Good morning,
The book of Titus tells how Paul encourages Titus to plant the church in Crete.
Chapter one tells us of Paul’s mission for Titus, the problem and problem makers at Crete, the witness against the Cretians, and the solution to the problem.
This week we will focus on each of these items.
Paul’s solution for Titus (1:6-8, 11, 13, 9)
Paul gives Titus guidance on who to choose to be elders and bishops.
“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;”
Then confrontation with those who teach false doctrine.
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. (1:11)
This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; (1:13)
Finally, the key is God’s word, the Bible. The Bible is our weapon to confront the unbelievers and deceivers.
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (1:9)
That is why it is so important to know what the Bible says, understand its teaching, and be able to share it with others.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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