Titus Introduction

Paul & Titus

A Close & Tested Partnership

2 Corinthians 2:12–13 ESV

When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 7:5–8 ESV

For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while.

2 Corinthians 7:13–14 ESV

Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.

2 Corinthians 8:6 ESV

Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.

2 Corinthians 8:16 ESV

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.

2 Corinthians 8:23 ESV

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:14–18 ESV

Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

The gospel ministry was the substance of Paul and Titus’ partnership.

The fruit of the gospel ministry was the substance of Paul & Titus’ encouragement in times of difficulty and suffering.

Paul entrusted Titus with several difficult ministry assignments.

Galatians 2:1–3 ESV

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.

That Titus, a Greek, remained uncircumcised to demonstrate that the criteria by which the legitimacy of a profession of faith in Christ is to be assessed does not include circumcision.

Paul and Titus’ refusal for Titus to be circumcised was groundbreaking, in that it served as a test case for the gospel as it related to the Gentile community.

Titus 1:4 ESV

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

It appears that Paul was used by God to bring him to faith in Christ.

Paul’s expression of fatherly nurture describes the familial dynamic that exists within the body of Christ.

Righteous Teachers & Right Teaching

Titus 1:10 ESV

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.

The circumcision party were those who taught and believed that Jesus was the Messiah but also require that the Jewish laws be observed, including circumcision in order to be right with God.

Paul was concerned that Titus would:

Titus 1:5 (ESV)

… put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

“put what remained in order” comes from the greek term ortho which means to make straight that which is broken or crooked. Again, this direction centered on the need for right leadership.

The righteous teacher’s office

Titus 1:6–9 ESV

if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

elders are to be exemplary in character

elders must be able to teach the word of God to others

churches should be lead by a plurality of elders

The righteous teacher’s students

Titus 1:10–16 ESV

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, 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 devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Clearly there were people in the churches of Crete that were problematic. Error was taught and this error was evident in the people’s living:

insubordinate

empty talkers

deceivers

teaching for shameful gain

deniers of God

detestable

disobedient

unfit for any good work

Paul instructs Titus to respond to the problem of false teaching by rebuking the false teachers. The purpose of the rebuke is to expose the error and to call the teachers to repentance.

Titus 3:9–11 ESV

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

The stakes are high when it comes to the teaching ministry of the church. When false teaching is not properly handled, the consequences for the church’s unity and stability can be devastating.

The righteous teacher’s method

Titus 2:1 ESV

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Paul’s exhortation is connected to the idea of being free from disease. The word “sound” is where we get our word hygiene.

Sound motives: we should expect our elders (pastors) to do their work because of their commitment to Christ and His church and not for personal gain (financial, prestige etc.)

Sound manner: an elder’s teaching should be serious

Whatever you do, let the people see that you are in good earnest… you cannot break men’s hearts by jesting with them. (Richard Baxter, “The Reformed Pastor”)

Righteous Hope

Titus 2:11–14 ESV

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Past grace: the grace of God has appeared bring salvation for all people...... who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession

Present Grace: training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled lives in the present age.... who are zealous for good works

Future Grace: waiting for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ