TITUS BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTER: PAUL‘S INSTRUCTIONS TO TITUS
This book is Paul’s letter to Titus, one of his most trusted colleagues. Paul wrote to give Titus directions for sharing the gospel with and ministering to the people of Crete. The churches in Crete were distorting the message of Jesus, forcing it to fit the cultural narrative of the Greek gods.
Titus was challenged with appointing new leadership within the church. He hoped to find elders who were righteous and followed the teachings of Jesus. Paul detailed the type of person Titus should look for, such as someone who was noble and self-controlled. Because the people of Crete had not accepted the sacrifice of Jesus or the power of the Holy Spirit, they were living sinful, rebellious lives.
Titus gracefully and compassionately shared the news of Jesus and called the people to live transformed lives. Paul offered guidance to Timothy so that he could balance both mercy and truth with the people of Crete.
MAIN IDEAS: THE NEWS OF JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING
God had a plan for eternal life before the beginning of time. (Titus 1:2)
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are redeemed and purified. (Titus 2:14)
God’s grace allows believers to pursue self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. (Titus 2:11-12)
Believers have been saved by the mercy of Jesus, not by their own righteousness. (Titus 3:5)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: BALANCING TRUTH + GRACE
Paul was a teacher of God’s Word and wanted to share the message of Jesus throughout the world. In this letter to Titus, Paul referred to God as “the God who does not lie,” stating that all of His words are true. During his time in Crete, Titus was charged with appointing new leaders who taught the truth and did not corrupt God’s Word. Instead of believing Jesus’ teaching, the leaders in Crete were devoted to sharing myths. Instead of being influenced by God, they were influenced by the demands of others.
God provided Timothy and Paul with the wisdom and courage to confront false teachers and correct the false beliefs within the church. Paul stated that the church leaders must hold firmly to God’s trustworthy message so that they could encourage others with sound teaching and refute those who opposed it. Titus was tasked with encouraging and rebuking, showing mercy and correcting, sharing the truth and adapting to the culture. Titus’ mission shows the balancing act that often occurs between presenting truth and showing grace, which only Jesus could balance perfectly.
JESUS IN TITUS: JESUS TRANSFORMS BELIEVERS
Titus was called to share the good news of Jesus with the people of Crete. He encouraged them to be obedient and follow the truth of God’s Word. Titus offered compassion to the people, telling them of the redemption available to Jesus’ followers. Before accepting Jesus as their Savior and the payment for their sins, Titus and the other Christians were also foolish, disobedient, and deceived. After following Jesus, they were set free.
When God sent Jesus, the believers were met with love and kindness. By trusting in Jesus, Titus and other believers were justified by God’s grace, and they gained hope for eternal life. Because of their own personal experiences with God, Paul and Titus were on a mission to share the news of Jesus’ transformative power with as many people as they could reach. The news of Jesus is life-altering!
