Grace Institute: The Pauline Epistles: Titus

Titus Survey of the New Testament: The Pauline Epistles Winter 2006

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• Titus (March 22, 2006- Part 1)

Introduction

Titus is not mentioned in Acts; the only references to him are in Paul's letters. It is known he was an uncircumcised Greek (Galatians 2:3) and that he was probably a convert of Paul's (Titus 1:4). He served as a helper of Paul's especially with respect to the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 2:23 -17, 7:5-16; 8:16 -23).

Paul had visited Crete following his Roman imprisonment and left the island with a large part of the work incomplete. Titus was left behind by Paul to set the work in order and to appoint elders. Paul wrote this letter for the following reasons:

1. To tell Titus to appoint elders
2. To have Titus encourage godly living
3. To warn about false doctrine
4. To ask Titus to come to Nicopolis

I. Salutation Titus 1:1-4

This is the only place where Paul calls himself a “servant of God.” Usually, he uses the phrase “servant of Jesus Christ.”

II. Selection of Elders Titus 1:5-9

The purpose of leaving Titus behind is clear. He is to finish up matters and appoint leadership in the church. Elders must have godly character and refute false teaching.

III. Sound Doctrine and False Teaching Titus 1:10-14

Elders must be firmly grounded in sound doctrine so that false doctrine can be confronted. One of their own prophets is a reference to Eupedmdius.

The false doctrine in Crete was legalism. Judiazers had infiltrated the church and taught that the laws of Moses must be followed.

IV. Sound Doctrine in various groups Titus 2:1-15

{Paul's emphasis is that sound doctrine produces a good testimony to others}

A. Titus 2:1-8 Age Groups

• Old men
• Old women and young women (Only place in N.T. where wives are to love husbands)
• Younger men
• Having a good testimony

B. Titus 2:9-15 Slaves

• To all men means all kinds of men v. 11
• Blessed Hope refers to the return of Christ
• Grace of God has appeared (v. 11-14 is one long sentence)
• Results of the Grace of God

Negative: teaches us to say no to ungodliness

Positive: live self-controlled lives

V. Titus 3:1-15 Living out sound doctrine in the world

A. Titus 3:1-8 In the local community

Verse 3 gives us a reason why we should be gracious to unsaved people

Holy Spirit regenerates (point in time) and renews (continues)

B. Titus 3:9-11 In the church

C. Titus 3:12-15 Conclusion