at a glance
author: The apostle Paul.
date: About AD 64.
setting: After visiting the Mediterranean island of Crete, Paul left Titus there to lead the churches.
verse to remember: This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone (3:8).
theme to consider: In order to be effective leaders for Christ, we first must be self-disciplined, responsible, living examples of our faith.
unchanging truth
“Do as I say, not as I do.” Ever heard that one? It’s something adults sometimes say when what they do falls short of what they tell you to do. It’s the opposite of leading by example. The only problem is that saying what’s right is no substitute for doing what’s right.
However, before you go off on others for being hypocrites, be honest—how many times have you done it yourself? You say Christians aren’t supposed to cheat. But what about when you didn’t study for the test and your eyes veered over to that smart kid’s paper? Or maybe your hypocrisy is more blatant. How about telling your little brother not to smoke, yet you light up with your friends when he’s not around?
Think about it. What makes more of a statement to you about Christianity—someone who talks about it or someone who lives it? Paul wanted his friend Titus, as the leader of the churches in Crete, to understand the importance of living out his faith (see 2:7–8). After all, what good is the church if the people in it don’t back up what they say by how they live? That includes you. To a watching world, your life is the only “Bible” some will ever read. And your words are the only “sermon” some will ever hear. When the world looks your way, will what you say match what you do?
1. We can claim to know God but actually deny him by our actions (1:16).
2. God’s “rules” for the church show that he cares more about shaping our character than about our keeping a list of do’s and don’ts (2:1–15).
3. When God saved us, he provided a way for our walk to match our talk—the power of Jesus Christ living inside us (3:3–8).