LESSON AIM

1. We will select three or four creative ways in which our Christian beliefs might be translated into good works in some designated part of our community.

KEEP IN MIND

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” (Titus 2:7).

Titus is urged to be such an exemplary teacher that his enemies will be ashamed to say anything against him. Paul reminds Titus that we are saved by GOD because of HIS mercy. Then, Paul teaches Titus that we are to be subject to rulers and authorities.

By way of background, Titus was a Greek (Galatians 2:3) who was probably converted to Christianity as a result of Paul’s ministry (see Titus 1:4). An active churchman, Titus accompanied Paul on his second visit to Jerusalem where he became the test case in Paul’s argument regarding circumcision (Galatians 2:1-5). While it is not specifically stated, it would appear from 2 Corinthians that Titus delivered Paul’s correspondence to the church in Corinth. Additionally, Titus was instrumental in clarifying rumors about the Corinthian’s response to Paul’s instruction and apostolic leadership (2 Corinthians 7—8). It would also appear that Titus spent some time doing missionary work in Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10), now known as Yugoslavia.

These and other New Testament references to Titus reveal that he was a trustworthy, efficient, and valued young coworker. He possessed a forceful personality, was resourceful, energetic, tactful, skillful in dealing with difficult situations, and effective in conciliating people. While the New Testament says nothing about Titus’ death, tradition reports that Titus died around A.D. 107, and was buried at Gortyna on Crete at about the age of 95.

We have no record of the origin of the Cretan churches. It appears, however, that they were inadequately organized and infiltrated with false teachers (Titus 1:10-16). Paul’s most devastating comment about false teachers is a quote from one of their own prophets: “The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (Titus 1:12b). Moral conditions in the churches were far below Paul’s teachings about godliness.

Much of what is known about Cretan society comes to us from the writings of Polybius, a prolific Greek historian of Roman times. Polybius, like Paul, does not speak highly of Cretan morality. On one occasion he wrote “…it would be impossible to find, except in some rare instances, personal conduct more treacherous, or a public policy more unjust, than in Crete.” As in any society, the moral standards of the Cretan Christians were undoubtedly influenced by the moral values of the prevailing culture.

In addition to the need to strengthen the Cretan churches’ organizational structures, there was also the need to teach “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), doctrine that called believers to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (v.12). Paul desired that the Cretan believers might be led by Titus’s example (vv.7-8), to do the right thing to do “good works” (v.7). To this end, Paul outlines for Titus certain rules for Christian behavior and cites some particular concerns for teaching the aged (vv.1-3), youth (vv.4-8), and slaves (vv.9-10).

Against this background of encouragement and counsel to Titus, Paul proceeds to give some theological foundations for his concerns (vv.2: 11-14; 3:1-10).

1. BE AN AUTHENTIC AND EXEMPLARY TEACHER (Titus 2:7-8)

Christian faith requires a certain manner of conversation and style of behavior. The conversation and behavior that faith requires is to modeled by church leaders. Here, Paul urges Titus to be an exemplary teacher, sincere, serious, and using clean language, so that those opposed to the faith “may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (v.8b). Church leaders are to be “a pattern of good works” (v.7a). They are to teach by personal example. Paul is confident that such behavior and good works will inspire respect even in those who are “of the contrary part” (v.8).

What Paul advocates for Titus is to be extended to and actualized in every believer’s life. The Christian’s behavior, speech, and “works” should be of such high moral quality so as to never become a legitimate reason for the fabrication of an adverse report about the church. There will be adverse reports. Paul’s concern is that the Christian’s “good works” will render such reports as illegitimate. Our “conversation” and behavior should be “honest among nonbelievers,” so “that, whereas they speak against {us} as evil doers, they may by good works, which they shall behold, glorify GOD” (1 Peter 2:12).

2. RELY UPON THE REDEMPTIVE GRACE OF GOD (vv.11-12)

In verses 11-12, Paul proceeds to outline the theological basis for the “good works” and “sound speech” he has called for in verses 7-8. Earlier Paul counseled Titus to speak (v.1a) and behave (v.7) in ways that “become sound doctrine” (v.1b). Here Paul outlines the content of sound doctrine.

GOD’S grace is the linchpin of sound doctrine. There is no salvation apart from GOD’S grace. HIS grace is operative in wooing us to CHRIST, and GOD’S grace is operative in our sanctification, working to make us CHRISTLIKE in our behavior.

It is because of GOD’S grace that we are able to live in the hope of achieving our highest potential in CHRIST JESUS. GOD’S grace brings salvation (v.11). GOD’S grace teaches us in the things of GOD (v.12), inspires us to conduct ourselves in holiness and sincerity (2 Corinthians 1:12), influences our conversation and relationships with others (Colossians 4:6), strengthens us for service (1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Timothy 2:1), sustains us and keeps us going in times of need (2 Corinthians 12:9), and causes thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD (2 Corinthians 4:15).

3. REMEMBER THAT GOD’S GRACE LEADS TO GLORY (vv.13-14)

One of the concerns of our confession, or sound doctrine, is the anticipated Second Coming of CHRIST. Believers are looking for the personal return of JESUS CHRIST. It is this anticipation of CHRIST’S certain return that motivates believers to do “good works.” Those who have been redeemed “from all iniquity” and who are “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST” are thereby “zealous of good works.” We believe that JESUS CHRIST will return. Therefore, we are eager to further HIS cause while we wait for HIS return.

What we believe as Christians should determine how we behave. How we behave should reflect what we believe. Sound doctrine—remembering what GOD has done for us—motivates us to do the right thing, to do “good works.”

4. LIVE RESPONSIBLY TOWARD ALL PERSONS (3:1-2)

Paul’s insistence that believers lead an exemplary life is not limited to relationships within the church. Paul urges Titus to insist that all believers live responsibly toward all persons. Believers are to subject themselves to all of those in authority and to be peaceable toward and helpful to all others.

In light of Paul’s terse and caustic description of the Cretans (see Titus 1:12), his appeal to them to be “gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” is revolutionary. Paul recognizes the need for believers in a pagan society to have clear standards of Christian conduct to help manage their relationships beyond the community of faith. Believers can ill afford to lead quarantined, isolated lives. We will and must interact with nonbelievers. Our interaction with nonbelievers, however, must evidence standards of behavior that reflect gentleness and meekness as well as respect for authority and for all persons.

While the Cretans may be known to slander others, Christians are “to speak evil of no man.” While the Cretans may be “brawlers,” believers are to be “gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” (3:2).

5. COMMIT TO DOING WHAT IS GOOD (vv3-11)

After a brief reflection upon his own sinful past and the degenerate condition of the pagan society in which Christians had to live (v.3), Paul continues to ground his appeal for right conversation and behavior in theology, or sound doctrine.

Verses 3-6 are reflective of Romans 5:6-10 and particularly Romans 5:8, which states, “But GOD commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us.” What a thought it is to remember that through JESUS CHRIST, GOD got involved in our sinful condition and made us objects and recipients of HIS grace. It is because of the pull of GOD’S grace upon our hearts that we are “careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8).

These words from Paul are a clear reminder that we did not save ourselves. We were “justified by his grace” (v.7) and, as a result, we are now in eager pursuit of the “beloved community.”

Given our new position in CHRIST, we have time only for what is “good and profitable unto men” (v.8). GOD’S grace nerves us to avoid conversations that fail to produce spiritual benefits. Moreover, in our search for the “beloved community, “we have little time to converse with those who cause division. It is interesting to note that Paul is not willing to give such persons three strikes, for with Paul it is two strikes and you are out (vv.10-11)! It would appear that Paul is concerned not to give the heretic “an undeserved sense of importance.” Moreover, Paul understands that such a person is already condemned by his/her own evil behavior.

Doing good in our neighborhoods and communities should flow naturally from what the church believes and teaches about GOD and HIS grace. Just as Paul has counseled and urged Titus to show himself a pattern of good works, believers in every church would do well to explore ways in which they might become better ambassadors for the LORD in their respective communities.

All of our communities are teeming with “liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (Titus 1:12). While we should remember that we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, etc. (3:3), we should also remember to be grateful for present cleansing and to live a life dedicated to doing what is good (vv.3-11).

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours,

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD

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