Today’s reading: Introduction to Titus, Psalm 2
Although the book of Titus comes chronologically after 2 Timothy in our Bible, it was probably written about the same time as 1 Timothy. Like Timothy, Titus had been a traveling companion of Paul, and someone whom Paul had been developing into a church leader. At the time Paul wrote this letter, Titus had been given responsibility for overseeing the churches that had been planted on the island of Crete. The book includes four primary instructional themes to guide his leadership. These themes are timeless. They are applicable for 21st century Christ-followers as much as they were for those in the first century. Will you watch for them as we read this short book together?
Qualities for Leaders (Titus 1:6-9) – One of Titus’ responsibilities was to appoint leaders for the Crete churches. This section of scripture reminds us that a person’s conduct outside the church should reveal their fitness for service inside the church. A leader of God’s people must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:8-9).
Character of Christ-followers (Titus 2) – Christ-followers in various age groups have different experiences and different needs. While each group has a different role to play in the church, all are expected to live upright, self-controlled and godly lives. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…(Titus 2:11-12).
Citizenship (Titus 3:1-2) – Christ-followers are to be good citizens, obeying government leaders, and working honestly. Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:1-2).
A good life (Titus 3:4-8) – We are saved by the grace of God, not because of the good things we’ve done. While good deeds won’t earn salvation, our gratefulness for God’s grace should compel us to serve others. This 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 (Titus 3:8).
You may not aspire or be called to church leadership. But let Paul’s teaching to Titus be a guide for your life…these things are excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8).