Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

THE BOOK OF TITUS

(From the Daily Drop of Water Series)

by Rev. Jerry L Holcomb

(Tit 1:1)  “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect,….”  As you continue to read, you will find that Paul is including himself in the words, “according to the faith of God’s elect…..” The elect are the privileged to be saved. They are those known unto God before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:2). As Israel is chosen as a nation, those who repent and are saved are the chosen (elect) to be God’s temple in this present age (dispensation). 

(Tit 1:1) “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;”  All of God’s Word is truth: (Joh_17:17)  “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” You cannot have godliness without seeking to conduct yourself in a godly manner, that is, in obedience to the Word of Truth. I find myself many times in reviewing things I have said or done asking, “Was that godly? Was it right to say or do?” 

(Tit 1:2) “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”  God did not make man to destroy him, but to bless him with the fellowship of Himself for eternity. Man chooses sin rather than the holiness required to fellowship with God. Thus man destroys himself even though God made His Son “… to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:21)

(Tit 1:2) “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”  God cannot lie. Not “will not”; but, “cannot”. This would refer not only to the covenants, but to “everything” God has said. Never doubt God’s Word. Instead, cling to it, stand on it, bow before it, and…..as stated here, “hope” in it. Hope: an expectant looking for a sure coming event.

(Tit 1:2) “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”   When it says, “In hope of eternal life”, it is not saying we do not possess it now, for we have received the Holy Spirit and our spirits have been made alive. Therefore we have it now. It is saying, “We are expectantly looking for (hope) the completion of this gift; the changing of this body into a glorified body like our Lord’s; and the entering into eternity to live in His presence.”

(Tit 1:3) “But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching, …..”  “His Word” has been revealed through preaching – someone proclaiming it. Two things may be meant by “His Word”. One: this promise of eternal life, thus the Words of Scripture. Or two: Jesus the Word  made flesh (Jn1) Who told, promised, and purchased this gift of eternal life for us! I hold both up before you for praise! 

(Tit 1:3) “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;”  Notice the phrase, “in due time”. God had a plan to which He both followed and is following. It is the same today. There is time scheduled by God for the Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation Period, and the Reign of Christ upon this earth. Look up! Jesus could come any minute!

(Tit 1:3) “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;”  “God our Saviour” In every way it is God Who saves men, women, boys and girls. Jesus said God sent His Son because He loved the people of the world. God the Son lay His life down in payment for the sins we commit. And the Holy Spirit is He Who regenerates into life the spirit within us, giving us eternal life. Where is man in all this? In sorrow for his sin receiving life through unmerited favor (grace).

(Tit 1:4) “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.”  “Common faith”: this says all are saved in the same manner and way, and only through that manner and way. The way is through the blood of another who shed that blood paying for our sin – the Lord Jesus Christ. The manner is through birthing our spirit to an eternity of living!

(Tit 1:4) “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.”  The result of being saved is that the Lord wishes to bestow upon each us “grace” (unmerited favor), “mercy” (for though saved, we are not perfect in thinking – so we still need daily mercies), and “peace” (in conscience towards God). Share Jesus with the lost, for they need grace, mercy, and peace.

(Tit 1:5) “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:”  An elder is a pastor (bishop v.7). It doesn’t mean he is old. You do not have to ordain an old person as old – they and everyone else knows it already. It speaks of the spiritual maturity of the individual. This interpretation is enforced by the fact he is not to be a novice (1 Tim 3:6).  Also, a pastor is always a male, a husband of one wife (v.6), so therefore not an unmarried man.  

(Tit 1:6) “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” “Blameless”: of good reputation. Each of us, including our pastor, make up the local New Testament Church. The Lord’s very reputation is tied to our conduct. People will judge our Lord by our actions and rightly so, since the Holy Spirit lives inside each of us. Sad when emotions control our tongues while in the world, making us without thought of our Lord’s reputation.

(Tit 1:6) “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” Living in this society affects our thinking, even towards the Word of God. Today we do not see divorce as being so bad, so we tend to interpret this as “one wife at a time”. Read the totality of Scripture and you will find God “hates” divorce and that the sexual act makes two people one. So, not one at a time – but one wife – period. Why? The pastor is to the example of following God’s Word. 

(Tit 1:6) “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” Should single men pastor churches? No. They are to be married with children. That is the plain Word of God. There are good sound reasons for whatever God gives in instruction, even if we do not have the heart to perceive it at this time. Ours is a life of submission and faith towards and in Almighty God Who bought us. He therefore has every right to govern over us.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God;….”  A pastor looks after what is God’s. The church is God’s, not his. The building is God’s, not his. The finances are God’s, not his. He must give an account some day to the Lord for each decision He makes: “For unto whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). 

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,…..”   Everyone is “selfwilled” to some degree, but this is speaking specifically of his being desirous, and seeking to be, led by the Spirit of God in every decision of his life. The ministry of Christ is not about “me”, but about “Him”, our Lord. May we each be blessed to be led by such godly men! And may we each desire to be such men and women.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry,….”  (Pro_14:17) “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:…”   Any person given to anger is not being controlled by the Spirit of God; instead they are letting the old nature reign. Therefore they are far from being what the Lord would have them to be. Such a man should never be set up as an example to a church. Such a man could not pastor, for he is still “self-willed” instead of “spirit-led”.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine,….”  The pastor is to be the example of a true Child of God. In Revelation it says we are kings and priests; our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit (God) (1 Cor 3:16-17). Our lives are to be offered in sacrifice (Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15). Priests serving were not to drink in order to “….put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;” (Lev 10:10). Those who do not love the Lord enough will not heed such teaching as this for they and their desires come first. 

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker,….”  In 1 Corinthians it speaks of the greatest of God’s gifts – love. Not human love, but God’s love, a sacrificial love, referring to the sacrifice of self. It is this love that allows the man of God to turn the other cheek, to take reproach, to bear being wronged: (1 Cor 13:5) “…. is not easily provoked,….(7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;…”  “Filthy lucre”: sordid gain; greedy of gain. The Lord has promised to meet our needs but not necessarily our wants. How much is enough? That’s something every person should ponder. If our spiritual leader’s focus is upon personal gain, his heart is definitely not upon eternity: “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt 6:21)”.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be ….(8) …a lover of hospitality,…”  “Hospitality”: fond of guest. Interesting that our word, “hospital”, is taken from this. Why? Those who come to our churches are in need of spiritual healing every week from exposure to this world’s doctrine. A pastor must love guests of our church, greeting each and every one with open arms, loving them in the Name of the Lord.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be… (8)  …a lover of good men,….”  “Good men”: lover of virtue.  The following verse best interprets this passage: (Rom_12:9) “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”  We are influenced by those we associate with. Be sure you associate with good people, those who love and wish to please God.

(Tit 1:7)  “For a bishop must be….(8) ….. sober,….”  “Sober”: sound of mind, self-controlled. We know that both soundness of mind and self-control come from yieldedness to the Spirit of God: (2Ti_1:7)  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”; (Gal 5:22)  “But the fruit of the Spirit is…(23) … temperance:” So, the pastor must be led of the Spirit of God!

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be …..(8) … just,….”   “Just” here is not referring to his standing before God in salvation (justification), but in his actions towards others. Does he treat people equably, doing right in his dealings with others in and out of the church? Remember, you and I are to seek to be like Jesus, which means doing as Jesus would do.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be ….(8) … holy,…”   Holiness is not just a separation from sin, for personal holiness is the doing so with the desire of being close to, in thankfulness to God for Jesus Christ; for the salvation He purchased for us in suffering for my (your) individual sins. The pastor in doing so can direct us onto the same path.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be….(8)…. temperate;”  “Temperate”: from a root that means “strong in a thing; mastering”; so, able to overcome self – thus, self control. Yet, the Bible teaches that in truth, we need “God-control” rather than “self-control”. So, it means allowing the Holy Spirit to have control over our impulses, over our flesh.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be….(9)  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught,…” Surely each of us need to be faithful to the truths we have been taught be God’s Spirit. Yes, by God’s Spirit. Ephesians Chapter 4 teaches us that pastors/teachers are gifts from God. Their purpose: to teach us the truths by the direction of the Holy Spirit. Those pastors/teachers are to practice what they preach; and so are we.

(Tit 1:7)  “For a bishop must be…(9)  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort….” A blinded by sin rebellious heart sees the Bible as restrictions. No, it is a message of forgiveness with a clean conscience, filled with expectations of blessings here, a moving into the presence of God upon death, and a glorious future upon a new world in a glorified, never dying body! This is the message of a pastor.

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be ….(9)  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine….. to convince the gainsayers.” “Gainsayers”: those who contradict or dispute God’s Word. There is only one way to overcome error. That is with the truth. It is not by saying, “I think; or, I believe”, but by “thus saith the Lord”. That is where our power and our authority comes from. Believer: study the Word of God. 

(Tit 1:7) “For a bishop must be blameless, …..(9)  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught,….(10)  For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers,…”  You and I (and the pastor) must not only cling to the Words of God ourselves, but we must hold them up for all to hear. The only way to combat error and lies is to expose them next to God’s Word. Child of God, give the Lord the time He deserves, not in writings about the Word, but in the Word. May your heart long for the Holy Spirit’s teachings rather than man’s.

(Tit 1:10) “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11)  Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”  “Whose mouths must be stopped”: doctrine does matter. The souls of people are at stake. The glory of God and meaning to the sacrifice of His Son are at stake. We are to care enough to stand on God’s Word verbally against false doctrine.

(Tit 1:12) “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. (13)  This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;”  There is a time when a pastor must rebuke one of the flock. False doctrine is not to be tolerated, for the souls of men are at stake. False doctrine hinders one’s ability to fellowship and serve the Lord. The pastor should be commended for doing so, not hindered nor falsely judged of motivations or seemingly lack of concern for what may come of the action. He must keep in mind the whole flock: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Cor 5:6).

(Tit 1:14) “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”  I have heard men making reference to the apocrypha (Jewish fables) as if it were the Bible (truth). I have heard men teaching adherence to Old Testament commandments given to Israel, not for the Christian. The second will lead you into the bondage of the law; the first away from the authority of the Word of God. 

(Tit 1:15) “Unto the pure all things are pure:…”  I have seen this used to justify ungodly actions, pronouncing their heart so before God so that one can see and behold lewdness and yet stay right in the sight of God. No! It means believers seek to act in purity and seek to keep their heart and actions pure. Remember, the Lord lives inside the saved in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

(Tit 1:15)” Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”  The last section of evidenced by those who draw questions to God’s actions as listed in the Bible. They see fault rather than holiness; wrong rather than judgment. Those responses are quite different from “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” (Psa_119:12) 

(Tit 1:15) “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”   Biblical Fact: the thinking of the unsaved is skewed from birth. A sin nature has been passed to us. Our spirit is dead needing to be made alive.  (Eph_2:3) “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”  Jesus died paying the death payment for your sins so that you might be made alive spiritually. Come and find the result of being saved – right thinking.

(Tit 1:15)  “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. (16)  They profess that they know God;….”  If they profess that they know God, what is it they are not believing? Many who profess to be His reject His Word, choosing to put what they think is right and best over what God has said is right and best. That is arrogance. That very action says they are liars. He cannot be God to you if He is not seen as Sovereign over you.  

(Tit 1:16)  “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him,….”  I wonder how many of us attend church and yet live according to the dictates of our own hearts. Our works, actions, daily life, is lived as if it our own to do with as we please, while our lips call Him, “Lord”: (Jas_2:18) “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” The way I live speaks more consistently and louder than anything I might say.

(Tit 1:16) “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”  Consider how the Lord views those who profess knowledge of Him, yet live as they please (“in works deny Him”). These professors of faith are “abominable” (detestable), “disobedient” (rebellious “as the sin of witchcraft” which is worthy of execution), reprobate (tested but found wanting – rejected).

(Tit 2:1) “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:”  Speak: certainly in his teaching, but also in everyday conversation, for the instruction in this chapter has to do with everyday life – conduct. In this chapter all adult ages are given instruction. Christianity is not  simply belief, but a faith that is lived in obedience to the commands of God. And since His ways are not our ways, living His way sets us apart as different from this world.

(Tit 2:1) “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: (2) That the aged men be sober (circumspect), grave (honorable), temperate (Spirit controlled), sound in faith (doctrinally grounded), in charity (sacrificial love), in patience (trusting, thus not anxious).”  As you can see, every believer is to be growing in the grace of God. Those who are (retirement age?) men should be striving to meet this level of spirituality. How do we obtain? Answer: prayer and submission to God.

(Tit 2:3) “The aged (retirement age?) women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,….”  Did you know one can falsely accuse another and not realize it? To speak what we assume could be the reason for the action of another could very well be false. We speak what we do not know and others take our word for it. It seems most, if not all persons do this, including myself. God help us to refrain, holding our tongues.

(Tit 2:4) “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,”  Godly women of the church are to take the younger women and in fellowship teach them right things in the sight of God. This world will teach them to put self first; that their husbands are not as smart or wise as them; and that their children should even come before the Lord. Godly women look at life through the Word of God!

(Tit 2:4) “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,”  Loving through the flesh is different that loving through the spirit. Natural love is selfish and responsive: (1Jn_4:19)  “We love him, because he first loved us.”  Spiritual love, emphasized here, is sacrificial: (Rom_5:8) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Our homes are wonderful places when we love through the Lord, putting the other’s needs and desires before our own.

(Tit 2:4) “That they may teach the young women… (5)  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”  Discreet: moderate as to opinion; careful in communication.  There’s a pride in each of us that desires people to think much of us. Therefore we will speak that which we should not so that others will glory in our knowledge of such things. Yet, the Lord says, “humble yourselves”.

(Tit 2:6) “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.”  “Sober minded”: thinking right, in the right mind. Since we are born into sin, that sin warps our thinking. So, we are each “insane” to some degree. It is only to the degree that we have yielded our minds to God’s Word, reprogramming the mind (Rom 12:1-2), that we are sane – thinking right. How sane are you?

(Tit 2:7) “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:..”   In other words, living as an example of how the Lord Jesus lived upon this earth. “Pattern”: mold, die, scars. We are to live the reality of (Gal_6:17) “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” and (Php_1:21) “For to me to live is Christ,…..”. Does your life speak of Jesus or of self?

(Tit 2:7) “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness,…”  All that the Lord has said and taught us in the Bible is doctrine. It is insight into His Person and His plan throughout the ages. Some wish to be spoon-fed on Sundays and possibly Wednesdays, rather than dig for its truths. Some would rather have it digested by another and given to us in books. Both of those methods could end up in corruption of understanding. Sit at God’s table, His Bible in your lap, and trust the Holy Spirit to feed you. 

(Tit 2:7) “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity,…”  “Gravity”: a demeanor that others can respect. Not one only the aged, or the young, or the rich, or the humorist can respect. It is to behave ourselves in godly conduct that all may follow. Our aim is not for them to follow, or respect us per se, but that they will honor our Savior Who lives inside us, helping us be what we should be.

(Tit 2:7) “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,”  Sincerity: unending existence. It is what law would call “conviction”: something one would hold to until  death. We are to speak what we believe, sincerely, even if the result would be death. Our love for our Savior should be held in sincerity!

(Tit 2:7) “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of…. (8)  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;…”  Sound speech: healthy conversation as taught in  Eph_4:2,  “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  Since “all things work together for good to them who love God….”(Rom 8:28), then why do we talk in such a negative way to others. We are just moving through this world to eternity with God! Live like it! Talk like it!

(Tit 2:7) “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works; …. (8)  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”  Light reveals darkness; right reveals wrong. If we speak right things, good things, the things of light to lift up the spirits of the saved, and the “Good News” to the lost, then it cannot rightly be condemned. This is the goal of living in Christ Jesus.

(Tit 2:9) “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;” Unlike what most seem to think, the Lord God did not command us to be social warriors. He commanded us to be warriors for the cross. We are to love all men through Christ and tell them of the gospel. The servant was to be a voice for Jesus by his actions towards his master.

(Tit 2:9) “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; (10)  Not purloining (to embezzle), but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.”  When we work for another, we have hired ourselves out. An agreement is made, “I will work this much for this amount.”  We should seek to be the best workers, for we represent our Father – our Savior. May our attitude reflect good upon our God!

(Tit 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”  Here, “all men” means “all the saved”; “appeared”: shone forth so that we cannot help but see. This grace, this salvation, is Jesus Who appeared, “…the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor 4:6). This salvation is only through embracing – reaching out and grabbing hold of – Jesus.

(Tit 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12)  Teaching us that, denying…”  That last word is not embraced by many who profess they know Jesus as Savior, for it speaks of denying self’s fleshly desires. Babies and toddlers are those whose minds are only upon self. Prayerfully parents begin to teach them to love others and put them first. Our first love is to be the Lord and denial of self. Is it so with you?

(Tit 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness….” Salvation changes us, giving us a desire to please God (Phil 2:13). Therefore we will deny ourselves “ungodliness”: whatever does no adhere to the teachings of God’s Word. Is there something in your life that is ungodly?

(Tit 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,…”  Lusts: longing for, especially that which is forbidden. Denial of self for the glorification of He Who died in my place seems a small thing to expect. Friend, all you do in the Christian life hinges on one thing – who do you love, you or Him? Simple – yet profound.

(Tit 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,….”  Soberly: right thinking. One is not thinking rightly, “soberly”, when the Bible says one thing, but they inject, “But I think…”. God didn’t ask us. We are nothing. He is “all” and thus it only matters what He thinks and we left to humbly obey.

(Tit 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,…”  Righteously: acting as God would act. Hard – yes. Especially if we have failed in the matter of reading God’s Word daily to program in us a right response. Have you loved your Savior enough to obey: “…man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Lk 4:4)?

(Tit 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”  The phrase, “in this present world” indicates there is one to come. The word “salvation” speaks of being delivered from a terrible fate, in this case an eternity of punishment. Is it so strange that we should be told: “Live like it”?

(Tit 2:13)  “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;…”  Ultimately, our blessed hope (eternal life, a new body, a home in heaven, mansion, seeing loved ones) is bound up in one Person – our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ! Are you looking or abiding?

(Tit 2:13) “ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14)  Who gave himself for us,….”  Why should we serve Him? Why should we obey Him? Why should we seek His face? Why should we long to see Him? Why should we love Him? Answer: because He suffered Calvary paying for our sins; because He saved our souls; because He willingly gave Himself for you and me!

(Tit 2:13)  “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,….”  Notice He redeemed us (bought us with His blood) “from all iniquity”. Not, some and we can hold on to the rest – but “all”. There is no such thing as a “Sunday Christian”. You are either all His or you are not. Are you His?

(Tit 2:13) “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,….”  “Redeem”: to purchase back something that was once mine but is now held by another. We are created God’s. We sell our soul to hell fire through the act of sinning. Jesus went to the cross in our place, dying our death, shedding His blood (the price God has decreed for redemption). Why then would one “desire” and “will” to go on sinning knowing this truth?

(Tit 2:13) “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,….”  “Peculiar”: beyond unusual. Not peculiar in the sense of warped personalities, but in the sense that we are unlike the lost in our desires and thus in our thinking. Do you notice such a difference between you and the lost?  

(Tit 2:14) “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”  Zealous – passionate regarding being recognized as living for and being one of the redeemed! Our works, whether they be spoken or  physical, are to be conscious sacrifices made to the Lord of glory! Lord help us (me) to keep this thought ever before our mind’s eye!

 (Tit 2:15) “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”  Why “speak, exhort, or rebuke”? Because like it or not, what God says has absolute authority over all, but especially over those called by His Name! No saved person has the right to live in willful sin!  So give us the Word, encourage us through the Word, and rebuke to guide us with the Word!

(Tit 2:15) “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”   Despise thee”: reject his God-given spiritual authority. Yes, in this matter the world has affected and infected the saved. The proof is evident: we treat God’s Word as “suggestions to live by”. Certainly then we are not going to submit to His ministers. Yet, His ministers are to stand upon the authority given them against all who rebel – alone if need be.

(Tit 3:1) “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,” To understand the statement, you must know the principle. One submits to God-given authority as unto God – period. Since man is rebellious, he rebels against authority and thus, no matter who you are, you are rebelling against God. Saved brother/sister, is that you? 

(Tit 3:1) “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,”  Be ready to speak or act for the Lord! How often do we let opportunities pass because we have set a priority to be accomplished? This thought goes well with, (1Pe_3:15) “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”  God help us to be ready!

(Tit 3:1) “ Put them in mind…(2)  To speak evil of no man,…”   It is one thing to communicate truth regarding a person, even if that truth is negative. It is another thing to speak of that which is our opinion. It is not always even right or appropriate to speak of something we know to be truth if it will not edify the hearer. We must think and pray before we share information regarding another. Remember, we will be judged of God for every idle word we speak.

(Tit 3:1) “Put them in mind…(2)  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers,….”  To be a brawler is to fight to have one’s way. The servant of the Lord will stand for what’s spiritually right, but will not fight for it physically, for the Lord called us to be sheep among wolves: (Mat_10:16)  “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Easy to live – no. But who ever said the Christian life was going to be easy? 

(Tit 3:1) “Put them in mind… (2)  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle,….”    Very few men wish to be thought of as gentle. We are men! We think men should be strong and in our minds gentleness doesn’t speak of strength. Yet, our Lord’s strength is glorified when it is demonstrated through that which appears to be weak (1 Cor 1:27). Dare you son of God to humbly seek to be “gentle”?

(Tit 3:1) “Put them in mind…(2)  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”   Meekness is a humility that goes with gentleness. Meekness is not weakness, neither is it to present oneself in a feminine way. It is the conduct of a Spirit controlled person knowing one’s strength does not lie in self but in God Almighty, the most important person we have to impress.

(Tit 3:1) “Put them in mind to….” (Obey the godly conduct set forth) (Tit 3:3) “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”  The point? The saved were freed by the impartation of a new nature and guidance of the Spirit to conduct ourselves differently from the lost. Observing these, why would a child of God desire to be such?!

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the kindness…of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) ….he saved us,…”  That kindness is toward we who were, (v.3) “….sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” The sufferings of the cross as the result, “kindness” seems a very inadequate word!

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the….love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) ….He saved us,…”  Before Jesus, man had to discern God’s love in the fact that judgment had not fallen upon his sinful soul and daily good was experienced. That love was not manifest till it was revealed that God paid for his sin through the sufferings and death of His Son! Oh that each person could come face to face with this truth!

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,”  Toward man – not some – but all, mankind. The truth of the cross is not understood by all, but it is known by all. They are, to our shame, unaware of the details, the Divine reasons, but they know it took place. Ponder, meditate, pray for guidance of how to properly and fully share the gospel with others.

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  (5)  Not by works of righteousness which we have done,…..”  No person deserves to be saved! I have heard it said that “all men deserve a hearing of the gospel”. No, not true. All men should hear the gospel since each of us was commanded to tell, but no one deserves it. Not you; not me. We deserve to be sent to hell. Praise God for Jesus our Savior!

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5)  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,…”  “Mercy”: to be pardoned from the punishment of one’s offense. Only the guilty need mercy. How can God, Who is holy, simply pardon one’s sin? He cannot and does not. Jesus was paying for that sin on Calvary’s cross so that we might receive mercy!  

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5)  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,….”  Regeneration: rebirth, restoration. Every lost person’s spirit is dead. God is Spirit (Jn 4:24) To go to heaven a spiritual place, your spirit needs to be born, made alive.  

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5)  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,…”  Is salvation a spiritual impartation of everlasting life, or a physical? Obviously it is spiritual. Why then do some insert physical baptism for the word, “washing”? The washing of the blood of Christ cleanses us from our sins; not physical water: (Psa_51:7) “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” 

(Tit 3:4) “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5)  Not by 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;”  The Holy Spirit’s “renewing” is the giving of spiritual life which includes a new nature – one in which longs to please God. It is that which drives us to God’s House, God’s Word, the sharing of the Gospel, and to present our needs in prayer. It prompts us to desire to be more like our Father, our Lord, our Savior.

(Tit 3:6) “Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”  If you come to the Lord Jesus in sincerity of desire to turn away from your sinful life (repentance), know there is no limit to His mercy. There is no person He cannot make alive as a new creature (regeneration). There is no restraint to one embraced by God and brought “into” the Person of His Son!

(Tit 3:5) “Not by 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; (6)  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”  There is no limit to what the Holy Spirit has the power to do in one’s life. Yet, one can restrain the work of the Holy Spirit. Seek the face of the Lord daily and seek to give the Spirit  free hand to make you more and more into the image of Jesus!

(Titus 3:5b) “….according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) “Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”   The salvation experience (v.5b) was not limited in any way when received. It was given abundantly. The word “abundantly” makes me think “wholeheartedly”, with all the love that can be imparted with it! It was love that purchased it, and it is love that sustains it for eternity!

(Titus 3:5) “…..He saved us…(6) ….through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  (7)  That being justified by his grace,….” Two very important words are used here: “justified” and “grace”. Today we will speak of the one, tomorrow the other. “Justified”: a judicial term, meaning not guilty of any crime. Jesus bore my penalty of death leaving me in the sight of God’s Judgment Seat, “justified”- not guilty! But remember, He Who hates sin did not pay this so that we might continue to indulge in sin!

(Titus 3:5) “…..He saved us…(6) ….through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  (7)  That being justified by his grace,….” Yesterday we singled out two important words, “justified” and “grace”. “Grace”: favor given, received, but not deserved. Salvation is not given because of any merit on your part. In fact, you have no merit – for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). My old nature could not earn it; and that old nature has no power to keep it! It is all “grace”.

(Tit 3:7) “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  We have been made heirs of God. How? The New Testament. Testament means “will” (Heb 9). Those who come by faith were named in Jesus’ will to be inheritors. He died, activating the will. He rose again alive from the dead and shares the inheritance with the saved. Read Hebrews Chapter 9.

(Tit 3:7) “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  “Hope”: an expectant looking for a sure coming event. God Who cannot lie speaks; we look for what He has said to take place. In the case of the Born Again: God bestowed and we thus expectantly look for the glory of the resurrection and all our Father has waiting for us in eternity!

(Tit 3:8) “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”  I wonder if “this is a faithful saying”, is not simply saying, “This is a saying regarding faithfulness.”  Faithfulness, dedication unto, continual action, the aim of one’s life, should be to bring glory to He Who suffered in our place. Is that your focus, your ultimate reason for living?

(Tit 3:8) “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”    Most of the time, when you see the word “careful” (full of care) it means, “Don’t worry, the Lord is in control.” Here is means, “be full of care”, “worry about doing this”, for this is how the Lord is glorified in you!

(Tit 3:8) “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”    Did you notice these things are “good and profitable” to do? The saved life is the Lord living and working through you to give testimony of a Holy, yet loving God, Who desires men everywhere to repent and be saved! That is done by actions done in His Name. Everyday actions. One says, “Thank you”. Our response, “Jesus wanted me to do it.”

(Tit 3:9) “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”  “Foolish questions” are those offered for the sake of argument – stumping the Believer: “Can God make a rock so big He cannot move it?”  Insincerity regarding the things of God are not worthy of your time.

(Tit 3:9) “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”   I once heard a person say a genealogy was wrong, for it didn’t allow enough time. No, you missed something. God’s Word is always true. If you think you have found an error (take it from a person who has read it over 90 times), mark it down that you have missed something. To trust God’s Word is trust the Lord!

(Tit 3:9) “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”  “Contentions”: quarrels, strife. At the heart of most struggles is pride: “I am right and must prove I am right”. Sometimes it is: “I am wrong but cannot admit I am wrong.” There is only one thing I know we are to contend for: the truth of God’s Word – doctrine. Even that, is to be done in a way what will honor Him.

(Tit 3:9) “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”   When considering how you spend your time, how much of it in God’s sight is “unprofitable and vain”?  The goal of the true Child of God is to have more and more of our time spend in profitable endeavors, in things of eternal value. May it be so for you and me today.

(Tit 3:10)  “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”  “Heretic”: one who seeks through doctrine to bring disunity in the church. “Admonition”: to mildly rebuke or warn. The Lord speaks again and again of God’s people believing the same thing and unified in such belief. The authority in the church is the pastor, not the heretic. God’s people as one should, after his (or her) being warned, should “reject” (avoid, beg off, shun) that person.

(Tit 3:10) “ A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; (11)  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”  Remember, this one’s actions are in danger of dividing God’s people. The word “subverted” means his thinking is wrong. His has brought judgment upon himself because of his sin in this matter. We live in a day in which we blame everyone but ourselves. Others think it loving to overlook sin. It is not, at least it is not God’s love. The Lord says, “Take action if they will not cease and repent.”