Outline

This Bible Study was mostly created from LessonMaker software (NavPress Software) and the QuickVerse Bible Reference Collection (Parsons Software). This was a lesson taught (or being taught) to the "Sons of Thunder" class (Men 18-40) at Calvary Baptist Church (over several weeks). Thanks for being here at our web site, and may the Lord Jesus Christ be in everything you do!

TITUS (Ti' tuhs) Gentile companion of Paul (Gal. 2:3) and recipient of the New Testament letter bearing his name.

Titus may have been converted by Paul who called him "my true son in our common faith" (Titus 1:4 ). As one of Paul's early associates, Titus accompanied the apostle and Barnabas to Jerusalem (Gal. 2:1), probably on the famine relief visit (Acts 11:28-30).

Though Acts does not mention Titus, he was quite involved in Paul's missionary activities as shown in the Pauline letters. He was evidently known to the Galatians (Gal. 2:1,3), possibly from the first missionary journey to that region. Titus also seems to have been a very capable person, called by Paul "my partner and fellow worker" (2 Cor. 8:23 ). He was entrusted with the delicate task of delivering Paul's severe letter (2 Cor. 2:1-4) to Corinth and correcting problems within the church there (2 Cor. 7:13-15). Titus' genuine concern for and evenhanded dealing with the Corinthians (2 Cor. 8:16-17; 12:18) no doubt contributed to his success which he reported in person to Paul, anxiously awaiting word in Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:13; 7:5-6,13-15). Paul responded by writing 2 Corinthians which Titus probably delivered (2 Cor. 8:6,16-18,23).

Paul apparently was released after his first Roman imprisonment and made additional journeys, unrecorded in Acts. One of these took him and Titus to Crete, where Titus remained behind to oversee and administer the church (Titus 1:5). It was to Crete that Paul wrote his letter, asking Titus to join him in Nicopolis on the west coast of Greece (Titus 3:12). Following Paul's subsequent reimprisonment, Titus was sent to Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10). According to church tradition, Titus was the first bishop of Crete. See Crete.

Paul wrote this letter to Titus at the end of nearly thirty years as a missionary of Christ. He was born in the first decade AD in Tarsus, a small but prosperous harbor city on the trade route from Syria to Asia Minor. His family must have owned property and had some importance in the community, for Paul was born not only a citizen of Tarsus (Acts 21:39) but even a citizen of Rome (Acts 22:27-28). Tarsus was known for its schools of philosophy and liberal arts, and some scholars believe Paul must have had some contact with these. Like most cities in the Empire, Tarsus probably contained synagogues of Greek-speaking Jews who were often as devout as their Hebrew-speaking brethren. However, based on Philippians 3:5, F.F. Bruce believes that Paul's parents spoke Hebrew and raised him in a strict Jewish home, isolated as much as possible from the pagan city around them.

Paul was sent to study Jewish law in Jerusalem under the foremost rabbi of his day, the Pharisee Gamaliel (Acts 22:3, Galatians 1:14). The word Pharisee comes from a Hebrew word meaning "the separated ones," for the Pharisees felt God had set them apart to live by the Torah (the Law, or teaching, of Moses) and the oral interpretations of the Torah laid down by generations of teachers. Some Pharisees held that a man was righteous if he had done more good than bad, but Paul apparently followed the stricter group who insisted that every least implication of the Law must be kept.

The Pharisees expected a Messiah (Hebrew for "Anointed One"; Greek meaning "Christ"), who would deliver them from foreign oppression and rule with justice. However, Jesus of Nazareth had scandalized many Pharisees by interpreting the Law with great freedom and claiming a special relationship with God. Thus, when some Jews began to proclaim Jesus as Messiah and Lord (a term usually reserved for God), strict Pharisees opposed them furiously. Paul helped to lead the fight against the proclaimers of Christ in Jerusalem (Acts 7:60-8:3, Galatians 1:13). But after a couple of years, Jesus confronted Paul in a blinding encounter (Acts 9:1-19), revealing to Paul that he was persecuting the very God he professed to worship. Paul's life now turned from a Pharisaic observance of God's law to a devoted obedience to Jesus Christ, the revealed Messiah. He joined the Jews who were urging other Jews to believe in Jesus, and after some years God called him to proclaim Jesus as Savior to Gentiles (non-Jews) also.

Paul's conversion may have marked his first move from cloistered Judaism into pagan culture. He spent ten years in Cilicia and Syria (Galatians 1:21), probably preaching Jesus along with Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jewish Christians who had fled Jerusalem. Then Barnabas called Paul from Tarsus to Antioch, where by this time the church was more gentile than Jewish.

Barnabas and Paul went to Jerusalem around 46 AD to settle any questions about what they were preaching (Galatians 2:1-10). Paul submitted to the authority of the Jerusalem apostles, and they acknowledged his authority.

Paul brought a companion on this Jerusalem trip: a young Gentile named Titus, whom Paul was training to carry on his ministry. When false teachers were later urging the Galatians to obey Jewish laws, Paul pointed out that the apostles had not even asked that Titus be circumcised (Galatians 2:3-5).

Soon after the Jerusalem trip, the church at Antioch commissioned Paul and Barnabas to evangelize Cyprus and Galatia. Then they attended a council at Jerusalem to settle the status of Gentiles in Christianity. Paul and Barnabas separated soon after, and Paul traveled from Antioch through Asia Minor to Macedonia and Achaia. Titus may have accompanied him on these journeys.

After this, Paul spent three years in Ephesus, and then began to travel again. In cities like Corinth and Ephesus, Paul's strategy for evangelism had been to arrive with a team of coworkers (such as Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and Titus). With them and any Christians in the city, Paul set up a headquarters for evangelism. He and his team made converts and trained local leaders. Eventually the team left town, entrusting a network of house-churches to the local leaders.

Paul's team established the Corinthian church about 50-52 AD, but in 55 AD Paul received news of upheaval there. He wrote (1 Corinthians); he sent Timothy; he went himself; he was rejected. At last he sent Titus with a "stinging letter" (see 2 Corinthians 2:3-4). This letter, which has not survived, evidently produced a change of heart, for Titus brought news of repentance (2 Corinthians 2:12-13, 7:5-7). Soon Titus bore a loving response from Paul to Corinth--the letter we call 2 Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:17). It seems that by this time Titus was an emissary suitable for delicate matters.

Paul and Titus presumably worked together for some while longer. Paul made another missionary journey, but a trip to Jerusalem landed him in prison first in Caesarea and then in Rome (57-62 AD). Where was Titus? We do not know. Paul was released from house arrest in Rome in 62 AD, probably either to freedom or exile. His letter to Titus suggests that he was in Crete at some point. When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, either shortly before or after writing to Titus, Titus was in Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10). Soon after writing these letters, Paul was rearrested, returned to Rome, tried, and executed.

We know nothing about the church in Crete other than what the letter to Titus tells us. In fact, any information about life in Crete at this time is scarce. But we presume that the Cretan church was founded among urban Gentiles, raised in the pagan culture of the Empire.

• I. Greeting (1:1-4)
• II. Qualifications for leaders (1:5-9)
• III. False teachers (1:10-16)
• IV. Instructions for various groups in the community (2:1-10)
• V. The basis for Christian living (2:11-3:11)
• VI. Closing thoughts (3:12-15)

  Titus 1:1-16 - Titus' Task on Crete

  OPEN IT
  1. What characteristics do you think are necessary in a good leader?
  2. What leader has had the most influence on you? How?

  EXPLORE IT

  Titus Chapter 1, Verses 1-4. All are the servants of God who are not slaves of sin and Satan. All gospel truth is according to godliness, teaching the fear of God. The intent of the gospel is to raise up hope as well as faith; to take off the mind and heart from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the gospel, which was the matter of Divine promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and whoso is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of God, and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the pardon of sin, and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And peace is the effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this.

  The apostle salutes Titus

  Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
  3. How is Paul's description of himself at the beginning of this letter significant? (1:1)

  Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
  4. How did Paul describe the faith that he had? (1:1-2)

  Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
  Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
  5. In light of Paul's reference to Titus, what kind of relationship did these two believers have? (1:4)

  Verses 5-9. The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to be, as servants of Christ, and able ministers of the letter and practice of the gospel. And here are described the spirit and practice becoming such as should be examples of good works.

  The qualifications of a faithful pastor

  Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
  6. Why did Paul leave Titus in Crete? (1:5)
  7. For what reason was it necessary to appoint elders in the towns? (1:5, 10)

  Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
  Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
  Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
  Titus 1:9 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.

  8. What qualifications were necessary to be an elder in Titus's church? (1:6-9)
  9. Why is it necessary for an elder to be blameless? (1:7)
  10. What is the result of holding firm to the "trustworthy message"? (1:9)

  Verses 10-16. False teachers are described. Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of religion: for the love of money is the root of all evil. Such should be resisted, and put to shame, by sound doctrine from the Scriptures. Shameful actions, the reproach of heathens, should be far from Christians; falsehood and lying, envious craft and cruelty, brutal and sensual practices, and idleness and sloth, are sins condemned even by the light of nature. But Christian meekness is as far from cowardly passing over sin and error, as from anger and impatience. And though there may be national differences of character, yet the heart of man in every age and place is deceitful and desperately wicked. But the sharpest reproofs must aim at the good of the reproved; and soundness in the faith is most desirable and necessary. To those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; they abuse, and turn things lawful and good into sin. Many profess to know God, yet in their lives deny and reject him. See the miserable state of hypocrites, such as have a form of godliness, but are without the power; yet let us not be so ready to fix this charge on others, as careful that it does not apply to ourselves.

  The evil temper and practices of false teachers

  Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
  Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
  Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
  Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
  11. How should believers respond to "rebellious people" in the church? (1:10-13)
  12. What were the rebellious people doing that Paul so strongly condemned? (1:11)

  Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
  13. What did Paul tell his audience to pay no attention to? (1:14)

  Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
  Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
  14. How is it possible to learn whether a person truly knows God? (1:16)

  GET IT

  15. What does it mean that, "To the pure, all things are pure"?
  16. What does the relationship between Paul and Titus teach us about how we should treat other Christians?
  17. Why is it necessary to appoint elders and leaders in the church?
  18. Who are the overseers in your church?
  19. To what extent should we choose church elders according to the guidelines in this passage?
  20. How should the qualifications for a church leader be different from those for a leader outside of the church?
  21. Why do you think it is important for leaders' children to believe in the Lord and not be disobedient?
  22. What work in the church has God entrusted to you?
  23. What area of your character most needs your attention at this time in your life?
  24. How can you encourage others?
  25. What are rebellious people in the church like?
  26. How should we treat rebellious people in the church?
  27. What should our motivation be in correcting those who teach things they ought not to teach?
  28. What do your actions reveal about your relationship with God?

  APPLY IT

  29. What can you do in the next few days to encourage another Christian in his or her faith?
  30. How can you show support for your church leaders? When?
  31. What is one way you can support true doctrine and sound teaching in your church?

  Titus 2:1-15 - What Must Be Taught to Various Groups

  OPEN IT

  1. How do parents teach their children their values and beliefs?
  2. What religious beliefs were you taught growing up? How?

  EXPLORE IT

  Titus Chapter 2, Verses 1-8. Old disciples of Christ must behave in every thing agreeably to the Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober; not thinking that the decays of nature will justify any excess; but seeking comfort from nearer communion with God, not from any undue indulgence. Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of God for himself, and of men for God's sake. Aged persons are apt to be peevish and fretful; therefore need to be on their guard. Though there is not express Scripture for every word, or look, yet there are general rules, according to which all must be ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet; for many expose themselves to fatal temptations by what at first might be only want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Failures in duties greatly reproach Christianity. Young men are apt to be eager and thoughtless, therefore must be earnestly called upon to be sober-minded: there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other sin. Every godly man's endeavour must be to stop the mouths of adversaries. Let thine own conscience answer for thine uprightness. What a glory is it for a Christian, when that mouth which would fain open itself against him, cannot find any evil in him to speak of!

  The duties which become sound doctrine

  Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
  3. What main theme begins this chapter? (2:1)

  Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
  4. What is important for older men to be taught? (2:2)
  5. How can older and younger Christians help each other? (2:2-8)

  Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
  Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
  Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
  6. What must older women be taught? Why? (2:3-5)
  7. What responsibility do older women have? (2:4)
  8. What should younger women be taught? (2:4-5)
  9. Why is it important for Christians to live blameless lives? (2:5)

  Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
  Titus 2:7 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
  Titus 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
  10. What advice did Paul give to younger men? (2:6-8)
  11. Who should set an example for others? How? (2:7)
  12. What response did Paul hope for? (2:8)

  Titus Chapter 2, Verses 9-10. Servants must know and do their duty to their earthly masters, with a reference to their heavenly one. In serving an earthly master according to Christ's will, He is served; such shall be rewarded by him. Not giving disrespectful or provoking language; but to take a check or reproof with silence, not making confident or bold replies. When conscious of a fault, to excuse or justify it, doubles it. Never putting to their own use that which is their master's, nor wasting the goods they are trusted with. Showing all good fidelity to improve a master's goods, and promote his thriving. If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Luke 16:12. True religion is an honour to the professors of it; and they should adorn it in all things.

  Believing servants must be obedient

  Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
  Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
  13. How did Paul instruct slaves? Why? (2:9-10)

  Titus Chapter 2, Verses 11-15. The doctrine of grace and salvation by the gospel, is for all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches to forsake sin; to have no more to do with it. An earthly, sensual conversation suits not a heavenly calling. It teaches to make conscience of that which is good. We must look to God in Christ, as the object of our hope and worship. A gospel conversation must be a godly conversation. See our duty in a very few words; denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations, corrupt examples, ill usage, and what remains of sin in the believer's heart, with all their hinderances. It teaches to look for the glories of another world. At, and in, the glorious appearing of Christ, the blessed hope of Christians will be complete: To bring us to holiness and happiness was the end of Christ's death. Jesus Christ, that great God and our Saviour, who saves not only as God, much less as Man alone; but as God-man, two natures in one person. He loved us, and gave himself for us; and what can we do less than love and give up ourselves to him! Redemption from sin and sanctification of the nature go together, and make a peculiar people unto God, free from guilt and condemnation, and purified by the Holy Spirit. All Scripture is profitable. Here is what will furnish for all parts of duty, and the right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our whole dependence is placed upon that grace which saves the lost, pardons the guilty, and sanctifies the unclean. And the further we are removed from boasting of fancied good works, or trusting in them, so that we glory in Christ alone, the more zealous shall we be to abound in real good works.

  All is enforced from the holy design of the gospel, which concerns all believers

  Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
  14. What does the grace of God bring? (2:11)
  15. Why should all Christians, whether old or young, be taught? (2:11-14)

  Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
  Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
  16. What motivation do we have to live righteous lives? (2:12-13)

  Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
  Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
  17. How did Paul emphasize the importance of teaching all Christians? (2:15)

  GET IT

  18. What does a person's life-style reveal about his or her beliefs?
  19. What should a Christian's life-style be like?
  20. What responsibility do Christians have to each other?
  21. What role should accountability play among Christians?
  22. What can we learn about work from Paul's instructions to slaves?
  23. How can you make the gospel of Christ attractive to unbelievers in the way you work?
  24. What motivates you to live a godly life?
  25. From what older, more mature believer do you want to learn?
  26. How can you teach other Christians?
  27. What do you have to share with other Christians about what you have learned in your own Christian walk?
  28. How can you ensure that what you teach other Christians, even by your own life's example, is in accordance with sound doctrine?

  APPLY IT

  29. Of all the advice Paul gives in this passage about how to live a holy life, what is one specific area that you will commit yourself to concentrate on this next week?
  30. How can you remind yourself each day that the way you work is a testimony to others?
  31. What step can you take in the near future to learn from another more mature Christian?
  32. What step can you take in the near future to share what you have learned with a younger believer?

  Titus 3:1-15 - Doing What Is Good

  OPEN IT

  1. What is the dirtiest job you ever had to do?
  2. When is it beneficial to argue about an issue?
  3. In your experience, how can an argument damage a friendship?

  EXPLORE IT

  Titus Chapter 3, Verses 1-7. Spiritual privileges do not make void or weaken, but confirm civil duties. Mere good words and good meanings are not enough without good works. They were not to be quarrelsome, but to show meekness on all occasions, not toward friends only, but to all men, though with wisdom, James 3:13. And let this text teach us how wrong it is for a Christian to be churlish to the worst, weakest, and most abject. The servants of sin have many masters, their lusts hurry them different ways; pride commands one thing, covetousness another. Thus they are hateful, deserving to be hated. It is the misery of sinners, that they hate one another; and it is the duty and happiness of saints to love one another. And we are delivered out of our miserable condition, only by the mercy and free grace of God, the merit and sufferings of Christ, and the working of his Spirit. God the Father is God our Saviour. He is the fountain from which the Holy Spirit flows, to teach, regenerate, and save his fallen creatures; and this blessing comes to mankind through Christ. The spring and rise of it, is the kindness and love of God to man. Love and grace have, through the Spirit, great power to change and turn the heart to God. Works must be in the saved, but are not among the causes of their salvation. A new principle of grace and holiness is wrought, which sways, and governs, and makes the man a new creature. Most pretend they would have heaven at last, yet they care not for holiness now; they would have the end without the beginning. Here is the outward sign and seal thereof in baptism, called therefore the washing of regeneration. The work is inward and spiritual; this is outwardly signified and sealed in this ordinance. Slight not this outward sign and seal; yet rest not in the outward washing, but look to the answer of a good conscience, without which the outward washing will avail nothing. The worker therein is the Spirit of God; it is the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Through him we mortify sin, perform duty, walk in God's ways; all the working of the Divine life in us, and the fruits of righteousness without, are through this blessed and holy Spirit. The Spirit and his saving gifts and graces, come through Christ, as a Saviour, whose undertaking and work are to bring to grace and glory. Justification, in the gospel sense, is the free forgiveness of a sinner; accepting him as righteous through the righteousness of Christ received by faith. God, in justifying a sinner in the way of the gospel, is gracious to him, yet just to himself and his law. As forgiveness is through a perfect righteousness, and satisfaction is made to justice by Christ, it cannot be merited by the sinner himself. Eternal life is set before us in the promise; the Spirit works faith in us, and hope of that life; faith and hope bring it near, and fill with joy in expectation of it.

  Obedience to magistrates, and becoming behaviour towards all, are enforced from what believers were before conversion, and what they are made, through Christ

  Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
  4. How does God want us to respond to authority? (3:1)

  Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
  5. How does God want us to treat all people? (3:1-2)

  Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
  6. What are we like before we are saved? (3:3)
  7. What changes when we believe in Christ? How? (3:3-7)

  Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
  8. What saved Paul from his foolishness? (3:4)

  Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
  9. Why does God save people? (3:4-5)
  10. What role does the Holy Spirit play in a person's salvation? (3:5)

  Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
  Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
  11. What is the result of being justified by faith? (3:7)

  Titus Chapter 3, Verses 8-11. When the grace of God towards mankind has been declared, the necessity of good works is pressed. Those who believe in God, must make it their care to maintain good works, to seek opportunities for doing them, being influenced by love and gratitude. Trifling, foolish questions must be avoided, and subtle distinctions and vain inquiries; nor should people be eager after novelties, but love sound doctrine which tends most to edifying. Though we may now think some sins light and little, if the Lord awaken the conscience, we shall feel even the smallest sin heavy upon our souls.

  Good works to be done, and useless disputes avoided

  Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
  12. What did Paul tell Titus to stress? Why? (3:8)

  Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
  13. Why is it important to avoid controversies and arguments? (3:9)

  Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;
  Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
  14. How should we treat a person who divides friends? (3:10-11)

  Titus Chapter 3, Verses 12-15. Christianity is not a fruitless profession; and its professors must be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. They must be doing good, as well as keeping away from evil. Let "ours" follow some honest labour and employment, to provide for themselves and their families. Christianity obliges all to seek some honest work and calling, and therein to abide with God. The apostle concludes with expressions of kind regard and fervent prayer. Grace be with you all; the love and favour of God, with the fruits and effects thereof, according to need; and the increase and feeling of them more and more in your souls. This is the apostle's wish and prayer, showing his affection to them, and desire for their good, and would be a means of obtaining for them, and bringing down on them, the thing requested. Grace is the chief thing to be wished and prayed for, with respect to ourselves or others; it is "all good."

  Directions and exhortations

  Titus 3:12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
  Titus 3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
  Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
  Titus 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
  15. Why is it important for us to do what is good? (3:14)

  GET IT

  16. In what ways do you need to subject yourself to rulers and authorities?
  17. What does it mean to show true humility?
  18. How can you show humility in all you do?
  19. What difference does it make that God saves us out of His great mercy, and not because of anything we do?
  20. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life?
  21. What can you do to devote yourself to doing what is good?
  22. What can you do to guard yourself against getting involved in useless arguments?

  APPLY IT

  23. What is one way you can serve others in your home, place of work, or church this week?
  24. What can you do this next week to reconcile a damaged relationship?
  25. How can you say thank you to God in the next few days for His saving grace toward you?