Titus- the Preacher Epistles Sound Doctrine & Sound Christians, 1:10 - 3:15

Titus- the Preacher Epistles

Sound Doctrine

& Sound Christians,

1:10 - 3:15

Titus- Sound Doctrine & Sound Christians

We’ll not spend much time on introducing the letter since it was covered along with Timothy’s introduction.

And since the Qualification of Elders & Deacons was covered in our Timothy study also, we will skip Titus 1:1-9.

But remember, Titus has been left behind in Crete to “set in order what remains” in the church there much like Timothy was in Ephesus.

Titus- Sound Doctrine & Sound Christians

“Elders” were very much a part of “what remained” in Crete.

Therefore, qualifications were given that they might be selected and appointed.

Why? Notice vv.10-16:

>v.10 rebellious, empty talkers & deceivers, especially of circumcision

>v.11 must be silenced because of damage done

>vv.12-13a & because of the nature of Cretans!

>vv.13b-16 Therefore, get busy!

Titus- Sound Doctrine & Sound Christians- Chapter 2:

v.1- What do you first think of as “determining factors of spiritual soundness” ?

“Right Teaching and Right Practice on ‘issues’!”

But which “issues”?

MDR, Deity of Christ, Institutionalism,

Social Gospel Issues, Instrumental Music, Purpose of Baptism,

Abuses of Lord’s Supper?


While all these things are correct to consider, are they the ones listed by Paul in writing to Titus???

Hardly! So while considering all of these others,

we had better not overlook the measurements Paul laid out as “fitting for sound doctrine”.


Sound Doctrine:

Older Men- (v.2)

>temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

Older Women- (v.3)

>reverent, not gossips, not enslaved to wine, teachers of good.

Younger Women- (vv.4-5)

>love husbands/children, sensible, pure,workers at home, kind, and

subject.


Sound Doctrine:

Younger Men- (vv.6-8)

>sensible, exemplary, pure in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech

which is beyond reproach.

Bond-Slaves- (vv.9-10)

>subject, well-pleasing, not argumentative,not pilfering, in good faith

adorning the doctrine of God in every respect.


In other words….

“Sound” Doctrine makes for not only “right” people,

but

“Good” People…

Sound Christians!


“But why are these things determining factors for soundness?”

Because of vv.11-15

>God’s grace appeared bringing salvation,

in the form of teaching/instruction.

>That saving instruction requires that we:

-deny ungodliness & worldly desires

-and live sensibly, righteously, & godly.

>Then we can look forward Christ’s return.


Titus is also instructed to “remind” the brethren at Crete of several other things they needed to do (or be) or avoid:>subject to rulers, v.1a (cf. Rom.13:1 & Heb.13:17)

>obedient & ready for every good deed, v.1b

>malign no one, uncontentious, gentle,considerate of all men, v.2

For….-we were once foolish ourselves: disobedient,

deceived, enslaved to lusts, malicious, envious, and hateful, v.3 (cf. Eph.2:1-3)


But…. When God’s kindness & love appeared,

He saved us according to His mercy, (v.5)

-not our goodness, cf. Rom.5:8

-by washing of regeneration, Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1Cor.6:11; Heb.10:22

-by renewing by the Holy Spirit,Rom.12:1-2;

-poured our upon “us” through Jesus, cf. John 14:26 > 15:26 > Acts 2:1-4.


Therefore…. Justified by his Grace, v.7

-we are made heirs,

& -have hope of eternal life. Of these things, Titus was to “speak

confidently” so that believers would be

“careful to engage in good deeds.” v.8 But Titus was likewise to shun some

things such as: foolish controversies, genealogies, & disputes about the Law, v.9.


And those who rejected the confident proclamation of truth were to be:

-rejected after first and second warnings, v.10

-because they were/are perverted, sinful,and self-condemned by their

own actions, v.11. Verses 12-15 are largely just Paul’s final

greetings and salutations….

except for v.14:


“And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds

to meet pressing needs,

that they may not be unfruitful.”

This could well be the theme of the epistle.

Is it yours???

John 15:8 > Matthew 7:16-20

Documents

Titus- the Preacher Epistles Sound Doctrine & Sound Christians, 1:10 - 3:15