1:2 — The hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.
The Greek deities of Crete were famous for their deceptions. However, the Lord is the holy source of truth (John 14:6) and would never lie to His people (Heb. 6:18). We can always count on God to fulfill His promises and to be trustworthy in everything He tells us.
Life Examples
Serving God with Abandon
In the days following Titus’s conversion, a deep love and mutual respect grew between him and the apostle Paul, a bond that lasted throughout their days. So strong was their connection that Paul referred to Titus as “my true child in a common faith” (Titus 1:4).
Paul saw in this new believer a rare and refreshing quality. Trustworthy and dependable as he was, it was no surprise that Paul would write of Titus, “He is my partner and fellow worker” (2 Cor. 8:23). Consequently, Titus traveled with Paul to places such as Corinth, Antioch, and Jerusalem.
Titus is a picture of God’s grace. As a redeemed Gentile, he experienced intimate fellowship with God. And because he willingly served unselfishly in places of obscurity, he became a treasured instrument for the Lord’s glory.
What could God do with us if we served Him with the same abandon as Titus?
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
1. Our intimacy with God—His highest priority for our lives—determines the impact of our lives.
1:5 — Set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.
Paul sent Titus to Crete, a very difficult place to pastor, because it was a terribly immoral society. Those Titus chose to be elders would have to be very strong believers who were above reproach and not easily influenced by the corruption around them. Likewise, as we live in a society that is moving away from God, we must stay steadfast and live godly lives so that others will see Christ living through us and become saved.
1:9 — Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
To hold fast means to grip tightly and apply God’s Word—this is absolutely essential for living a godly life because the Bible is an unshakable anchor in every situation. It has often been noted that the dirtier, the more used, and the more worn the pages in your Bible, the cleaner your heart. Why? Because “the word of God is living and active” (Heb. 4:12). Through the power of His Holy Spirit, Scripture transforms you—equipping you with sound doctrine to teach others and protecting you from those who oppose the Lord.
1:13 — For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith.
It’s no fun to reprove someone severely. In fact, the apostle Paul often did it with weeping (Phil. 3:18). Unfortunately, it’s sometimes unavoidable—as was the case with the believers in Crete, who were being influenced by the ungodly culture surrounding them. When discipline becomes necessary, it’s the most loving thing you can do.
1:16 — They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him.
As believers, we are called to be set apart and reflect the godly character of Christ so others can know Him as Savior. Unfortunately, the world in which we live is opposed to this. So instead of challenging ungodly cultural norms or repenting from sinful behavior, we are sometimes tempted to compromise and avoid conflict. This was the case in Crete, but the result was that these believers were destroying their testimony by denying they knew God at all. It is completely incompatible to confess Christ and ignore His commands.
2:2, 3 — Be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance . . . teaching what is good.
In every community and church, what is most needed is for believers to be obedient to God, strong, godly, and willing to stand for what is right—no matter what sacrifice is required. When we surrender our lives to Him, the Lord works powerfully through us to transform the world for the sake of His kingdom.
2:7 — In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified.
There are certain traits that should characterize a believer who serves the Lord. We are to obey Him in doing good works, so others can see His love and kindness through us (John 13:34, 35). We are to teach His Word with passion and conviction so that others will learn to follow Him in obedience (2 Tim. 3:14–17). And we are to live with dignity—fleeing from sin and living in reverence to His will—because we realize that we represent Him in the world, and the rewards He has reserved for us are awesome (Col. 3:23, 24).
2:8 — Sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
We must set a guard over our mouths—always speaking with honesty, sincerity, and wisdom—because when we speak deceitfully, hypocritically, or foolishly, we damage our testimony for the Lord. In all things, we must be different from the world, seeking God’s holy standard in our conduct and speech.
2:11 — The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.
Salvation is available to everyone because of the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross (John 3:16–18). However, not all will be saved because some will reject the provision for forgiveness He offers and will bear the full penalty of their sins (John 3:36). Those who remain stubborn and refuse God’s grace will be excluded from salvation because they have chosen disobedience over obedience.
2:14 — To purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
The idea that Christianity is merely a social club and that believers have no responsibility other than believing in God absolutely contradicts Scripture. We are to be zealously pursuing the work the Lord has called us to do (Eph. 2:10)—motivated by faith and hope in Him and committed to serving others and leading them into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We are also to grow deeper in our love and devotion to Him through prayer and Bible Study so that we will obey, glorify, and please Him always.
3:2 — To malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
Jesus had all power, yet He came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45). Therefore, Paul admonishes, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). We are to resemble Christ in all ways, especially in the manner we treat others.
3:3 — We also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
God loves us—even when we are at our worst (Ps. 73:21–24; Rom. 5:8). Without Christ’s forgiveness and the Holy Spirit living within us, we would continue to be mired in the same sinful behaviors. We must always remember this when dealing with others because it will help to keep us humble and compassionate towards those we minister to.
3:5 — He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy.
There is not anything we could possibly say or do that would motivate God to save us. He offers us salvation completely because of His mighty grace, which was displayed on the Cross (Rom. 11:6). He cleanses us, imparts us with a new nature, and gives us eternal life because of His great love for us.
3:8 — Those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds.
Are we living in a manner that reflects the purpose and work of the Lord Jesus? Are we learning to be helpers, encouragers, and servants—giving ourselves away? Are we faithfully reading God’s Word, remaining fervent in prayer, and devotedly worshiping Him? Are we obeying the Lord, no matter what He asks of us? This is the evidence that we really believe in God and that we have truly embraced His salvation (2 Pet. 1:3–8).
3:9 — Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
Those trying to disrupt the church in Crete were confusing and misleading the people by discussing genealogies, myths, speculative theories, and strange philosophies. Paul admonished Titus to avoid such useless discussions because they distracted believers from the Lord’s purpose for their lives. However, when God is in the center of our conversation, all that we say and do will reflect His love and truth.