievers. Paul’s teaching is as relevant today as it was to first-century believers. Study with us, as Paul shares that the right way to live among unbelievers.
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Paul begins as he usually does, with an introduction of who he is and what he believes. The island of Crete was known for many things, one of the most famous things being the Greek god Zeus was said to have been born on Crete. Cretans relished the tales of Zeus seducing mortal women and doing vicious things to test humans and punish lesser gods. The poet-philosopher Epimenides was from Crete. In fact, Paul goes so far as to reference Epimenides in part by saying, One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. (Titus 1: 12). Crete was known to be a people who were often liars, thieves, and lazy. They created and worshiped gods that behaved the same way. Paul, however, begins with faith in the God who is truth. Titus, like us, must start the right way by living and standing on faith and the truth. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6).
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Paul gives hope. Titus must keep going because eternal lives are at stake. They are familiar with liars, but Titus must introduce them to the God who cannot lie. This is not going to be an easy place to start a church. There are also Orthodox Jewish people who lived there that will tear down as quickly as Titus builds up. Paul warns Titus to stick with the truth of God. Address any deviations from the simplicity of the gospel. Do it quickly and firmly, and do not allow tales, stories, imaginations, fables, or myths to mix into the plan of salvation. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. (Titus 1:13-14).
Does God love these heathen scoundrels? Yes. Do we? Sadly, not enough. Thankfully, we are not called upon to share us with them. Then and now, we are charged like Ananias to speak the eternal plan of God, Jesus. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1: 18-21).
But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
God made a way to share His words and spread His message to ALL men. Paul calls it the foolishness of preaching. Paul reminds Titus that preaching the gospel comes through the calling of God. It is serious business yet, even today, it lacks the respect of the world around us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, preaching will draw all men to God. The messenger fails, but the message never does. Titus has a job to do.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10: 12-15).
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Paul has impressed upon Titus the importance of getting our minds set on the right course. Easy to say, not so easy to do. Our minds become torn between the right and wrong of the world, and we have emotional responses to events around us. We are prone to become the things we point out in others - greedy, discontented, selfish, and lazy (ouch!). We cannot say we know God and yet live as the world. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus1: 16). The task at hand was to motivate the Christian community on Crete, to keep their focus on God, and win others to Him by living what they profess.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
So, what things does Paul tell Titus to focus on? The same things most relevant in our day to day walk. Notice that those who learn well and live well have an obligation to teach others how to do the same. Paul calls them Elders, and they are of great help in building the church. Their actions will speak more loudly than their words. Paul gives us some qualifications - we might say today:
They are to profess that Jesus is the Son of God
They are to follow the Word of God - not add to or take from scripture for their own benefit
They are to be someone with a good reputation - people that others respect
To be faithful- not only to God but to their spouse and family, raising children in the fear and admonition of God
Not selfish or self focused - thinking of others, encouragers, helpers, willing to get involved in order to bring others out of tough places
Honest - despite the consequences, having a kind of integrity that others can see and want
Not easily angered - not ready to fight, not always fussy, mad, or pouting, but patient. Being an example of submission to God
Not given to alcohol - clear-headed and trustworthy, sober, serious about what they believe
Humble and willing to share their stories of failure to help others find their way to God.
Not always desiring money, looking for ways to get money, or taking advantage of people because of money - realizing that all good things come from God and that he is able to take care of every need.
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!
Extra Note:
It is that time of year! Summer is fading as fall approaches. Every parent sending their children away to school prays for their safety. The world we live in is a very wicked place. Can they stand faithful to the teachings they have received at home and in church? Who will have the most influence on them when it comes to the rules of life?
As Paul writes to Titus, he reminds him of things we, too, should remember when training up our families and living in this present world. God’s Word is the training manual for a bountiful, blessed life. As we prepare for every new season, let us remember how far we have already come. Rehearse God’s Words in your heart and teach them diligently to your children. They were good then, they are good now.
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