Today’s Reading: Titus 1-2
I am convinced after studying Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus that he was kind of a mix of evangelist, church planter and leader. He went from region to region sharing the message of Jesus Christ to which he had been called (evangelist). At times, revival would spread across that community and a new Church would begin (church planter). Paul would appoint leadership within the new body of believers and give them specific instructions on how the Church should conduct itself as the household of God (leader).
For the Church on the island of Crete, Paul had appointed Titus to a place of leadership. He gave him the responsibility of finishing the work Paul had begun, while appointing leadership (elders) in each town over every body of believers. He gave Titus specific instructions on what to expect from these appointed elders.
An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. – Titus 1:6-9
Paul insisted that the leaders in the Church must do more than claim to know God and know about God, they must show proof of this relationship in the way they live out their lives (1:16) — in their character and in their good deeds. But this kind of holy living is not just for pastors and leaders, it is for all who belong to the FAMILY of GOD — young and old.
Paul told Titus to promote a lifestyle that reflects what the scriptures teach. We are to set an example by living a life that is consistent with what we are teaching. Paul had specific instructions for various leaders within the church.
OLDER MEN — exercise self-control, be worthy of the respect of others, and live wisely. Your faith must be sound, and you must be filled with love and patience.
OLDER WOMEN — honor God by the way you live. Do not slander others or drink heavily, but instead teach others what is good. Coach and mentor the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live a life that can be described as both wise and pure, to work in their home, do good, and submit to their husband. By doing these things, they bring honor to the word of God rather than ridicule.
YOUNG MEN — Set an example for others by living wisely and doing a variety of good works. May your actions reflect integrity so that others can see how seriously you take biblical teaching. Don’t waver from the truth in your teaching, so that you can stand on the foundation of scripture when others oppose you.
SLAVES — Obey your master, doing your best to please them. Do not talk back or steal, but show yourself to be trustworthy and good.
THE WAY WE LIVE IMPACTS HOW ATTRACTIVE THE TEACHING ABOUT GOD OUR SAVIOR IS TO OTHERS.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. – Titus 2:11-14
The way we live our lives should help attract people to Jesus. We must turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. He died to free us from EVERY kind of sin, to wash us of ALL unrighteousness and to make us His own! His plan is for us to be TOTALLY COMMITTED to doing good deeds. And consistent with all of Paul’s letters, he again touched on the fact that we are saved by grace and not by works, but we are saved to do good works and live a holy life.
WE ARE NOT SAVED BY DOING GOOD, BUT WE DO GOOD BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN SAVED.
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. – Titus 3:4-7
Saved BY grace, saved FROM sin, and saved FOR good deeds – all for the glory of God and for the purpose of attracting others to their Savior, Jesus Christ! This is the calling God has placed on all of our lives. How will you respond?