Titus

Titus chapter 1 begins telling us what position that God has placed Paul. He was placed to minister to the people of God and reveal the knowledge of truth that leads to godliness - 2 "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior." (NIV)

Titus was left in Crete to straighten out what was unfinished. His job was to appoint Elders in every town. Church leaders must have a life that will be Christlike. He is entrusted with God's work and must hold firmly to the message as it has been taught. He must be able to apply sound doctrine to encourage and refute as necessary. Here are some other qualities; 7b "he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) These are things God wants to add to each of us so that He can truly use us to spread the word and be good stewards of that gift. Paul didn't give names of those who would be appointed, rather He knew Titus would recognize them by the work they had allowed God to do in their life.

In chapter 2 we encounter what the believers are to be taught - sound doctrine. Older men; to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Older women; to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (NIV) Then He tells us to be subject to our bosses or masters so the word of God will be attractive to them.

In chapter 3 we encounter the truths about being subject to rulers, authorities and being obedient, ready to do whatever is good. We are to slander no one and to live peaceable lives. We are not to be enslaved by all kinds of passions, but to live in freedom in Christ. 3b "We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone... 14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)

We are to understand what we have been delivered from and not run back to them. He has great things to do in the lives of His people. We have seen today how God used Paul and Titus. How does He want to use you? As we apply His truths God will do more that we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (NIV)