Titus Introduction: SV
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Intro- Tomb of the unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Holds the body of an unidentified soldier killed in WW1 the Monument reads- “Here rests in honored Glory an American Soldier known but to God”
David Roper in his commentary on states- Titus, in many respects is an unknown soldier of the cross. We don’t know a lot about him, but what we do know, is pretty impressive.
What do we know about Titus?
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3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.
He was a Greek.
His name has been a mystery in the sense that some wonder if he were named after the titans who ruled the earth before being dethroned by olympian Gods in Greek mythology. - The name is synonomous with “Giant”
There was also a Roman emperor named Titus.- Though he was an emperor after the book of Titus was likely written, so that is not likely his namessake.
- Paul called Titus his “Partner, and fellow worker”
- Paul called Titus his true child in the faith
The first time we read about Titus he had been in Antioch, which is where many believe the Paul taught and baptized him.
Interestingly: We know that Titus was a traveling partner with Paul
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However, we never read of Titus in the book of Acts.
Some have suggested that Luke was a relative of Titus and that Luke didn’t mention Titus simply out of humility. However, as best I can see, this is just a guess.
comparing Titus and Timothy:
2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Both of these men were likely converted by Paul, and at the very least were greatly mentored by him.
Titus was probably a little older than Timothy
6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Some have contrasted the two with the label “Timid Timothy, and Tough Titus”
Most of the time that we see Titus appear in scripture he is in the midst of tension. Do you ever feel that way?
- He is presented as a Gentile christian who had no need to be circumcised
18 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?
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 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.
Titus had been sent to Corinth to help in dealing with them… all the disfunction, division, and sin.
Setting: Titus was left in Crete by Paul.
Cretans had a reputation of their own. (Corinth had quite the reputation)- One of their own poets wrote- “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons” / V.12 states that one of their prophets wrote that cretans are always liars.
So, We find Titus, yet again, in a tense situation.
Theme/Purpose: Paul does not specifically state the purpose of why he wrote the letter, but he does state the purpose of Titus being in Crete. V.5 - “Put what remained into order, and to appoint elders in every town as I directed you”
Notice the word “and” - Appointing elders was not all that needed to be put into order, it was part of it, but it was in addition to, not the whole.
Some have suggested that the outline of the book of Titus would be
putting things in order by appointing strong leadership (ch 1)
Putting things in order by emphasizing sound doctrine (ch 2)
Putting things in order by encouraging good deeds (ch 3)
Things that stand out to me about this book:
Paul’s clear command to rebuke those who bind what God has not.
13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
Notice what paul commanded Titus to do… rebuke sharply, those who were teaching this… Brothers, I would submit that we have the same obligation… different culture, different setting. We cannot allow teaching in our congregations that is a command of man, and not of God.
Paul links faith in God with obedience.
16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
They “profess” they claim… it’s false. If they knew God, their lives would be different.
There was a different standard that Paul expected Titus to live up to.
I’m convinced that one of the greatest influencers not just in the church but in the world is a local preacher, or strong man of faith… How tragic is it when they fall?
Preachers are people… not perfect… Charles Hodge playing ping pong… He is a real person.
2:1 - “But as for you. teach what accords with sound doctrine”
clearly contrasting the false teaching of the day, Titus was called to teach sound doctrine
Sound- healthy… It is unhealthy to be out of balance. It is unhealthy to loosen what God has said, and allow what God has not… Brothers, it’s unhealthy to bind what God has not and to command what he did not… It’s what the cretans did.
7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Titus was to be continually evaluating his life, and asking… what would happen if everyone did _______ like me?
Boldness is required in faithful preaching
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Paul told Titus to declare these things with authority. He wasn’t inspired, but he heard the inspired words, he had a right to be authoritative
Bearing in mind… boldness, does not equal meanness. ()
Paul commanded Titus to avoid controversies and controversial people 3:9-11
There are some people who just like to argue… there are some who just like to argue in the church.
Instead of focusing on those things,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.