Day 341

Titus Introduction

Titus lived among a people who had one of the worst reputations in the world. He was organizing and shepherding the new believers on Crete, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Paul writes to authorize him for this work and instruct him in it. Titus was to appoint spiritual leaders as elders and to promote sound teaching. False teachers should be quickly detected and removed, and all must be encouraged to live worthy of the gospel. Titus is known for it summaries of Christian doctrine and its emphasis on holy loving.

Scripture

December 6—Titus 1-3: Practice the Gospel

Observation

Titus, a young pastor, faces the unenviable assignment of setting things in order in the church at Crete. Paul writes advising him to appoint elders, men of proven spiritual character in their homes and businesses, to oversee the work of the church. But elders are not the only individuals in the church who are required to stand tall spiritually. Men and Women, young and old, have their vital functions to fulfill in the church if they are to be living examples of the doctrine they claim to believe. Throughout his letter to Titus, Paul stresses the necessary practical outworking of salvation in the daily lives of the elders and congregation alike.

Application

The book of Titus tells what works can and cannot do for you. Good works cannot save you—we are saved "not because we are good enough to be saved, but because of his kindness and pity" (3:5). But the temptation for Christians is to throw out the baby with the bath water—to conclude that since good works cannot save, they are good for nothing. What is Paul's response to that charge? "These things I have told you are all true, insist on them so that Christians will be careful to do good deeds all the time, for this is not only right, but it brings results" (3:8). You aren't saved by good works, but you are saved unto good works. (Notice the same thought in Ephesians 2:8-10, where Paul reminds you that good works are more than a good idea!)

Titus is brimming with verses on the role of good works in the daily life of a Christian. Pick one of the following "good works" verses (2:7, 14, 3:1, 8, 14) and let it be a pattern for your activities today as you "speak up for the right living that goes along with true Christianity" (2:1).

Prayer

We thank you, Almighty God, that prayer and loving obedience are the answer to all things in this life. For prayer joined to your Word makes all your gifts sacred making those things holy that we have already received from you. It is not merely to receive a blessing, but also to be able to give a blessing hallowing us with thankful hearts and devoted service in doing good works. We praise you for all the blessings received from your Holy hand in Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 

© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020