Introduction to Titus. Background

Transcription

1 Introduction to Titus Background Titus was one of Paul s beloved companions and co-workers. He was a Greek believer taught and nurtured by Paul and the one who accompanied Paul to the church leaders in Jerusalem as a living example of what Christ was doing among the uncircumcised Gentiles. Like Timothy, Titus was one of Paul s traveling companions and closest friends. Later he became Paul s special ambassador and eventually overseer of the churches of Crete. He also worked with Paul at Ephesus, Nicopolis and Dalmatia, (former Yugoslavia), and proved to be a capable and resourceful leader. As Paul writes this letter, Titus was commissioned to remain and complete some needed work on Crete. Crete is one of the larger islands of the Mediterranean and lies directly south of the Aegean Sea. In New Testament times Crete had sunk to a deplorable moral level. The dishonesty, gluttony and laziness of its inhabitants were proverbial. After Paul had introduced Christianity Titus task was to organize the churches and encourage the new converts. In this letter Paul continues his discipleship process giving Titus guidance in how to lead and organize the churches. He helps him in knowing how to meet opposition, gives him instructions about faith and conduct and warnings about false teachers. Author: Written to: Purpose: Paul Titus, his representative to the Island of Crete. To advise Titus in his responsibility of supervising the churches on the Island of Crete. Date written: Between 63 and 65 AD (about the same time I Timothy was written. Key verse: 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. Outline Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Leadership in the Church Right living in the Church Right living in Society 1

2 Chapter 1 Read vv What is Paul s purpose in life? 2. To what are you devoted? 3. What does this opening statement tell us about God? 4. From your knowledge of history why was this a particulary good time for God s message to spread? 5. In a changing world that often causes anxiety and discouragement which verse lifts our spirits? 6. What two things enable us to enter into eternal life? Define them. 7. What should be the result of faith and knowledge and why is this a good combination? 8. Is it possible to have Biblical knowledge without faith and a godly life? If so what is the result? 2

3 9. A. What does Paul say about Titus in the following passages? Titus 1:4 II Cor. 2:13 II Cor. 8:23 II Cor. 12:18 B. What progression in relationship do you see between Paul and Titus and what significance does this have? Read vv. 5-9 Note: Crete was a small island south of Greece and may have been a training center for Roman soldiers. There was a strong pagan influence on the island and a large population of Jews The churches there were probably founded by Cretan Jews who had been in Jerusalem at Pentecost more than 30 years before Paul wrote this letter. (Acts 2:11). Apparently lying was so commonplace in Crete that the Greeks found a verb creatize, which meant to lie and cheat. The Church in Crete was in need of strong Christian leadership. 10. The qualifications for elders are the same as those set out in I Timothy for the church in Ephesus. What seems to be especially stressed in these verses and why do you think that is important? 11. If someone had observed your relationship with family members this week what do you think they would say about your faith walk with the Lord? Note: Notice that most of the qualifications listed involve character not knowledge or skill. A persons life-style and relationships provide a window into his or her character. 12. What important emphasis is again repeated in verse 9? 3

4 Read vv What was the problem in Crete? How did Paul say they should be treated? 15. Many people claim to know God and though we can t see into their hearts, what clue indicates when people do? 16. What are the telling characteristics of the corrupt?. 4

5 Chapter 2 Read vv Note: It helps to keep in mind the temperament and character of the people to whom Paul is speaking and to whom Titus is ministering. The Cretans were know to be belligerent, argumentive, uncontrolled, resentful of authority and partial to drinking. 1. What is the first and foremost emphasis and goal given to Titus? Explain. 2. How is the thought repeated in the following verses? 1:1 1:9 1:13b 3. Contrasting chapter 2 with chapter 1, why is the first word significant? 4. What fruit of the Spirit is mentioned twice in the first six verses? 5. Summarize in your own words what Titus is to teach older men? 6. What is to be emphasized to older women and what does it mean in daily living? 5

6 7. Give three reasons why the above characteristics are important in the Christian life? (Give verses) What words of great wisdom are offered to young men? 9. Why is that particularly important for youth? 10. What is necessary in order that Titus teaching might be effective? (Give verse) 11. What are the responsibilities laid out for slaves or employees and what do they mean to you? 12. Which attribute is most often repeated in this chapter? (Give verse) 13. Where could you exhibit self control in your life so that you would more beautifully reflect God s glory? 6

7 Read vv What does God s grace accomplish for you both now and in the future? 15. What worldly passions are prevalent in our society? To which ones have you said No? 16. What motivates you to live a godly, upright life? 17. From where does the power come to resist evil and live a godly life and do good? 18. Beyond renouncing sin, what is our responsibility? 19. What does redeem mean and how does that impact your life? Read v What final directive does Paul give Titus? 21. Under whose spiritual authority are we? 22. In the spiritual realm how does one get the right balance between rebuke and encouragement? 7

8 Read vv. 1-8 Chapter 3 1. What principles are given encouraging Christians to be good citizens? 2. In whom are such qualities possible? 3. What other principles of good citizenship are given in the following verses? Rom. 13:1-7 Acts 5:29 Rom. 12:18 4. Following a life of pleasure what kinds of passions enslave people? 5. From what passions have you been released? 6. When Christ saved you, what did he do for you? 7. Who receives the credit for all of this and who does not? 8

9 8. Describe the dominant characteristics of all of us in our unsaved condition. 9. Do you know anyone in this condition and what could you do to help such a person? 10. All the persons of the Trinity are mentioned in verses 4-6. How does each participate in the work of salvation? 11. How do all of these benefits that God offers come to men through His Church? 12. What does your rebirth mean to you? 13. Because of all that God has done for us, in what two ways are we to respond? (Give verse) 14. Have you ever consciously by an act of your will chosen to respond to God s love by giving yourself to Him, by yielding your life and your will completely to Him and His will for you? (If you have not, why not verbalize that to Him now in prayer.) 15. What is the essential power behind all the good worked in our lives and through the church? 9

10 Read vv What specific instructions did Paul give to Titus and the people of Crete? 17. What foolish controversies do you hear debated today? 18. Why should foolish arguments be avoided? 19. Does this mean difficult passages and teachings should not be studied, discussed and examined? 20. How can one best handle such foolish situations? 21. Instead of discussing and arguing, what does God emphasize in this chapter that should be done? 22. In what situation have you avoided foolish arguments? Read vv Which verse indicates our responsibilities to missionaries? 24. What is Paul s final admonition in the conclusion of this letter and as his life and mission were drawing to a close? 25. What can you do to help support your Pastor, church leaders or foreign missionaries? How is your life productive? 10

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