Titus 1:1~3:15
Titus Intro, Steve Stasinos
HOLD FIRMLY TO THE TRUSTWORTHY MESSAGE
Passage: Titus 1:1~16
Key verse: 9
INTRODUCTION TO TITUS
Titus is one of three epistles known as the Pastoral epistles. It was written by Paul and addressed to Titus who was a missionary and pastored the churches in Crete. Though not mentioned in Acts, Titus is mentioned thirteen times in the New Testament. He was a Gentile convert whom Paul deliberately did not circumcise to show that faith in Jesus is sufficient for salvation (Gal 2:3). The epistle was probably written after Paul's release from his first imprisonment in Rome. In this letter, Paul addresses the need to appoint qualified elders who taught sound doctrine and refuted those who opposed it. Paul also writes of the need for a godly lifestyle among all the believers. Salvation in Jesus means saying 'No' to ungodliness and eagerly doing good. A Jesus-centered lifestyle defends the gospel from attacks and makes the gospel attractive to pagans. As we study Titus, may we remember God's grace to us and eagerly live to please God.
HOLD FIRMLY TO THE TRUSTWORTHY MESSAGE
Prayer: Lord, help me to hold firmly to your word, live according to it and encourage others by it.
One Word: Hold on to God's word
Titus is one of three epistles known as the Pastoral epistles. It was written by Paul and addressed to Titus who was a missionary and pastored the churches in Crete. Though not mentioned in Acts, Titus is mentioned thirteen times in the New Testament. He was a Gentile convert whom Paul deliberately did not circumcise to show that faith in Jesus is sufficient for salvation (Gal 2:3). The epistle was probably written after Paul's release from his first imprisonment in Rome. In this letter, Paul addresses the need to appoint qualified elders who taught sound doctrine and refuted those who opposed it. Paul also writes of the need for a godly lifestyle among all the believers. Salvation in Jesus means saying 'No' to ungodliness and eagerly doing good. A Jesus-centered lifestyle defends the gospel from attacks and makes the gospel attractive to pagans. As we study Titus, may we remember God's grace to us and eagerly live to please God.
HOLD FIRMLY TO THE TRUSTWORTHY MESSAGE
1. God's purpose for Paul (1-4)
Paul's mission was to further faith and knowledge of the truth. The truth leads to godliness in this life while we live with the hope of eternal life. God's word is truth and this is what Paul preached. Our faith rests on God who does not lie but keeps all of his promises.
2. Sound doctrine in word and deed (5-16)
The qualifications for elders were very high. They had to have godly integrity in their personal life and in their relationships with others. They also had to hold firmly to the trustworthy word of God and teach sound doctrine. A life consistent with their teaching combated lies, Jewish myths and immorality that had infiltrated the church through rebellious and corrupted people. Not all of us are elders. But all of us can hold on to God's word, live by it and encourage others with it.
Prayer: Lord, help me to hold firmly to your word, live according to it and encourage others by it.
One Word: Hold on to God's word
