The Book of Titus. Pt. 1

Good evening to everyone.

We had an absolutely perfect first day of summer. Bright, cheery sunshine, brilliant, blue skies and dazzling white clouds sprinkled in for contrast. The rains have disappeared for at least a few days and this brings some measure of relief to those living in rain saturated areas. 

I would like to take time to study the book of Titus with you. This is a letter from Paul to a man who played a vital part in his ministry. The book is only 3 chapters long but it contains many wonderful truths and lessons to learn for New Testament Christians. 

It is full of sound doctrine, full of the wonder of saving grace, full of the Holy Ghost's mighty work, full of encouragement to live for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

During the time that some of the Pastoral Epistles were penned,  Paul had some freedom to move about and may have been out of prison. For example, Paul wrote to Timothy in his first letter and said that he was in the area of Macedonia, which included Crete.

1 Timothy 1:1-4 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Paul apparently made an earlier visit to that part of the world. This would seem to indicate that he knew a church was established at Crete. Paul wanted Titus to organize the church and disciple new believers. 

In the text above, Paul spoke out strongly against those who foolishly followed fables.  This suggests that Paul encountered the pagan religion that was observed on Crete.

Crete is one of the larger islands in the Mediterranean.  Some of the more prominent cities included Knossus and the Fair Havens (Acts 27:8). Most of the island's communities were overshadowed by a mountain range. The highest peak is Mount Ida, the traditional birthplace of the Greek god Zeus.

According to Greek mythology, a son of Zeus became the first king of Crete. Much like the Pharaohs and other kings were “deified” the Cretan rulers were deified. The reign of King Minos has been documented with extensive evidence from the material remains of this civilization.

One unique aspect of the legends surrounding this period of Cretan history is regarding the ancient legend of the Minotaur. This was a monster who was a half bull and half man. A large religious cult centered upon the bull grew on the island of Crete.

As is common with many ancient pagan cults, this one also promoted worship of a female goddess with a fertility cult. Thus, sexual immorality was widespread.  The Cretans were stereotyped by ancient writers as immoral and rude.  It was said they descended from barbarians.

This cultural context helps us understand some of the real problems Paul and Titus faced in witnessing and sharing the gospel of Christ to people in that culture.

Titus became Paul’s beloved companion and minister of the gospel. Paul calls Titus a "fellow helper." This special word means that they were working very closely together, collaborating in the ministry of spreading the gospel. Paul could depend upon Titus and implicitly trusted him as an equal partner in their ministry.

It can be helpful to see how many times the name “Titus” is used and to notice what it relates to. For example, the name “Titus” is found 15 times in the New Testament. 

In 23% of the references to the name "Titus", we find that he is mentioned because he accompanied Paul to the Jerusalem conference, and was a strong helper. Titus helped Paul plead the case that the Gentiles' salvation was by grace alone without keeping the law.   

Most of the references to Titus (62%) are regarding his invaluable aid in addressing and correcting the problems among the Corinthians. Titus helped do some troubleshooting for the apostle in that troubled congregation. Titus displayed the same heart of love as Paul did for that church. 

Titus comforted many people in the church and his Godly character was irrefutable. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a solid testimony like Titus did?

In this next text, Paul was not able to rest because he was unable to meet with Titus. It seems that he had expected to find Titus in that place. Paul warmly calls Titus his brother. God had brought these two men together to do much mighty work in advancing the gospel of Christ and when Titus could not be located, then Paul was disturbed in his spirit. 

Titus helped Paul serve Christ better. Titus helped stabilize the church at Corinth and in other places as well.

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

Notice in the text below, that Paul evidently encountered stiff opposition to his preaching. He experienced some kind of spiritual warfare from the great enemy of God. He encountered a variety of troubles and fears. He was apparently discouraged at times. 

Yet, he quickly turned to praise God for the comfort He gave him through Titus. The Lord accomplished this by bringing Titus back to assist Paul. In addition to Paul, many other Christians were also comforted by Titus' presence among them.

2 Corinthians 7:5-7 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;  And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

Faithful Titus would be used to help to set some things right & establish the proper order within the church at Crete.

Points to Ponder.........

• There will always be opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• The enemy of God will actively oppose the preaching of God's truth.

• Born again people of God have a great opportunity to come along side others who are in the battle of sharing the gospel, and help shoulder the burden. 

• The Spirit of Christ will help us effectively collaborate together to serve God. 

• The relationship of Paul and Titus can serve as a model for all who wish to live for Christ and serve Him today. 

The book of Titus is a book that will lift our spirits and reorient our lives toward heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to bringing each precious truth in front of us so that we can bask in the truth that God gave us to live by.

Bob