New Testament Survey: The Book of Titus “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.” (3:1)

Background Titus was written later than 1 Timothy. It is dated around A.D. Paul left Titus in Crete to carry on the work. (1:5) He wanted Titus to join him at Nicopolis. (3:12) The Situation in Crete was discouraging… Elders needed to be put in place, and careless behavior among some members needed correcting. (1:12,13)

Judaizing teachers who followed Paul were having some influence. (1:14) Paul said they must be stopped. (1:10,11) Titus had been a fellow worker with Paul for over 15 years. He was a Gentile. (Galatians 2:1-3) Titus accompanied Paul on his third journey and acted as his messenger to the church at Corinth. (2 Corinthians 7:1-16) He was to stir up the brethren to make a contribution for the Jerusalem saints. (2 Corinthians 8:6, 16-24) Background

The church was on Crete, a large island in the Mediterranean, south of the Aegean Sea. The people were reputed to be evil. (1:12,13) Paul wrote the book to offer counsel to Titus: – Qualifications of elders and deacons – Preaching the truth – Keeping the church pure – Setting a godly example – Rebuking false teachers Background

Keys to Titus Key words – “good works” (7) Key phrase – “Be ready for every good work.” Key chapter – Chapter 2 Key verses – 2:11-13 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The Letter General theme— ”things that befit sound doctrine.” (2:1) The source of sound doctrine (1:1-4) Means of furnishing sound doctrine (1:5-16) – Appointment of qualified elders (1:5-9) – Exposing and stopping false teachers (1:10-12) – Rebuking sharply (1:13) – Condemnation for turning away others (1:14,15)

General theme —”things that befit sound doctrine.” (2:1) The source of sound doctrine (1:1-4) Means of furnishing sound doctrine (1:5-16) – Professed to know God; denied him in their works (1:15,16) – Preaching sound doctrine; making proper application – Preaching “sound doctrine” and its application to all classes within the church (2:1-10) The Letter

God’s Grace Providing Salvation God had a plan for providing salvation to all men – Titus 2:13,14 “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 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.”

Titus’ Responsibility as a Gospel Preacher As a preacher, Titus had some work to accomplish… He was to set things in order. – Titus 1:5 “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.”

As a preacher, Titus had some work to accomplish… He was to speak sound doctrine. – Titus 2:1 “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” Titus’ Responsibility as a Gospel Preacher

As a preacher, Titus had some work to accomplish… Show pattern of good works – Titus 2:7,8 “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus’ Responsibility as a Gospel Preacher

As a preacher, Titus had some work to accomplish… Rebuke with authority – Titus 2:15 “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” Titus’ Responsibility as a Gospel Preacher

As a preacher, Titus had some work to accomplish… Put them in mind to obey… – Titus 3:1-3 “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.” Titus’ Responsibility as a Gospel Preacher

As a preacher, Titus had some work to accomplish… To remind them how God poured out His mercy – Titus 3:5-7 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus’ Responsibility as a Gospel Preacher

As a preacher, Titus had some work to accomplish… Maintain good works… – Titus 3:8-10 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition.” Titus’ Responsibility as a Gospel Preacher

Elements of Sound Doctrine Person of God – 2:11; 3:6 Manifestation of God’s love and grace – 2:11; 3:4 Affirmation that our salvation emanates from God – 2:10; 3:4 Salvation provided thru Christ – 2:13; 3:6

Revealed and instructed by Holy Spirit – 3:5 Godhead consists of three persons – 3:5,6 Redemption of sins made possible through Christ’s sacrifice – 2:13,14 Salvation by Christ for all mankind – 2:11 Elements of Sound Doctrine

Not by works of man’s righteousness, but by grace – 3:5 Offered by God through the Holy Spirit’s teaching of His grace – 3:5 Gospel provides sanctification – 2:12-14 Hope of Christ’s second coming and faithful promise of eternal life – 2:13; 3:7 Elements of Sound Doctrine