THE CHURCH AT CRETE

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TITUS

CHAPTER 1

         Greetings! Welcome back to Daily Bread as we open a letter today from Paul to Titus. Titus was chosen by Paul to organize the church in the island of Crete. If you remember the shipwreck that Paul experienced on his way to Rome, that was just after he left Crete, because those he was traveling with didn’t want to stay in Fair Havens for the winter, but wanted to sail to a different haven of Crete (against Paul’s advice of danger) and they got caught up in a tempest that took them across the Adria (part of the Mediterranean) where they shipwrecked.

         In this letter, Paul gives Titus advice of how to set things in order. He begins his letter, in his usual way of identifying himself.

         From Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to (in harmony with) the Faith of God’s chosen, and the acknowledging of the TRUTH which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began, but has in His chosen times revealed His Word through preaching, which is committed (assigned) to me, according to the commandment of God our Savior;

         To Titus, my own son (adopted) in the common Faith. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

         Let’s try something a little bit different here. Let’s say that Paul wrote this letter to you. You learned all about Jesus and salvation and the hope of the world to come, and you’ve grown close to Paul. He’s like a dad to you, and you’re like a son to him. Paul sees great potential in your Faith, and he decides that you should be assigned the island of Crete to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles there. Wow! That’s quite an honor. And quite a challenge. You’d better tear that letter open and see if Paul has any pointers on how to go about this. When you open the letter, this is what you read.

         This is the reason I left you in Crete. So that you would set things in order that are needed for the Church, and appoint elders in each city, just as I appointed you. Choose those who are blameless (above reproach, or free of faults), the husband of one wife, with faithful (obedient) children not accused of being disorderly or unruly.

         A bishop (an overseer) must be blameless, as a steward of God; not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to (ruled by) wine, no fighter, not given to (ruled by) filthy lucre (dishonest gain); but a lover of hospitality, a lover of what is good, sober, just, holy, temperate (self-controlled); standing up for the faithful Word as he has been taught, so that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to motivate and to convince the gainsayers (those who contradict).

         There are many undisciplined and vain talkers and deceivers, whose mouths must be stopped. They corrupt whole houses, teaching things that they shouldn’t, for evil profits. One of them, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies (idle gluttons). What I’m telling you is true, so rebuke them sharply, so they’ll be sound in the Faith; not listening to fables, and commandments of men, that turn away from the TRUTH.

         To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in their actions they deny him, being abominable (evil), and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate.

         Well, if you think Titus had a challenge ahead of him, what do you think it would be like in today’s world to accomplish such a task? Actually, bringing the lost sheep back to God is a task that He wants us all to undertake. Paul has just told Titus (you) what kind of people would be needed to be leaders of the Faith in the Church. In other words, Paul was telling him to assign a certain type of man as deacons and bishops.

         Next time, we’ll continue and see what else Paul says is required. Is it a challenge that you welcome with open arms? Aren’t there deceivers today, just as Paul described? I bet you can’t wait to see what Paul says next, but you’re gonna have to come back again next time to find out, right here at Daily Bread.

LIVING A CHRISTIAN LIFE

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TITUS

CHAPTER 2

         Glad you’re back! Have you been wondering what else Paul has to say in his letter to Titus? Let me remind you that we were imagining that you’re Titus or that Paul is writing this letter to you. He’s appointed you the ministry of beginning the Church in Crete and he started off by telling you to choose elders in every city and what their requirements should be. Now the letter continues.

         Preach the things that are suitable to sound doctrine (good morals). Teach that the mature men be sober, grave (reverent), temperate (self-controlled), firm in Faith, charity, and patience. The mature women, as well, that their behavior shows holiness, not false accusers (slanderers or liars), not given to (ruled by) much wine. But to be teachers of good things, so that they may train the young women to be sober (responsible), to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, chaste (pure and clean), keepers at home (remaining at and maintaining the home), good, obedient to their own husbands, so that the Word of God is not blasphemed. Encourage the young men also, to be sober minded (self-controlled).

         In everything, be an example of good works. In your doctrine (instruction or teaching), show firmness, incorruptness (soundness), sincerity, clear speech, that cannot be condemned, so that whoever is against you, feeling unworthy, will have nothing evil to say about you.

         Urge servants to be obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not back talking, or stealing, but showing good loyalty, that they reveal the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

         The Grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly desire, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem (rescue) us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a peculiar (extraordinary) people, zealous (impassioned) of good works.

         Preach these things and encourage the people, and rebuke (reprimand, criticize) with all authority. Let no man despise you.

         It looks like the elders aren’t the only ones in the church who are required to be true to the Faith. That’s something that many people don’t take as seriously as they should. No, Paul is telling you that it must be taught, that in the believers’ daily lives, they must practice the things that Jesus taught are necessary for salvation.

         A lot of people may think that it was easier in a different day and age to live a Christian life, but folks, put yourself in any other era, and you’ll find that  any time was a difficult time. I’d be willing to suggest that most people today would find it harder to be a Christian if you took away their microwave oven for a week. Try taking away modern transportation, television, computers, running water, electricity, and housing as we know it, and hand them a Bible. Do you think it would be easier?

         Now, you’ve taken away many comforts, but you’ve also taken away the means by which much evil is introduced into today’s world. Would that make it easier or more difficult to lead a Christian life? You must say, it’s hard to say with any kind of certainty that one time period was easier than another, to live as a Christian. Every generation has it’s challenges, so Titus, you have to teach the people that living a Christian life is a spiritual decision that affects the way you live your life. It has nothing to do with time, age, wealth, technology, etc.

       Titus had the entire island of Crete to convert. He also dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel, through preaching and organizing the church. Now let’s talk about you. Chances are you’re not in any kind of religious vocation, so how do you spread the Gospel? By living it. By being an example to others. As Jesus said, don’t be a hypocrite, but exemplify Him in your every day life, in your every-moment actions. Walk like Jesus walked. That means, live like Jesus lived.

         Are you anxious to read the conclusion of Paul’s letter to you . . . I mean to Titus? Well, join in again next time, and we’ll share it together, right here at Daily Bread.

PUTTING THE CHURCH IN ORDER

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TITUS

CHAPTER 3

         Great to have you back to share another slice of Daily Bread. So far in our study of Paul’s letter to Titus, we’ve learned that Paul has given Titus the challenging task of being pastor of the church at Crete. This letter is Paul’s advice to Titus about the elders that he should appoint to oversee the work of the church and the doctrine that he should teach.

         The elders aren’t the only ones who need to have godly characteristics though. Paul explains that each member of the Church has important roles if they intend to represent the body of Christ.

         We’ve been putting ourselves in Titus’ shoes, to get an idea of what it would be like to be assigned such a feat, because in essence, we are. In the first chapter, Paul warns that there are many people who are disruptive, and deceivers, who talk badly about the Faith, and we find that to be the case today as well.

         Nevertheless, Paul encourages us with zeal to hold fast (be dedicated and determined) in our Faith, and be examples of the goodness of the Lord by our lifestyle. Now let’s read the conclusion of Paul’s letter.

         Teach the people to be subject (obedient) to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates (judicial authorities), to be fruitful in every good work, to speak evil of no one, not to be violent, but gentle, showing meekness to all people.

         Let’s grab a little Daily Bread Crumb here. What is a principality? Well, there are two completely different definitions, so be sure and understand this. Different countries have different forms of leadership, and different regions that are under their authority. The office, territory or jurisdiction of a prince is called a principality. The other definition of principality is: an angel of the third lowest rank. Paul is referring to the first definition in this letter.

         So, Paul is saying, be respectful to the leaders and be meek to all, then he adds, because we also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaves to different desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy (jealousy), hateful, and hating one another.

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But after that, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared. Not because of any works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being cleared of all guilt by His Grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 
 

          I emphasize this paragraph, because all too often we don’t read these passages with the passion that Paul wrote them. We were fools, he says, and then because God loved us so very much, He sent Jesus to us. Not because of anything great that we did, but because of His great mercy, He saved us. And He washed our sins away, and sent us the Holy Ghost to renew us, which He generously gave us through Christ, so that being purified by His Grace, we are now heirs of eternal life. So we shouldn't judge others that are lost and/or new in the Faith because they ... Are lost JUST like we were.

         This is a faithful saying (the TRUTH), and I hope that you emphasize these things constantly, that those who believe in God might be careful (be sure) to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to people.
But avoid foolish questions, and stories, and contentions, and strivings (debate or opposition) about the law; because they are unprofitable and vain.

         Reject anyone who is an heretic (seeking to divide) AFTER the first and second warning, knowing that he who behaves this way is subverted (turned away), and sins, being condemned of himself.

         When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus (accompanied Paul into Asia in the book of Acts), be sure to visit me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with love, and supply them all their needs. (Paul first met Apollos in Ephesus where he was enthusiastically spreading the Gospel.)

         And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses (profess honest trades for urgent needs), that they won’t be unfruitful. (In other words, Paul is urging Titus to urge the people to do work that benefits other believers, not something that is useless to other Christians.) All who are with me send their best. Greet those who love us in the Faith. God’s Grace be with you all. Amen.

         Many good pointers for us to follow are included in this letter from Paul to Titus. Don’t ever forget that we’re all really in the same position as Titus, setting the Church in order for our Lord and Savior. Any advice from a spiritual giant like Paul is welcome and revered, so keep his advice in mind as you continue your walk of Faith, and in your spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to potential and fellow Christians.

         Come on back soon and join in our next study of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon. You can always find what you need to enrich your faith and deepen your understanding, right here at Daily Bread.