Titus - 1

A Study Of The Book Of Titus.

Lesson 1

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Introduction.
1. Martin Luther Once said of the book of Titus; “Titus is a short epistle, but it contains such a quintessence of Christian doctrine, and is composed in such a masterly manner, that it contains all that is needful for Christian knowledge and life.”
2. Paul wrote this letter between his first and second imprisonments in Rome (before he wrote 2 Timothy) to guide Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete.
3. The island of Crete was a tough mission field for three reasons:

a. Pagan influence on this small island was strong because Crete was a training center for Roman soldiers, as well as a major stopping-off point for ships crossing the Mediterranean.

b. A large population of Jews existed on the island, according to the ancient historians. The Judaizers (those who insisted that Gentiles must convert to Judaism before they could follow Jesus) from this community caused problems for the believers. Paul wrote in Verse 10 “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:”

c. The Cretans had a bad reputation. Verse 12 “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.”

d. This island was like so many other young churches, it had a lot of weak newborn Christians who were easy prey for Satan’s workers.

2. Verse 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;”
1. “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ…” Paul identifies himself as “Servant of God” – This is who he was, he lived for God and lived to serve God at any cost. This is so unlike so many today.

a. Him being a “servant” of God is different than he described in some of the other writings. The word servant means – slave – therefore his life was dedicated to God.

b. Being a servant of God is to be called of God to and exclusive work. Pastors and ministers among other experience this call.

2. “…and an apostle of Jesus Christ…” This is a profound point; I believe this separates Paul and Matthias Paul was called of God and Matthias was called by man, I believe this is Paul’s point here.

a. Personally (and I understand that some of my brethren disagree with me) I do not recognize Matthias as an Apostle because he was never elected by Jesus Christ personally.

b. Notice what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:1 - 2 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? (2.) If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord."

c. The New Jerusalem has twelve foundations names after the twelve Apostles; if Matthias is one then who is left out? Revelation 21:14 “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

d. Many will say that God recorded the choosing of Matthias and therefore He agreed but I say the church overstepped her bounds and that she had no authority to select a replacement of Judas.

3. “…according to the faith of God's elect…” According to Gods choosing.

a. The election of God covers everything in that He has ordained all things to come to pass. Paul’s election of God was but a grain of sand dropped into a large bucket of sand. God elects to salvation as well as other offices. Ephesians 1:4 “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

b. The election of God solidifies the office; for example choosing to be a pastor is different than God calling one to Pastor which would you want to Pastor your church. Matthias is a great example here; did God call Matthias to be an Apostle or did man i.e. the first church, Paul did wonders what did Matthias do?

c. It’s like salvation; there is a difference between one called of God and one that chooses to be saved; one is saved and the other is not.

d. John 10:26 - 28 "But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (27.) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28.) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

4. “…and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;” - Notice that Paul does not say "for the faith," but "according to the faith" true faith is “acknowledging of the truth” don’t just tell me you are saved but show me.

a. Many of people profess to have saving faith but it is not “acknowledging of the truth”.

b. Paul’s faith came by the truth of the gospel. (1.) He was elected; (2.) he was called of God; (3.) He was saved and made an Apostle by Gods will. This is “acknowledging of the truth”. Which is widely denied by many today.

c. Colossians 2:2 “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;”

d. 1 Timothy 6:3 - 5 "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4.) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5.) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

e. True Christians, true ministers, true workers of God are called, chosen, they abide by the truth, and after godliness. Gods servants are different than the religious workers of the world who call themselves Christians.