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A Study of Titus
Author and Facilitator: Stephen Weller
16 Lessons
15,620 words, 83 minutes read time
Page Index
Introduction
Bible Project – Titus
Context
The book of Titus is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, along with 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. It was written by the Apostle Paul the Apostle to his trusted coworker Titus, who had been left on the island of Crete to organize and strengthen the churches there. The letter was likely written between A.D. 63–65, after Paul’s first Roman imprisonment and before his final imprisonment described in 2 Timothy.
Crete was known throughout the ancient world for moral corruption, dishonesty, and ungodly living. Many new believers had come to faith in Christ, but the churches needed sound leadership and protection from false teachers who were spreading confusion. Paul therefore instructed Titus to appoint qualified elders in every city, confront false teaching, and teach believers how to live godly lives that reflected the transforming power of the gospel.
A major emphasis of Titus is the relationship between sound doctrine and godly conduct. Paul repeatedly teaches that true faith produces good works. Salvation is entirely by God’s grace, not by human effort, yet those who have been saved should demonstrate their faith through lives of obedience, integrity, and service. The letter provides practical instruction for church leaders, older men, older women, younger men, younger women, and servants, showing how every believer can honor Christ in daily life.
Another important theme is God’s saving grace. Paul explains that salvation comes through the mercy of God, the work of Jesus Christ, and the renewing ministry of the Holy Spirit. This salvation not only forgives sin but also trains believers to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while waiting for the return of Christ.
In summary, Titus was written to help establish healthy churches in Crete by appointing qualified leaders, defending sound doctrine, correcting false teaching, and encouraging believers to demonstrate the reality of their faith through good works. The letter emphasizes that the grace of God not only saves people but also transforms them into faithful disciples who reflect Christ in their conduct and witness.
Major Themes
1. Sound Doctrine Produces Godly Living
One of the central themes of Titus is the inseparable connection between correct doctrine and righteous conduct. Paul emphasizes that believers must not only know the truth but also live according to it. Healthy teaching should result in transformed lives that reflect the character of Christ. Throughout the letter, Paul repeatedly connects faith with practical obedience, demonstrating that genuine Christianity affects daily behavior, relationships, and witness.
Key Verses: Titus 1:1, Titus 1:9, Titus 2:1, Titus 2:7-8
2. Leadership in the Church
Paul instructs Titus to appoint qualified elders in every town on Crete. Church leaders are to be men of integrity who can teach sound doctrine and refute false teaching. The character of leaders is emphasized more than their abilities, showing that spiritual maturity and godly example are essential for effective ministry.
Key Verses: Titus 1:5-9
3. Refuting False Teachers
False teachers were causing confusion and disrupting entire households. Paul warns Titus to confront and silence those who distort the truth for personal gain. Protecting the church from error is presented as a necessary responsibility of church leadership. The truth of the gospel must be defended against teachings that lead believers away from godly living.
Key Verses: Titus 1:10-16, Titus 3:9-11
4. The Grace of God as the Foundation of Salvation
Paul teaches that salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace rather than human effort. God’s grace not only saves believers but also instructs them to reject ungodliness and pursue holy living. Grace is both the basis of redemption and the motivation for spiritual growth.
Key Verses: Titus 2:11-14, Titus 3:4-7
5. Good Works as Evidence of Faith
A distinctive emphasis in Titus is the importance of good works. While salvation is not earned by works, believers are called to devote themselves to good deeds as evidence of their faith. Paul repeatedly encourages Christians to be useful, productive, and beneficial to others, demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel.
Key Verses: Titus 1:16, Titus 2:7, Titus 2:14, Titus 3:1, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14
6. Christian Conduct in Every Stage of Life
Paul provides practical instructions for older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and servants. Every believer is called to live in a manner that honors God and adorns the gospel. Christian maturity is demonstrated through self-control, integrity, faithfulness, and godly relationships.
Key Verses: Titus 2:1-10
7. The Transforming Power of the Gospel
The gospel changes lives from the inside out. Paul reminds believers that they were once enslaved by sin but have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. This transformation enables them to live differently and become witnesses to God’s saving grace.
Key Verses: Titus 3:3-7
8. The Blessed Hope of Christ’s Return
Believers are encouraged to live faithfully while looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ. The expectation of Christ’s appearing provides motivation for holiness, perseverance, and service. Christian hope is rooted in the certainty that Christ will return and complete His redemptive work.
Key Verses: Titus 2:13-14
9. Christian Citizenship and Witness
Paul teaches believers to submit to governing authorities, avoid unnecessary quarrels, and demonstrate gentleness toward all people. Christians are to be known for peaceable conduct and respect for others, allowing their lives to serve as a testimony to the gospel before the world.
Key Verses: Titus 3:1-2
10. God’s Purpose for a Distinct People
Christ redeemed believers so they would become His own special people, set apart for His purposes. The church is called to reflect God’s holiness and to be zealous for good works. This distinct identity is rooted in Christ’s sacrifice and expressed through faithful obedience.
Key Verses: Titus 2:14, Titus 3:8
Summary
The book of Titus teaches that sound doctrine and godly living belong together. Through God’s saving grace, believers are transformed, equipped for good works, and called to live as a distinct people who honor Christ in every area of life. The letter emphasizes qualified leadership, protection from false teaching, practical holiness, and the hope of Christ’s return, all for the purpose of advancing the gospel and glorifying God.
Chapter 1 – Appointing Godly Leaders and Silencing False Teachers
Chapter Index
Chapter Introduction
Titus 1 opens Paul’s letter to Titus, a trusted coworker whom he left on the island of Crete to strengthen and organize the churches. Paul begins by affirming his apostleship and God’s promise of eternal life, establishing the authority behind his instructions. He then explains Titus’s primary responsibility: appointing qualified elders in every town who can provide sound spiritual leadership and protect the church from false teaching. The chapter emphasizes the importance of godly character in church leaders, sound doctrine, and the need to confront those who were deceiving believers with empty teachings. Against the backdrop of a culture known for moral corruption and dishonesty, Paul calls the churches in Crete to display lives transformed by the gospel. Titus 1 therefore serves as a foundational chapter on church leadership, doctrinal purity, and the relationship between genuine faith and godly living.
Bible Lessons
1.1 Introduction to Titus
The first three verse of this letter to Titus clearly indicates the author to be Paul, but for various reasons there has been a change of opinion by some in the last 200 years, that this letter along with 1 and 2 Timothy were written by someone else. However, that criticism in the end cannot disprove Pauline authorship.
There are some who say that like 1 Timothy, Titus does not seem to fit into the narrative of Acts. From a Bible Chronology of Acts that I have that would be correct. When Paul wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, he was not in prison but was evidently in Macedonia (1:3), having left Timothy in Ephesus. This would place 1 Timothy and Titus after the events in Acts and thus in the years between his two imprisonments in Rome. Paul was released from his first imprisonment around the year 62. He was executed under Nero in the year 68, so 1 Timothy and Titus would have been written somewhere in the mid-60s, like 64 – 66.
The theme of the letter is about the relationship between faith and practice, and belief and behavior. That truth is the basis for judgment against false teachers as well as providing guidance for Christian living and qualifications for church leadership.
Paul had recently completed a journey to Crete, resulting in the establishment of new churches. To ensure that these churches were properly established, Paul leaves Titus in Crete. Several things seem to suggest that Titus’s assignment in Crete was not permanent: first that Paul summons him to winter with him at Nicopolis (3:12), after Paul sends either Artemas (only mentioned here) or Tychicus who is well known in other contexts to replace him, and second that Paul later sends him to Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10). In Titus we have the last reference to Apollos (3:13), whose ministry had been so important in Corinth. He apparently was in Crete along with an otherwise unknown lawyer Zenas. He may just have been visiting, or he may have been helping Titus in the churches there and was now ready to move on. Either way Paul again heartily endorses him.
1.2 Titus 1:1-4 Greeting
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. (Titus 1:1 – 4 ESV)
In the previous lesson we briefly introduced the letter to Titus. In this lesson we will look at the short greeting to Titus.
Paul describes himself first as a servant of Jesus Christ. He also does this in Romans 1:1, Colossians 4:12, Philippians 1:1, and in 1 Timothy 4:6. “Servant” can also mean “a slave or bondservant, someone who sets aside all rights of his own to serve another.” Because of our current meaning of slave, we often use the word servant instead, but it does not capture the meaning of the Greek word from which it comes. At the time of Paul, slaves were purchased or born into a slave family and served the master until they died or until the master decided to free them. Even if the master decided to free them, some wanted to continue to serve them. As servants of Jesus Christ, we were bought with a high price (1 Corinthians 6:20; Galatians 3:13 – 14), and those who come to know him desire to abandon all rights to him and choose to serve him faithfully (Galatians 2:20). As his servants, we seek to do his will and bring glory and honor to him. We must die to self and find ways to bring pleasure to our Lord. As we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, he will provide all our needs (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19).
Paul refers to himself as apostle of Jesus Christ. In the day when he was known as Saul, he went to the high priest breathing threats and murder, and asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men, or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. On the way he tripped over Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) which says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” With a blinding light from heaven, the Lord brings him to his knees and instructs him to continue to Damascus and wait for further instruction. In Damascus, the Lord calls Ananias in a vision and instructs him to go to Saul and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight (Acts 9:12). The Lord also tells Ananias to not be afraid of Saul because “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15 ESV). This was his call to apostleship.
In the Old Testament the Israelites were referred to as the “elect” or called to be the chosen people, or people of God. In the New Testament, the “elect of God” are those whom God has predestined to salvation. They are called the “elect” because that word denotes the concept of choosing. Every four years in the U.S., we “elect” a President—i.e., we choose who will serve in that office. The same goes for God and those who will be saved; God chooses those who will be saved. These are the elect of God.
“For the sake of the faith” points to the purpose or goal of Paul’s apostleship. He labors to see people saved, coming to faith and the knowledge of the truth, which “accords” or unites with godliness (goodness; righteousness; holiness) as a way of living. Godliness is always the goal of the gospel.
As an apostle, Paul’s mission is rooted in the certainty of God’s promise of eternal life. Our hope of eternal life goes back to the beginning when God promised us eternal life, and God never lies as that would be contrary to God’s character. God saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. Our salvation was kept as a mystery until God had everything in place, and then at the proper time God chose Paul to proclaim that mystery to both Jews and especially Gentiles, which was Christ in you the hope of glory (See Colossians 1:27). This mystery to the Gentiles was not chosen by Paul but was received as a command from God our Savior.
Paul then closes his greeting to Titus by referring to him as his true child in a common faith. As with John (See 3 John 1:4), Paul believes there is no grater joy than to hear that his children are walking in the truth. Our life as a believer is possible because of God’s grace and in him we find peace for our souls. That grace and peace is from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
1.3 Titus 1:5-9 List of Eighteen Qualifications for Elders
1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:5 – 9 ESV)
In the previous lesson we covered the greeting from Paul to Titus. In this lesson we will find out why Paul left Titus in Crete and what he was to accomplish while there.
Paul, after being released from his first imprisonment in Rome travels with Titus, his long-time disciple, to Crete and establishes churches there. These new churches are without leadership and so Paul leaves Titus there, as his delegate, when it is time for him to travel on. It will be the responsibility of Titus to put what remains to be done into order and appoint elders in these churches in the towns where they are located.
With the direction given to Titus to appoint elders it would be natural for Paul to list the qualifications for elders for Titus to follow in his selection. Paul mentions being “above reproach” at the beginning of 1:6 and again in 1:7. Being “above reproach” is the overarching qualification with all the other qualifications, listed in 1:6 – 9, filling it out in meaning. These “elders” are described as “overseers” as God’s “stewards.” To be “above reproach” is to be free of criticism and accusations from others.
By now my readers must realize that I am more of a detail person than a summary person. I continue to wrestle against the temptation to envy those who can look at a text and quickly write out a summary statement. I tend to look at Paul’s list of qualifications and in this case write down his list of eighteen points and then think about each point. I simply copy down the text and insert item numbers and then copy the itemized statement and press “enter” before each item number to create a paragraph.
The one being considered (1) must be the husband of one wife, and (2) his children are believers (3) and not open to the charge of debauchery or (4) insubordination. He (5) must not be arrogant or (6) quick-tempered (7) or a drunkard (8) or violent (9) or greedy for gain, (10) but hospitable, (11) a lover of good, (12) self-controlled, (13) upright, (14) holy, and (15) disciplined. He (16) must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, (17) so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and (18) to rebuke those who contradict it. A summary kind of person would look at this and write out one or two sentence and move on, but I will probably take two more lessons to get through the list because these are important points to dwell on and to see the importance of applying them to our walk with the Lord. We will now copy this list and edit it into eighteen paragraph headings.
We will begin our study of the list in the next lesson.
1.4 Titus 1:5-9 The First Eighteen Items
1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:5 – 9 ESV)
In the previous lesson, Paul and Titus arrive in Crete and establishes churches in various towns. When it was time for Paul to move on, he leaves Titus in Crete and instructs him to put into order that which remains and to appoint elders for the churches that were established. We also listed the eighteen qualifications for those being considered as elders. In this lesson we begin our study of this list of qualifications.
The one being considered:
(1) Must be the husband of one wife – The meaning of husband of one wife is not clear and is debated today. It would seem to imply a one-man, one-woman relationship, but does it exclude anyone who was divorced or whose wife died? What if the divorce occurred before salvation? I believe these should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. I do not think the context implies that under certain conditions a remarried man can never serve as an elder.
(2) His children are to be believers – I do not believe this implies that an elder must have children, but if he does must they be “believers”? I believe in the context of 1 Timothy 3, the word “believer” would be better translated as “faithful” because no man can guarantee the salvation of his children. The father must be able to keep his children submissive with proper behavior, not rebellious.
(3) And not open to the charge of debauchery – His children living at home are not to indulge in bodily pleasures and especially sexual pleasures. They are not to be involved in sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. that is often considered immoral.
(4) Or insubordination – Being insubordinate is to show disobedience to lawful authority. An example of this is found in 1 Samuel 15:23 ESV: “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
(5) He must not be arrogant – The man being considered for elder must not be arrogant. “Arrogance can be defined as having an attitude of superiority and being full of self or having an extreme form of pride. It can be manifested in an overbearing personality that makes it hard for others to be around. They usually have an inflated ego and sense of self-worth that is highly overestimated, and an arrogant person can be presumptuous or claim to be superior and all others are deemed to be far inferior and that they feel that they are so much better than others.” (See Link)
(6) Or quick-tempered – A quick-tempered man is one who is predisposed to anger and easily provoked. A quick-tempered man stirs up conflict, but a man slow to anger calms strife.
(7) Or a drunkard – One who habitually drinks strong liquors immoderately; one whose habit it is to get drunk.
(8) Or violent – Violence is defined as “physical force exerted for the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing,” and sadly, violence is a part of everyday life. (See Link)
(9) Or greedy for gain – Greed is a strong and selfish desire to have more of something, most often money or power.
1.5 Titus 1:8-9 The Last Eighteen Items
1:8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:8 – 9 ESV)
In the previous lesson we covered the first nine items of Paul’s list of eighteen. In this lesson we will cover the remaining nine.
(10) He must be hospitable – Hospitality can come in many forms but the ultimate purpose is this: To honor and obey God by serving those around us. As Christians we are called to practice Biblical Hospitality…and practice it with joy!
(11) A lover of good – The Bible tells us that the word “good” means holy, pure and righteousness. Literally goodness is godliness. Goodness can often be seen in our actions, but our heart also must be pure. Because God is good, he is good to his people; when people are good, they behave decently toward each other, based on God’s goodness to them.
(12) Self-controlled – Biblical self-control means choosing to give up trying to control things on our own, surrendering to God for help, and working alongside Him for real change. Self-control is simply that important, impressive, and nearly impossible practice of learning to maintain control of the beast of one’s own sinful passions.
(13) Upright – What does it mean to walk uprightly before the Lord? The word upright is defined as honest, honorable, straightforward. Thus, to walk uprightly, our children need to choose to live in an honest, honorable, straightforward manner.
(14) Holy – “The idea of “holy” is important for an understanding of God, of worship, and of the people of God in the Bible. Holy has four distinct meanings. First is “to be set apart.” This applies to places where God is present, like the Temple and the tabernacle, and to things and persons related to those holy places or to God Himself. Next, it means to be “perfect, transcendent, or spiritually pure, evoking adoration and reverence.” This applies primarily to God, but secondarily to saints or godly people. Next, it means something or someone who evokes “veneration or awe, being frightening beyond belief.” This is clearly the application to God and is the primary meaning of “holy.” It is continued in the last definition, “filled with superhuman and potentially fatal power.” This speaks of God, but also of places or things or persons which have been set apart by God’s presence. A saint is a holy person. To be sanctified is to be made holy.” (See Link)
(15) Disciplined – In the ancient Hebrew of Proverbs, discipline means to instruct, correct, chastise, or rebuke. It does not mean punish or beat. Discipline refers to the process by which one learns a way of life. A disciple was like an apprentice who was learning a trade or craft from a master.
(16) He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught – To hold firm is to identify with the word of God that can always be trusted.
(17) So that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine – One is to hold firmly onto the word, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25 SV).
(18) And rebuke those who contradict it – “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:5 – 6 ESV).
1.6 Titus 1:10-11 Identifying Troublemakers
1:10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. (Titus 1:10 – 11 ESV)
With the previous lesson we finished the list of qualifications Paul gave to Titus to refer to when selecting elders for the churches that were established in Crete. It is a list that all believers should take note of as there are many points of application. In his lesson Paul points out that there are many “who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party” who are a threat to the churches. “They must be silenced since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.”
Paul identifies the characteristics of these potential troublemakers and instructs Titus to watch out for them. Paul lists four characteristics: (1) insubordination, (2) empty talkers (3) deceivers, and (4) those of the circumcision party.
(1) Insubordinate – is disobedience to lawful authority; specifically, an employee’s failure or refusal to comply with a request or an assignment given by his/her supervisor. As believers, we may be disobedient to God, to the commands of his word, and to church leaders. Samuel said to King Saul; “Rebellion is as the sin of divination and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). Equating insubordination with iniquity and idolatry makes it a rather serious sin and can cause serious trouble in a church if not checked.
(2) Empty talkers – “Empty talkers” usually ramble on, but their content is worthless, their words are careless and can often mislead people. People who speak these careless (thoughtless; negligent; inconsiderate) words “will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36 – 37 ESV).
(3) Deceivers – The greatest deceiver of all is Satan who seeks others to do his work of deception. A deceiver is someone who leads you to believe something that is not true. “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist” (2 John 1:7 ESV). Their purpose is to draw people away from Jesus Christ and his gospel, and if possible, to prevent them from obtaining salvation. Their attack on believers to cause them to question their faith and thus hinder their spiritual growth.
(4) Those of the circumcision party – The party of the circumcision were Jewish “Christians” who attacked the gospel, especially justification by faith. They insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must first be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. For them, salvation required work in addition to grace, but grace is not grace if work is included because grace is a gift from God, and a gift requires nothing on our part except acceptance with an attitude of humble thanks.
Paul has faced these problems during his entire ministry and reference to them occur in all his letters. He insists that these troublemakers be identified and silenced because of their negative effect on both believers and unbelievers. They can hinder people coming to faith in the gospel and can weaken the faith of those who already embrace the gospel. They are like false teachers and in some cases are false teachers whose focus is their gain not the furtherance of the gospel.
We will break at this point in the paragraph and continue in the next lesson.
1.7 Titus 1:12-16 Be Aware of the Cretans
1:12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. (Titus 1:12 – 16 ESV)
In the previous lesson we looked at those who were potential troublemakers in the new churches in Crete. In this lesson we will look at the wickedness of the Cretans.
Crete had a reputation of being morally decadent. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true, says Paul. It is also true that this assessment of Cretans is a generalization, it is also true that when Cretans comes to faith, they bring a rather evil background with them, and as a result it may affect their walk of faith.
There may be some that have devoted themselves to Jewish myths and bring this false teaching into the church. Paul instructs Titus to rebuke them sharply, that they may repent and be sound in the faith and not turn others away from the faith.
“To the pure, all things are pure” reminds us of previous material studied. Since the immediate context concerns false Jewish teachers, the issue here seems to concern Jewish food laws and are concerned about how certain foods might affect their purity. The transition from law to grace for the Jew was very difficult and is seen in the vision Peter had in Acts 10. “The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.” (Acts 10:9 – 16 ESV). This transition was difficult for Peter. Paul speaks of this in 1 Timothy 4:3 where they “require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” Under grace, believers no longer have the restrictions the Jews had under the law.
For those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. No matter what religious rules they try to follow their efforts are in vain because they are dead in their sin without salvation through grace by faith. For them nothing is pure because nothing will help provide for their salvation. These with defiled minds and consciences imagine their efforts of seeking godliness will be great gain for them. (See 1 Timothy 6:5). There is nothing we can do to gain our salvation as it is a gift of God’s grace.
They profess to know God, but if they cannot keep his commandments, they are then liars, and the truth is not in them (See 1 John 2:4). If you listen to unbelievers who profess to know God, you will soon realize that by their words they deny him. These unbelievers oppose the truth with their corrupted minds and are disqualified regarding the faith (See 2 Timothy 3:8). Paul describes them as being “detestable and disobedient” and as a result they are unfit for any good work because by their words they can only lead people away from the gospel and into sin with them.
Questions with Answers
1. Who wrote the book of Titus, and to whom was it written?
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to Titus, one of his trusted co-workers in the ministry. Titus had been left on the island of Crete to help organize the churches, appoint qualified leaders, and address false teaching. Paul viewed Titus as a true son in the faith and entrusted him with significant responsibility in strengthening the churches (Titus 1:1-4).
2. How does Paul describe his calling in the opening verses?
Paul identifies himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He explains that his ministry exists to promote the faith of God’s chosen people, lead believers into the knowledge of the truth, and encourage lives marked by godliness. His mission was not merely to convey information but to help people grow in faith and holy living (Titus 1:1).
3. What hope does Paul emphasize in Titus 1?
Paul speaks of the hope of eternal life, which God promised before the ages began. This hope rests on God’s character because God cannot lie. Believers can have confidence in eternal life because it is based on God’s faithful promise rather than human effort or uncertain circumstances (Titus 1:2).
4. What responsibility had Paul given to Titus in Crete?
Paul left Titus in Crete to set in order what remained unfinished and to appoint elders in every city. This indicates that church organization and spiritual leadership were important priorities. Titus was responsible for helping establish healthy churches that could grow in truth and withstand false teaching (Titus 1:5).
5. Why was appointing elders such an important task?
Elders were to provide spiritual leadership, teach sound doctrine, protect the church from error, and serve as examples to believers. Since false teachers were influencing many people in Crete, strong and godly leadership was essential for maintaining the spiritual health and unity of the churches (Titus 1:5, 9).
6. What qualifications does Paul give for elders?
Paul explains that an elder should be above reproach, faithful to his wife, have believing children who are not known for rebellion, and demonstrate godly character. He must not be arrogant, quick-tempered, addicted to wine, violent, or greedy for money. Instead, he should be hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined (Titus 1:6-8).
7. What does it mean for an elder to be “above reproach”?
Being above reproach does not mean being sinless. Rather, it means living in such a way that no legitimate accusation can be brought against one’s character or conduct. Church leaders should have a reputation for integrity and consistency that reflects the transforming work of Christ in their lives (Titus 1:6-7).
8. Why does Paul emphasize the elder’s family life?
The home serves as a proving ground for leadership. A man who demonstrates faithful leadership, love, and spiritual influence within his family shows evidence that he can responsibly care for God’s people. Family life often reveals a person’s true character more clearly than public ministry (Titus 1:6).
9. Why must an elder hold firmly to sound doctrine?
An elder must know and believe God’s truth so that he can encourage believers and refute those who oppose it. Sound doctrine strengthens faith, promotes godliness, and protects the church from deception. Leaders who are grounded in Scripture help ensure the church remains faithful to Christ (Titus 1:9).
10. What problem was affecting the churches in Crete?
Many rebellious individuals, especially those promoting legalistic teachings, were spreading false ideas and misleading entire households. Their teaching created confusion and division within the churches. Some were motivated by personal gain rather than a sincere desire to serve God (Titus 1:10-11).
11. How does Paul describe the character of many Cretans?
Paul quotes a well-known statement from one of Crete’s own prophets, describing many Cretans as liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons. Paul uses this description to highlight the cultural challenges Titus faced. The gospel was needed to transform lives that had been shaped by sinful habits and values (Titus 1:12-13).
12. Why did Paul instruct Titus to rebuke false teachers sharply?
The goal of correction was restoration, not punishment. Paul wanted those who had been influenced by false teaching to become sound in the faith. Loving correction helps believers return to biblical truth and spiritual health when they have wandered from it (Titus 1:13).
13. What kinds of teachings were Titus to oppose?
Titus was to oppose Jewish myths, human traditions, and commands that turned people away from God’s truth. Any teaching that replaces God’s Word with human ideas ultimately leads believers away from genuine faith and obedience (Titus 1:14).
14. What does Paul mean when he says, “To the pure, all things are pure”?
Paul teaches that those whose hearts have been cleansed by faith view life through a purified conscience. In contrast, unbelievers with corrupted minds and consciences find impurity everywhere because their hearts remain unchanged. The issue is not primarily external rules but the condition of the heart before God (Titus 1:15).
15. How does Paul describe the danger of hypocrisy?
Paul speaks of people who claim to know God but deny Him through their actions. Their lives contradict their profession of faith. Genuine faith produces obedience and transformation, while empty religion may use correct words but lacks godly fruit (Titus 1:16).
16. What major lesson does Titus 1 teach about church leadership?
Titus 1 teaches that character is more important than status, ability, or popularity. Godly leaders must possess integrity, spiritual maturity, doctrinal faithfulness, and a commitment to protecting God’s people. Healthy churches depend upon leaders who faithfully follow Christ and teach His truth.
17. What major lesson does Titus 1 teach about truth and godliness?
Paul connects sound doctrine with godly living throughout the chapter. True biblical teaching produces transformed lives, while false teaching leads to confusion and ungodliness. Believers are called not only to know the truth but also to live according to it in every area of life (Titus 1:1, 9, 13, 16).
Chapter 2 – Teaching Sound Doctrine in Every Life Stage
Chapter Index
Chapter Introduction
Titus 2 continues Paul’s instruction to Titus regarding the organization and spiritual health of the churches on Crete. After emphasizing the need for godly leadership in chapter 1, Paul turns his attention to the conduct of various groups within the church; older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and servants. He stresses that sound doctrine must be demonstrated through righteous living and godly character. Throughout the chapter, Paul shows that the transforming grace of God not only saves believers but also teaches them to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while they await the return of Jesus Christ. The chapter highlights the close connection between biblical truth and practical Christian living, reminding believers that their behavior should adorn the gospel and serve as a testimony to the power of God’s grace.
Bible Lessons
2.1 Titus 2:1-10 Older Men
2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. (Titus 2:1 – 10 ESV)
In the previous lesson we looked at Paul’s general assessment of the evil of the Cretan people and the potential of them bringing evil into the church. With this lesson we begin chapter 2 and Paul’s instruction to Titus to teach sound doctrine. Paul has included comments about sound doctrine in other letters. For example, in 2 Timothy 4:3, Paul spoke of a time “when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.; in 1 Timothy 6:3 – 4 ESV: “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.; in 2 Timothy 1:13, Paul instructs Timothy to “follow the pattern of sound words.”
In 2:2 – 10, Paul gives proper living by age and gender groups, which include: (1) Older men, (2) Older woman, (3) Younger women, (4) Younger men, and (5) Bondservants.
(1) Older men – are to be (a) sober minded, (b) dignified, (c) self-controlled, (d) sound in faith, (e) sound in love, and (f) sound in steadfastness.
(a) sober minded – The Grace of God teaches us that we should bring our thoughts under control and be sober in our thinking.
(b) dignified – Dignified is the quality or state of being worthy of honor and respect.
(c) self-controlled – Self-control means choosing to give up trying to control things on our own, surrendering to God for help, and working alongside him for real change.
(d) sound in faith – Sound in faith implies believing and practicing sound doctrine and teachings (See Romans 10:17).
(e) sound in love – To be sound in love is to live out the following characteristics in any situation: “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” (Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV).
(f) sound in steadfastness – The Bible uses the word steadfast, and it means to be firm and unwavering in our faith. As Christians, we should be firm or sound in what we believe, and if we are we will not allow ourselves to be moved when we face trials or difficulties.
We will take a break here and continue with “older woman” in the next lesson.
2.2 Titus 2:3-5 Older Women and Younger Women
2:3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2:3 – 5 ESV)
In the previous lesson Paul instructed Titus to teach what accords with sound doctrine. He then listed five groups of people: (1) Older men, (2) Older woman, (3) Younger women, (4) Younger men, and (5) Bondservants. We covered the first group. In this lesson we will cover the next two groups.
(2) Older women – are to be (a) reverent in behavior, (b) not slanderers (c) not slaves to much wine (d) are to teach what is good, and (e) train the young women.
(a) reverent in behavior – Reverence is having humility toward God and recognizing, as well as expressing his awe and greatness, thus, reverent behavior is to include a humble relationship toward God and expressing his awe and greatness before others.
(b) not slanderers – Since slander is deceptive, destructive, and devious we are to speak words that will not harm a person’s good reputation. We are not to lie about someone with the intent of causing others to view that person in a negative light.
(c) not slaves to much wine – The Bible does not forbid drinking alcohol, but it does warn against the danger of drinking too much with the possible consequence of immoral behavior. The Bible does recognize that drinking in moderation can be enjoyable and even safe, it also contains passages that advise against heavy drinking.
(d) are to teach what is good – “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8) and teach them to others.
(e) are to train the young women – Older women are to train up younger women in the way they should go, so that when they are older, they will live as they should (See Proverbs 22:6).
(3) Younger women – are to (a) love their husbands, (b) love their children, (c) be self-controlled, (d) be pure, (e) work at home, (f) be kind, (g) be submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
(a) love their husbands – If older women loved their husbands and taught younger woman the importance of loving their husbands then their efforts would most likely be profitable.
(b) love their children – If older women loved their children, then their example would most likely be lived out by young women loving their children.
(c) be self-controlled – Self-control is the last characteristic listed for love in Galatians 5:22 – 23 and means choosing to give up trying to control things on your own, surrendering to God for help, and working alongside him for real change.
(d) be pure – Real purity comes because of believing that the Lord Jesus died in our place to ransom us from impurity. Pure living increases as we work together with the Spirit to live as redeemed children of God. Purity describes who we are and what we do.
(e) work at home – The Bible nowhere forbids a woman from working outside the home. However, the Bible does teach what a woman’s priorities are to be. If working outside the home causes a woman to neglect her children and husband, then it is wrong for that woman to work outside the home, but because of the high divorce rate, many women do not have a choice.
(f) be kind – Kindness is the fourth characteristic of love (See Galatians 5:22 – 23) and should be included with the fifth characteristic, which is goodness. The key difference between kindness and goodness is that kindness mainly involves being generous and considerate, and helping others whereas goodness involves righteousness in action or doing what is right. Jesus was a perfect example of this.
(g) be submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled – For the meaning of being submissive to their own husbands, see lesson E33 (https://anchormyfaith.com/blog/e33). The husbands sacrificial love is the cost needed for the wife to be willing to submit to her husband. Under that balance of sacrificial love and submission the word of God will not be reviled (despised; scorned) by others.
We will take a break here and cover the last two groups in the next lesson.
2.3 Titus 2:6-10 Younger Men and Bondservants
2:6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. (Titus 2:6 – 10 ESV)
In the previous lesson we covered Older Women and Younger Women. In this lesson we will cover the last two groups: Younger Men and Bondservants.
(4) Younger men – are to be (a) self-controlled, (b) show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, (c) in your teaching show integrity, (d) show dignity, (e) show sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
(a) self-controlled – As defined above, self-control means choosing to give up trying to control things on your own, surrendering to God for help, and working alongside him for real change
(b) show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works – “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14 ESV). Salvation is by grace through faith, but once saved we are to bear much fruit through our good works.
(c) in your teaching show integrity – John describes young men with the characteristics of being strong, having the word of God abiding in them, and having overcome the evil one (See 1 John 2:14). “Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles” (English Oxford Living Dictionaries). Young men are to know the word of God through study and are to teach it from “love, that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5 ESV).
(d) show dignity – Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Dignity most commonly refers to the honor we confer on others.
(e) show sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us – We are to speak only the truth and from a heart of love and a sincere faith, and as we do our opponents will find nothing in which to condemn us with. The opponents of Jesus could not agree on anything evil that Jesus had done and so they had to back Pilate into a spot where to protect himself he had Jesus crucified.
(5) Bondservants – are to (a) be submissive to their own masters in everything, (b) be well-pleasing, (c) not argumentative, (d) not pilfering, (e) show all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
(a) be submissive to their own masters in everything – Bondservants are to be subject to their masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust (See 1 Peter 2:18), and their obedience is to be with fear and trembling because they are under authority. They were to serve with a sincere heart as if they were serving Jesus Christ.
(b) be well-pleasing – “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” (Colossians 3:22 ESV).
(c) not argumentative – Being submissive does not leave room to argue about one is being assigned to do.
(d) not pilfering – They are not to take what does not belong to them like Onesimus probably did when he left Philemon and escaped to Rome where he met Paul and became a believer.
(e) show all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior – As a bondservant, he is to let his light of faith shine before others, so that they may see his good works and give glory to their Father who is in heaven (See Matthew 5:16). They are to “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that [they] may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom [they] shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14 – 15 ESV).
2.4 Titus 2:11-15 Gospel Basics
2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
2:15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:11 – 15 ESV)
With the previous lesson we finished covering the five groups of people: (1) Older men, (2) Older woman, (3) Younger women, (4) Younger men, and (5) Bondservants. In this lesson we will consider our salvation.
In 2:11 – 14, Paul lays out the theological basics for what he said about the lifestyles of the five groups covered in the three previous lessons. These verses describe how we as believers should live, “For the grace of God” that saves us also instructs us how to live. One cannot claim to have received saving grace if they do not produce good works that bear fruit to the honor and glory of God (See James 2:18, 20).
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us” (1 John 1:1 – 2 ESV). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 2, 14 ESV). The grace of God that appeared came through the person of Jesus Christ.
That grace that appeared, Paul said, brought salvation for all people. He did not say, “brought salvation to all people. His statement is embraced by some to mean that all people are saved because that would conflict with other Scripture. Jesus and others shared the gospel, and many walked away in unbelief and in some cases caused the death of those bringing the gospel. From the time of Jesus Christ, believers have been martyred for their faith.
This grace, working through the teaching and preaching of others, as well as the Holy Spirit, is at work training us to say no to sin and yes to godliness. We are to suppress worldly passions and instead put forth effort to “live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” We are to live in this way in preparation for the return “of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” His appearance is described as a blessed hope that we are waiting for. Some think “God” refers to the Father, but the Greek seems clear that the reference is to only Jesus Christ.
Eagerly waiting with expectation is a way that grace trains us to push back against sin and become a slave to righteousness (See Romans 6:18). We are to set our mind on the truth of Christ’s return as that stimulates us to holy living: “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be, has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2 – 3 ESV).
As further encouragement for righteous living, Paul reminds us that God’s Son came and took on a body of human flesh through a virgin birth, and then lived a perfect life under the law, and then took our sin and went to the cross to die in our place. His death justified us before God and his blood redeemed us from the curse of the law, setting us free from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus Christ did this to purify us from our sin and making us his own possession and stimulating us to be zealous for good works. As his prized possession, we out of gratitude for all he has done for us and his love for us, are to live in a godly manner before him.
Paul’s final instruction to Titus in this chapter is to declare these truths. This echoes what Jesus said before ascending to heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18 – 20 ESV). Those who continue in sin, exhort and rebuke with all the authority you have in Christ as a leader, and let no one disregard you.
Questions with Answers
1. What is the main purpose of Titus 2?
Answer:
The main purpose of Titus 2 is to instruct believers on how sound doctrine should be reflected in everyday living. Paul teaches that Christian truth is not merely something to be believed but something to be lived. He gives practical instructions to older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and servants, showing that every believer has a role in displaying God’s transforming grace. The chapter emphasizes that a godly lifestyle validates the message of the gospel before a watching world.
2. Why does Paul tell Titus to teach what is consistent with sound doctrine (Titus 2:1)?
Answer:
Paul begins the chapter by commanding Titus to teach sound doctrine because healthy teaching produces healthy living. False teachers were influencing many people in Crete, so Titus needed to provide clear biblical instruction. Sound doctrine is not merely correct theology; it results in transformed character, godly relationships, and faithful service. Truth and conduct are inseparable in the Christian life.
3. What qualities should characterize older men according to Titus 2:2?
Answer:
Older men are instructed to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and perseverance. These qualities reflect spiritual maturity and stability. Older men are to serve as examples of steadfast faithfulness, demonstrating wisdom gained through years of walking with God. Their lives should encourage younger believers to remain faithful during life’s challenges.
4. What responsibilities are given to older women in Titus 2:3-5?
Answer:
Older women are to live reverent lives, avoid slander and excessive drinking, and become teachers of what is good. They are specifically called to mentor younger women in practical godliness. This includes teaching younger women to love their husbands and children, exercise self-control, maintain purity, and manage their households wisely. Paul highlights the importance of spiritual mentoring between generations within the church.
5. Why is the instruction to younger women important?
Answer:
The instruction given to younger women demonstrates that Christian discipleship extends into family life and daily responsibilities. Godliness is not limited to church activities but affects attitudes, relationships, and responsibilities in the home. Paul explains that such conduct prevents God’s Word from being dishonored. A believer’s lifestyle either strengthens or weakens the testimony of the gospel before others.
6. What does Paul teach younger men in Titus 2:6?
Answer:
Paul’s instruction to younger men is brief but significant: they are to be self-controlled. Self-control is essential because it influences every area of life, including speech, behavior, desires, decisions, and relationships. Young men often face temptations related to pride, impulsiveness, and worldly passions, making self-discipline a critical mark of spiritual maturity.
7. How was Titus to be an example to others (Titus 2:7-8)?
Answer:
Titus was to model integrity, dignity, purity of doctrine, and sound speech. As a leader, he was not only to teach truth but also to demonstrate it through his own conduct. His life was to reinforce his message. When leaders practice what they preach, opponents have little basis for criticism, and the gospel gains credibility.
8. What instructions are given to servants in Titus 2:9-10?
Answer:
Servants were instructed to be submissive, trustworthy, respectful, and diligent. They were not to argue with their masters or steal from them but instead demonstrate complete faithfulness. By doing so, they would “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” This means their conduct would make the gospel attractive and demonstrate its transforming power even in difficult circumstances.
9. What does it mean to “adorn the doctrine of God” (Titus 2:10)?
Answer:
To adorn the doctrine of God means to enhance the beauty and credibility of the gospel through godly living. Just as beautiful clothing can enhance a person’s appearance, faithful Christian conduct makes the truth of God’s Word attractive to others. While good works do not save anyone, they demonstrate the reality of salvation and provide evidence of God’s work in a believer’s life.
10. What is the significance of God’s grace appearing to all people (Titus 2:11)?
Answer:
This refers to the coming of Jesus Christ and the offer of salvation through Him. God’s grace has been revealed through Christ, making salvation available to people from every nation, background, and social status. Paul emphasizes that salvation is rooted in God’s grace rather than human effort. The gospel is God’s gracious provision for humanity’s greatest need.
11. How does grace teach believers according to Titus 2:12?
Answer:
Grace not only saves believers but also trains them. God’s grace teaches Christians to reject ungodliness and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, righteous, and godly lives. Salvation includes both forgiveness and transformation. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers learn to increasingly reflect Christ’s character in their daily lives.
12. What is the “blessed hope” mentioned in Titus 2:13?
Answer:
The blessed hope is the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Believers live with the expectation that Christ will come again to complete His work of redemption. This hope encourages faithfulness, perseverance, and holy living. Christians are not merely looking back to Christ’s first coming but forward to His second coming in glory.
13. What does Titus 2:13 teach about the identity of Jesus Christ?
Answer:
Titus 2:13 refers to Jesus as “our great God and Savior.” This verse is one of the clearest affirmations of Christ’s deity in the New Testament. Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher; He is fully God and fully Savior. His divine nature gives Him the authority and power to redeem sinners and bring salvation to all who believe.
14. Why did Christ give Himself for us (Titus 2:14)?
Answer:
Christ gave Himself to redeem us from lawlessness and to purify a people for His own possession. His sacrificial death not only pays the penalty for sin but also transforms believers into a people committed to good works. Redemption involves both deliverance from sin’s guilt and freedom from sin’s power.
15. What does it mean to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14)?
Answer:
Being zealous for good works means having a passionate desire to obey God and serve others. Good works are not performed to earn salvation but are the natural result of genuine faith. A redeemed person seeks opportunities to glorify God through acts of love, service, generosity, and obedience.
16. How does Titus 2 connect doctrine and daily living?
Answer:
Titus 2 demonstrates that sound doctrine and godly living cannot be separated. Every section of the chapter shows that what believers believe should shape how they live. The gospel transforms character, relationships, work, family life, and future hope. Christian doctrine is intended to produce visible evidence of God’s grace in everyday life.
17. What is the central message of Titus 2?
Answer:
The central message of Titus 2 is that God’s saving grace transforms people and teaches them to live godly lives while they await the return of Christ. Every believer, regardless of age, gender, or social position, is called to demonstrate the reality of the gospel through faithful obedience. Sound doctrine produces sound living, bringing glory to God and providing a powerful witness to the world.
Chapter 3 – Saved by Grace, Devoted to Good Works
Chapter Index
Chapter Introduction
Titus 3 concludes Paul’s letter by focusing on how believers should live in the world as representatives of Jesus Christ. After addressing church leadership and godly conduct within the church, Paul turns to the believer’s relationship with society, urging Christians to be submissive to governing authorities, ready for every good work, and characterized by gentleness and humility toward all people. He reminds Titus that salvation is not based on human righteousness but on God’s mercy, accomplished through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Because believers have experienced God’s grace, they are called to devote themselves to good works that benefit others. Paul also warns against foolish controversies, divisive behavior, and unprofitable disputes that can harm the church. The chapter emphasizes the transforming power of the gospel, the importance of Christian witness in the community, and the practical outworking of salvation in daily life. Key verses include Titus 3:4–7, which provide one of the clearest summaries of salvation by grace in the New Testament.
Bible Lessons
3.1 Titus 3:1-2 Seven Reminders
3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (Titus 3:1 – 2 ESV)
In the previous lesson we looked at the basics of the gospel. With this lesson we begin the section of getting ready for doing good works.
When I started reading 3:1, I had to stop and ask the question, “Who are “them” in the phrase “Remind them?” Does “them” refer to believers or to the unsaved coming into the church? I checked other English translations and found a mixed interpretation. “Them” and “people” were most frequently used, with a few translations using “your people” (CEV), “believers” (GW, ICB, ISV), and “everyone” (NCB). Looking back to chapter 2, we find 2:11 refers to salvation coming to the unsaved. 2:12 then speaks of training those new believers. 2:13 speaks of believers growing as they wait for the return of Jesus Christ. 2:14 speaks of Jesus Christ as our redeemer, and then in 2:15, Paul tells Titus to declare “these things” which would include speaking to unbelievers as well as believers, so in 3:1 does “them” refer to believers or to unbelievers or to both? That is why many translations use “people” in their translations, because they are not sure. My ESV footnote refers to “them” as outsiders” or as those coming to faith, and as they do, Paul tells Titus to remind them of certain things.
I was not going to detail the seven things listed, only point out what they were, but I could not resist. The seven things Paul lists are: (1) be submissive to rulers and authorities, (2) be obedient, (3) be ready for every good work, (4) avoid quarreling, (5) speak evil to no one, (6) be gentle, and (7) show perfect courtesy toward all people.
(1) be submissive to rulers and authorities – Paul said: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1 ESV). Peter said: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme” (1 Peter 2:13 ESV).
(2) be obedient – We were once slaves to sin, but as believers we are to be obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching from gospel (Romans 6:17). “As obedient children do not be conformed to the passions of [our] former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14 ESV).
(3) be ready for every good work – Paul said to Timothy, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21 ESV). The false teachers were unfit for good works (1:16). People who are born again are to be “zealous for good works.” (2:14).
(4) avoid quarreling – Proverbs has several references to quarrelsome wives and one about a quarrelsome man: “As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife” (Proverbs 26:21 ESV). Paul tells Timothy to “have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23 ESV). James asks the question, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?” and then answers with another question: “Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1 ESV). To avoid quarreling one must control their passions and stay away from foolish, ignorant controversies.
(5) speak evil to no one – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6 ESV). Always respond with gentleness and respect (See 1 Peter 3:15). “With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God” (James 3:9 ESV). If we attack a person with our words (speak evil) then we are attacking God through his image bearer (See Genesis 9:5 – 6).
(6) be gentle – Being gently is one of the eight characteristics of love mentioned in Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV: “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.” Being gentle means that we show care and respect for others in the way we act and speak.
(7) show perfect courtesy toward all people – Showing courtesy to someone means we treat them with respect, realizing that they are made in the image and likeness of God. If we are not courteous to someone, then we are not being courteous to our Lord (See Matthew 25:44 – 45).
3.2 Titus 3:3-7 Three Lists of Our Former Sins
3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others, and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3 – 7 ESV)
In the previous lesson we looked at seven things Paul instructed Titus to tell “them” who were possibly those coming to salvation. In this lesson we will look at our former way of life.
In 3:3, Paul speaks about our former way of life before being born again and lists several characteristics of that life. Do not worry, I am not going to detail them, but instead will add two other lists. For example:
1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11 ESV: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Notice that the list of sins was followed by God stepping into the picture and washed, sanctified, and justified us.
Ephesians 2:1 – 5 ESV: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
Again, God steps into the picture and makes us alive.
It is true that God has given us the opportunity to make choices. Adam used his opportunity and as a result each one of us are born spiritually dead in sin. That is an enormous problem because according to Romans 3:10 – 12 ESV: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
It seems clear that a spiritually dead person will not or cannot seek for God. While we are dead in our trespasses, God makes us spiritually alive so we can believe and seek God. Being alive, we can then receive the Lord. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13 ESV). You and I are believers, not because of our will, but because of the will of God who made the choice for us. You say this is not fair? According to the law all have sinned and deserve death. Did God choose Saul while on his way to Damascus and cause him to become Paul the apostle to the Gentiles? I am so eternally thankful that the Father chose me and caused me to be born again and then adopted me into his family as a child of his.
What we have said above, Paul repeats in 3:4 – 7: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
In the next lesson we will return and look more closely at 3:4 – 7.
3.3 Titus 3:4-7 God’s Role in Our Salvation
3:4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4 – 7 ESV)
In the previous lesson we listed two more lists of our former sins and saw that in each case God entered the picture to provide salvation. We looked at Paul’s statement of God providing our salvation, and in this lesson, we will look at that statement more closely.
God has called forth a people for a purpose, and for those he called, all things will work together for good. The assurance of that happening is provided by 8:29 – 30, which begins with the word “For” at the beginning of 8:29: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Notice the progression from foreknowledge, to predestined, to called, to justified, to glorified.
This progression shows God’s work in saving us and is expressed as the “goodness and loving kindness of God” that came when our Savior appeared. God saved us, not because of anything we had done in righteousness, but according to his own mercy: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV). He did this “by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Should we read this quote like as: “by the (washing of regeneration and renewal) of the Spirit” or like this: “by the (washing of regeneration) and (renewal of the Spirit)”? In other words, what is the “and” joining? The NET translates it as: “through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.” The NLT translates it as: “He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
3:5 ends with the “Holy Spirit” and 3:6 describes the Holy Spirit being “poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our savior.” Joel speaks of the Spirit being poured out (See Joel 2:28). Acts 2:33 speaks of the Spirit being poured out. Acts 10:45 speaks of the gift of the Holy Spirit being poured out even on the Gentiles. Romans 5:5 speaks of God’s love being poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. At the time of being born again, the Spirit comes into us (poured), whose fruit is love. At that time the Lord takes our garments of self-righteousness and exchanges them with his garments of salvation and arrayed us in a robe of righteousness (See Isaiah 61:10). That “robe of righteousness” is the Lord’s righteousness imputed to us. In so doing, we are justified by his grace, so that we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
That hope is described as a living hope in 1 Peter 1:3 – 5 ESV: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
3.4 Titus 3:8-11 Command Statement
3:8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Titus 3:8 – 11 ESV)
In the previous lesson we considered God’s role in our salvation. In this lesson we will associate “good works” with “belief in God.”
Coming to the closing paragraph of the body of the letter to Titus, Paul gives a summary command to Titus, which is like the command given in 2:15: “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Both commands carry a tone of authority, indicating the importance of carrying them out.
The command Paul is about to give to Titus is described as “trustworthy” (reliable; truthful; dependable). In his first letter to Timothy, Paul says, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance” (1 Timothy 1:15 ESV). What Paul is about to tell Titus is “deserving of full acceptance.” Paul stresses his point by saying, “I insist on these things.” Paul first used “these things” in 2:15: “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority.”
“These things” would refer to the elements of sound doctrine laid out in 2:1 – 14, and in particular the statement: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11 – 14 ESV).
Chapter 3 adds “good works” to “these things.” Those who have believed from hearing sound doctrine, of chapter 2, are now instructed to “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” The sound doctrine of chapter 2 that leads one to salvation is to be lived out through their good works, and in doing this will result in excellent and profitable benefits for people but lurking in the background are false teachers, who are pawns of Satan, who try to draw people away from sound doctrine and to entertain such things as “foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law.” These things are “unprofitable and worthless” for spiritual growth and should be avoided in favor of doing “good works.”
Those false teachers, or others, who would stir up division, are to be warned once and then if they continue, they are to be warned again, and then if they continue, they are to be excluded from the Christian community. An example of this is found in 1 Corinthians 5. Matthew 18:15 – 20 lays out the steps of such church discipline.
Paul describes these people who will not repent and change their ways as “warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Scripture is clear about seeking the repentance of such people, but it is also equally clear that their refusal to receive rebuke eventually shows that they are not in Christ and should be excluded from Christian fellowship for the protection of the health of the body of believers there.
3.5 Titus 3:12-15 Final Instructions to Titus
3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
3:15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. (Titus 3:12 – 15 ESV)
With the previous lesson we finished our study of the body of Paul’s letter to Titus. With this lesson we will cover the final instructions and greetings.
We know from Titus 1:5, that Paul left Titus in Crete, as he himself departed from Asia, that he might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town. Paul did not intend for Titus to stay there permanently but to train elders to take his place. Paul plans to send Artemas or Tychicus to Titus thus maybe replacing him, allowing him to come and meet Paul at Nicopolis.
Artemas is mentioned only here in the New Testament. Tychicus appears in five locations in the New Testament: (1) Acts 20:4 he is described as an Asian; (2) Ephesians 6:21 ESV “Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.”; (3) Colossians 4:7 ESV “Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.”; (4) 2 Timothy 4:12 ESV “Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.”; (5) Titus 3:12 ESV “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.”
Paul is out of prison as this time and has gone to Nicopolis, a port city in Epirus, on the west coast of the Greek peninsula and about 200 miles northwest of Athens. Paul plans to spend the winter there.
It appears that Paul wants Zenas and Apollos to have their support met and sent out as missionaries as soon as possible, maybe before Titus leaves Crete.
Paul wants Titus to encourage believers there in Crete to devote themselves to good works. This is the fifth time Paul has mentioned “good works” in his letter (See 1:16, 2:7, 2:14, 3:8, and 3:14). The purpose of doing these good works is to help cases of urgent need and to bear fruit whenever possible through the advancement of the gospel. The opportunity to assist Zenas and Apollos is an example of how Christians can be involved in good works.
Paul closes his letter with a greeting from all that are with him to those who love us in the faith. Even though Paul’s letter was written primarily to Titus, it will be read to the entire congregation, and thus the statement “Grace be with you all.”
This brings us to the end of another great study. Paul’s next letter in a time sequence will be his second letter to Timothy, which we will study next.
Questions with Answers
1. What does Titus 3:1-2 teach about the believer’s relationship to government and society?
Answer:
Paul instructs believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey laws, and to be ready for every good work. Christians are not to be known for slander, quarrelsomeness, or hostility, but for gentleness and humility toward all people. This does not mean blind obedience to sinful commands, but it does mean that believers should be good citizens whose conduct reflects the character of Christ. The gospel changes not only our relationship with God but also our behavior toward others.
2. Why does Paul remind believers of their former condition in Titus 3:3?
Answer:
Paul reminds Christians that before salvation they were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to sinful desires, and living in envy and hatred. This reminder promotes humility. Believers should never look down on unbelievers because they were once in the same condition. Remembering God’s grace toward us helps us extend patience, compassion, and mercy to others who have not yet come to faith.
3. What is revealed about God’s character in Titus 3:4-5?
Answer:
These verses highlight God’s kindness, love, mercy, and saving grace. Salvation originates in God’s loving initiative rather than human effort. Paul emphasizes that God saved us “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy.” This demonstrates that salvation is entirely a gift of God. His love reaches people who could never earn or deserve His favor.
4. What does it mean to be saved “through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5)?
Answer:
Regeneration refers to the new birth; the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person places faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit cleanses the sinner from guilt and gives new spiritual life. Renewal describes the ongoing work of the Spirit in transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. Salvation is not merely an external change in behavior; it is an inward work of God that creates a new person with new desires and a new relationship with Him.
5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in salvation according to Titus 3:5-6?
Answer:
The Holy Spirit is the agent through whom God applies salvation to the believer. He regenerates, renews, indwells, and empowers God’s people. Paul says the Spirit was poured out abundantly through Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the richness of God’s provision. The Christian life is not lived by human strength alone but through the continual work of the Holy Spirit within the believer.
6. What does Titus 3:7 teach about justification and eternal life?
Answer:
Paul teaches that believers are justified by God’s grace and become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Justification means being declared righteous before God because of Christ’s sacrifice. As heirs, believers receive the privileges and promises of God’s family, including the certainty of eternal life. This assurance rests on God’s grace rather than human achievement.
7. Why does Paul emphasize good works in Titus 3:8?
Answer:
Although salvation is not earned by works, genuine faith produces good works. Paul wants believers to devote themselves to doing what is good because such actions are beneficial to others and glorify God. Good works are the evidence of salvation, not the cause of it. A transformed life demonstrates the reality of God’s grace at work in the believer.
8. What kinds of discussions should believers avoid according to Titus 3:9?
Answer:
Paul warns against foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and disputes about the law. Such debates often create division and distract believers from the gospel’s primary message. While sound doctrine is important, Christians should avoid arguments that generate conflict without promoting spiritual growth. The focus should remain on truth that builds up faith and encourages godly living.
9. How should the church respond to a divisive person according to Titus 3:10-11?
Answer:
Paul instructs Titus to warn a divisive person once and then a second time. If the individual refuses correction, the church should separate from that person. This process protects the unity and health of the congregation. Persistent divisiveness reveals a heart that is unwilling to submit to God’s truth. Church discipline is intended both to protect the church and to encourage repentance.
10. What practical instructions does Paul give in Titus 3:12-14?
Answer:
Paul provides guidance concerning ministry partnerships, hospitality, and support for fellow workers. Titus is encouraged to help meet the needs of believers engaged in ministry. Paul also urges Christians to devote themselves to good works and productive service. The Christian faith is lived out through practical acts of love, generosity, and support for the work of the gospel.
11. What does Titus 3 teach about the relationship between grace and good works?
Answer:
Titus 3 presents a balanced view of salvation and Christian living. Salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace and mercy, not human effort. However, those who have been saved are expected to live lives characterized by good works. Grace saves us, transforms us, and motivates us to serve others. Good works are the fruit of salvation and a testimony to God’s transforming power.
12. What is the central message of Titus 3?
Answer:
The central message of Titus 3 is that God’s mercy and grace bring salvation through Jesus Christ, resulting in a transformed life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to live humbly, perform good works, avoid divisive controversies, and demonstrate the reality of their salvation through godly conduct. The chapter beautifully connects God’s saving grace with practical Christian living, showing that a changed heart should produce a changed life.
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