Understanding Titus 1:16: Professing God but Denying Him in Works

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Apostle Paul's Letter to Titus
3. Paul's Instruction to Titus
   • 3.1 Setting Things in Order
   • 3.2 Ordaining Elders
4. Qualifications for Elders
   • 4.1 Blamelessness
   • 4.2 Faithfulness in Marriage and Family
   • 4.3 Good Character Traits
5. Dealing with Unruly and Deceptive Teachers
   • 5.1 The Presence of Judaizers
   • 5.2 Their False Teachings
6. Rebuking and Correcting False Teachers
7. Warning Against Jewish Fables
8. Emphasizing the Gospel of Grace
9. False Professions and Hypocritical Works
10. Conclusion

The Apostle Paul's Instructions to Titus

In the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of Titus, the Apostle Paul provides a set of instructions to Titus, a pastor entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the churches in Crete. In this letter, Paul outlines the qualities and qualifications necessary for appointing elders, warns against false teachings, and emphasizes the importance of upholding the gospel of grace.

1. Introduction

The letter begins with Paul introducing himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He establishes his authority and addresses Titus as his "true son in our common faith."

2. The Apostle Paul's Letter to Titus

Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia, instructing Titus regarding the matters that needed attention in the churches of Crete. He appoints Titus as a leader to set things in order and continue the work of establishing strong local churches.

3. Paul's Instruction to Titus

3.1 Setting Things in Order

Paul urges Titus to address the things that are lacking and bring order to the churches in Crete. As a responsible leader, Titus is entrusted with the task of organizing and structuring the church community.

3.2 Ordaining Elders

One crucial aspect of Titus' responsibility is the appointment of qualified elders in each city. These elders are to serve as overseers and shepherds of the congregations. Paul lays down specific criteria for choosing these leaders.

4. Qualifications for Elders

Paul emphasizes the importance of selecting godly and qualified individuals as elders who will lead the church in accordance with God's principles.

4.1 Blamelessness

Paul stresses that an elder should demonstrate blamelessness in their conduct. They should lead exemplary lives and be free from any accusations or significant moral failures.

4.2 Faithfulness in Marriage and Family

Another important criterion for elders is their faithfulness in marriage and their ability to lead their families well. They should have faithful children who are not known for being unruly or disobedient.

4.3 Good Character Traits

Paul further lists several character traits that should be evident in the lives of the elders. These include being hospitable, loving what is good, being just, holy, and self-controlled.

5. Dealing with Unruly and Deceptive Teachers

Paul warns Titus about the presence of unruly, vain talkers, and deceivers, especially the Judaizers. These individuals were infiltrating the church and teaching false doctrines.

5.1 The Presence of Judaizers

Judaizers were a group of people who insisted on Gentile believers adhering to Jewish laws and customs. They advocated for circumcision, following dietary restrictions, and obedience to the Mosaic law as necessary for salvation.

5.2 Their False Teachings

These Judaizers were spreading teachings that deviated from the gospel of grace. They were introducing Jewish fables and commandments, imposing unnecessary burdens on believers, and undermining the simplicity and sufficiency of salvation through Christ alone.

6. Rebuking and Correcting False Teachers

Paul instructs Titus to rebuke the false teachers sharply. He emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, which provides the foundation for exhorting and convincing those who oppose the truth. Titus is called to confront and silence those who are leading others astray with their false teachings.

7. Warning Against Jewish Fables

Paul cautions Titus and the believers in Crete against giving importance to Jewish fables and human traditions. These man-made commandments create unnecessary divisions and distractions from the truth of the gospel.

8. Emphasizing the Gospel of Grace

Throughout the letter, Paul reiterates the gospel message, emphasizing that salvation is solely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. He reminds Titus and the believers that their confidence and hope lie in the finished work of Christ, not in adherence to religious rituals or traditions.

9. False Professions and Hypocritical Works

Paul addresses the issue of false professions of faith. Some individuals claim to know God but deny Him through their works. These individuals are abominable, disobedient, and unqualified in their actions, exposing their lack of genuine faith.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, the letter of Paul to Titus contains essential instructions for the establishment and growth of the church. It provides guidance on appointing qualified leaders, dealing with false teachings, and upholding the truth of the gospel. By adhering to these instructions, the church in Crete can flourish and remain steadfast in its faith.

Highlights:

• The letter to Titus provides instructions for appointing qualified leaders in the church.
• Judaizers were false teachers who sought to impose Jewish customs on Gentile believers.
• Sound doctrine and the simplicity of the gospel are emphasized.
• Elders should demonstrate blamelessness, faithfulness, and good character traits.
• The gospel of grace is the foundation of salvation, not works or religious rituals.

FAQ

Q: Who were the Judaizers? A: The Judaizers were individuals who advocated for Gentile believers to follow Jewish laws and customs as prerequisites for salvation.

Q: What were the qualifications for elders in the early church? A: The qualifications for elders included blamelessness, faithfulness in marriage and family, and demonstration of good character traits.

Q: Why did Paul rebuke the false teachers sharply? A: Paul wanted to prevent the spread of false teachings that deviated from the gospel of grace and could potentially deceive and mislead believers.

Q: What is the central message of the letter to Titus? A: The central message is the sufficiency of the gospel of grace for salvation and the importance of appointing qualified leaders to uphold sound doctrine in the church.

Q: How can the church in Crete grow and remain steadfast in its faith? A: By appointing qualified leaders, confronting false teachings, and emphasizing the gospel of grace, the church in Crete can thrive and stay true to its faith.