Exposition of Titus Lesson 3 - Setting Things in Order

Exposition of Paul’s Letter to

TITUS

LESSON 3: SETTING THINGS IN ORDER

Review

Paul’s concern as he writes this letter to Titus, is the issue of integrity. Is what you say you believe the same as the way you live?  The reason why this is important (beside the obvious) is that the Gospel that Paul believed and preached is the only Gospel that promotes godly living and leads to eternal life.  For one to say that they believe the Gospel and exhibit no concern for holiness is a major disconnect.  And a gospel that does not transform our lifestyles is not a Gospel that leads to eternal life.

Paul now continues his communication to Titus:

Text Titus 1:5–9 (ESV)

⁵ This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— ⁶ if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. ⁷ For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Exposition Titus 1:5-9 (ESV)

The Mission Reminder

“This is why I left you in Crete.”^[1]  This phrase affirms their joint efforts, previously unknown in Crete.  We have no record of Paul’s ministry in Crete, and any suggestions are assumptions.  The fact that he and Titus were together is simply affirmed by this phrase.  The tone of this verse implies a lot more than we might imagine.  Suppose two women are shopping and we might see one of them and ask the whereabouts of the other.  The answer is, “I left her at the mall”.  That is not what Paul is saying here.  The context demands us to understand that he “left” (Greek: ἀπολείπω [pronounced ap·ol·ipe·o]) implies that is was a deliberate action for a specific purpose.  Titus was told this by Paul, now he receives it in writing.

Titus’ Two-Fold Purpose

There are either 2 purposes, or in some way they fold into one over-arching purpose.  Notice the two-fold statement:

1.       “so that you might put what remained into order, and

2.       appoint elders in every town as I directed you.”^[2]

The first of the purposes is literally, “straighten out” what was not straight!  The Greek word, ἐπιδιορθόω [pronounced, ep·ee·dee·or·tho·o] builds on an English word we know as ortho. An orthodontist - straightens crooked teeth or orthopedist who sets broken bones. Eπιδιορθόω conveys the idea that Paul and Titus had begun the work  but there were still things that were out of place, missing, or defective. He was charged with the task of correcting and setting straight certain doctrines (e.g., Titus 1:10-14 and 2:1) and practices (e.g., Titus 1:12, 16; 3:9) that had become defective. 

The second of the purposes has to do with the appointment of elders.  “An initial duty was to "appoint elders in every town," in each place where there was a group of believers.”[3]  An elder is a general term referring to those who are also called “overseers” in 1Timothy 3:1. The titles elder, pastor, and overseer all describe the same person is made clear by the use of all three words to describe the same men in Acts 20:17, 28.

This contributes to our understanding that during the early Church and onward in history there was a transition from the apostolic leadership of the Church to one of elders.  Notice how we see that in 1 Peter: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ . . . “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:” (1 Peter 1:1a; 5:1, ESV)

The Qualifications of the Elders

Verses 6-9 identify those who are qualified to fill this task. Paul writes, “if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:6–9, ESV).

Life Application Bible Commentary has an excellent summary statement on elder qualifications:

"Notice that most of the qualifications involve character, not knowledge or skill. A person’s life-style and relationships provide a window into his or her character . . . It is important to have leaders who can effectively preach God’s Word; but even more importantly, they must live out God’s Word and be examples for others to follow."

Let’s look at each of these character/lifestyle qualities, briefly under 3 categories:

#1.   The Elder’s Family Life

“if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

To be “above reproach” or “blameless” does not mean sinless. Psalm 32 helps us understand this idea when we read, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1–2, ESV). Blamelessness involves honest admittance of sin and the applied forgiveness of God, in Christ.  Above reproach implies responsibility.  The Elder takes responsibility.  In this case Paul is firstly concerned about family.

      1.       Faithful to their wife.   Some take the phrase “the husband of one wife” to forbid polygamy. Some take it to mean as never ever having but one wife, that is, not widowed/divorced and re-married.  Some take it to mean that he must be married.  “The phrase literally states, ‘of one woman [wife] man [husband].’ (1) Many commentators understand the phrase to mean “having the character of a one-woman man,” that is, “faithful to his wife.” In support of this view is the fact that a similar phrase is used in 1 Tim. 5:9 as a qualification for widows (Gk. henos andros gynē; “one-man woman,” i.e., “wife of one husband”), and in that verse, it seems to refer to the trait of faithfulness.”^[4]

      2.       Faithful to their children. Some interpret the phrase “children are believers” to mean just that.  An elder’s children should, at least, profess belief in Christ.  The word for 'children' constrains us to think of those presently under the responsibility and authority of the elder. This I think is the preferred interpretation.

The Greek word πιστά does mean believe.  It can also mean trustworthy or faithful.  Those who interpret the word “faithful” as does the NKJV, argue that no parent can know for sure (at a young age) whether a child is a believer; and no father can guarantee the conversion of their child.  If we follow the maxim that Scripture should interpret Scripture we find in Paul’s letter to Timothy a parallel verse: “keeping his children submissive.”^[5]  It seems that in context, Paul is concerned about a father who might allow his children (those still under his care and authority) to be open to the charge of debauchery and insubordination, that is “wild and rebellious” (as per NLT).

This is a highly controversial statement and argued at great length. There are good and godly theologians who would disagree. 

#2.   The Elder’s Character

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

For the sake of time, I won’t elaborate greatly on these.  Paul repeats himself in the next category of areas, that an elder should be free from accusation.   These all follow issues of character and personality.  He is (negatively)[6]:

      a.       Not to be "overbearing," arrogantly disregarding the interests of others to please himself;

      b.      Not to be "quick-tempered," readily yielding to anger, for pastoral work demands much patience;

      c.       Not "given to wine"; he must not be an alcoholic.  Some contemporize this by suggesting that the elder should not be one who seeks to escape his problems with drugs or alcohol, etc.;

      d.      Not "violent,"; and

      e.      Not "pursuing dishonest gain." He must not turn his office into a money-making business.

But positively he is to be a person who⁶:

      a.       Is "hospitable," literally, "lover of strangers," ready to open his home to others.

      b.      Is "one who loves what is good," an ally and zealous supporter of the good, including men as well as deeds and things;

      c.       Is "self-controlled," in control of his mind and emotions so that he can act rationally and discreetly;

      d.      Is "holy" seeking to pursue Christ-likeness and practical righteousness; and

      e.      Is "disciplined," in his time and habits.

#3.   The Elder’s Relationship to the Word

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:6–9, ESV)

Lastly Paul writes of the Elder’s ability to handle spiritual truth. Doctrinal precision is critically important for an elder. “The overseer must be known to "hold firmly to the trustworthy message," clinging to it despite the winds of false teaching and open opposition.”[7]

An elder should be able to communicate Truth.  Practically speaking he may be a leading elder rather than teaching elder[8].  But in either case he is distinguished by this ability to teach truth – and alongside of that refute error.

Conclusion

 Paul does not demand perfection from the Church Elders.  He does demand family, moral and biblical responsibility.  Where there is failure or weakness it behoves the elder to do what is necessary to remove himself from accusation.  Paul instructed the Ephesian elders of one way they are to do that.  Note:

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28, ESV, Emphasis mine)

“Spiritual leaders need first of all to guard their own spiritual and moral purity.”^[9]  As Titus seeks to “put in order” what is necessary in Crete he will need spiritual leaders who model what is required. The emphasis on knowing the Truth and practicing what you preach – the emphasis on embodying the Gospel in life resulting in godliness is the type of leadership required in Crete.  It is the type of spiritual leadership needed everywhere.

Questions

PS: I have attempted to write a more comprehensive explanation of the call, the role, and constitution of elders.  It is posted online at http://elkpointbaptistchurch.blogspot.ca/2008/02/gods-blueprint-for-his-church-guardians.html?m=0.

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Tt 1:5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Tt 1:5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

[3] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition of Titus/II. Concerning Elders and Errorists in Crete (1:5-16)/A. The Appointment of Qualified Elders (1:5-9)/1. The duties of Titus in Crete (1:5), Book Version: 4.0.2

^[4] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2329). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Ti 3:4–5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

[6] Adapted from Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition of Titus/II. Concerning Elders and Errorists in Crete (1:5-16)/A. The Appointment of Qualified Elders (1:5-9)/2. The qualifications of the elders (1:6-9), Book Version: 4.0.2

[7] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition of Titus/II. Concerning Elders and Errorists in Crete (1:5-16)/A. The Appointment of Qualified Elders (1:5-9)/2. The qualifications of the elders (1:6-9), Book Version: 4.0.2

[8] “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17, ESV)

^[9] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2130). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Exposition of Titus: Lesson 2 Setting the Stage

Exposition of Paul’s Letter to

TITUS

LESSON 2: SETTING THE STAGE

Review

Paul’s letter to Titus is a life-changing message for us today.  Paul calls the Church to integrate right beliefs with everyday practice.  We learn that empowered by the Spirit Christians can transform their culture by living lives of integrity.   

We were reminded that integrity is a determination of the heart. Integrity is the unwavering determination in the heart to do right no matter what.

Text Titus 1:1–4 (ESV)

¹ Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, ² in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began ³ and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; ⁴ To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Exposition Titus 1:1–4 (ESV)

His Credentials

Paul, as he does in many of his letters starts by identifying himself.  His primary identification is:

      a.       A servant of God. The translation servant is taken from the Greek word δοῦλοσ1 pronounced ‘doo·los’. It literally means slave.  It comes on good authority[1] that from the 16^th Century English translators preferred the word “servant” over slave because of the stigma that is attached to it. Renown Greek scholar Gerhardt Kittel writes, ““There is no need to trace the history of this word, there is no need to discuss the meaning of this word, it has never meant anything in any usage but slave.”     What is true of Paul is true of every Christian[2].

      b.       An apostle. Generally, an apostle simply means “messenger”.  Specifically, in a Christian sense, an apostle is a person designated by God to speak and act with special authority. Paul’s apostleship was unique though. Paul was categorized with similar credentials as the original Twelve. Paul can rightfully be called an apostle because he fulfilled the same three basic requirements the specially-selected twelve original disciples met. Those to be considered for this awesome responsibility had to have been personally called by Christ, taught by him directly for several years, and seen him alive after his resurrection (Acts 1:17, 22, 25).

So as a slave, Paul lays the groundwork that he is not acting on his own, but is willing submission to his Master.  As an apostle, his words that are in accordance with Christ are authoritative and irrefutable. He then explains his mission.

His Mission

“for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, ² in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began ³ and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.”

This is a complicated but exciting sentence.  Notice the relationship of the clauses in this sentence:

“for the sake of the faith of God’s elect

and their knowledge of the truth,

 

which accords with godliness, ² in hope of eternal life,

which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

 ³ and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching

with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.”

So, we see clearly that Paul’s call and appointment are on behalf of God’s elect.  Who are God’s elect?  They are those who God has graciously chosen for salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13[3]); who have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit and have personally believed the Gospel. 

This call though is in relation to their “knowledge of the truth”.  This is a phrase common to Paul.  Note:

      ·         1 Timothy 2:4 (ESV), ⁴ who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

      ·         2 Timothy 2:25 (ESV), ²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

      ·         2 Timothy 3:7 (ESV), ⁷ always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

Now this “knowledge” is the truth which is in keeping with godly living, which leads to eternal life.

This “knowledge” is a truth that come from God who always tells the truth.  It is a truth that was at one time promised, but is now “manifested”.  Now we ask the question, “What truth was hidden, but promised and is now seen in its fulfillment?”  Answer: The Gospel.  Where do we see this Gospel message on display?  His Word.

Recap: So, Paul is making it clear that God has called him to encourage the faith of Believers and to further their understanding of the Gospel.  This is the Gospel that promotes godly living and leads to eternal life.  This is the Gospel coming to us from the God who never lies.  This is the Gospel once unseen but now displayed clearly in His Word.  Then Paul writes that he has been commanded and entrusted to proclaim this Gospel.

“That life-giving message was committed to Paul as a divine trust. He could never escape the wonder that this assignment should be given to him, unworthy as he was (1Cor 15:9; Eph 3:8; 1Tim 1:11-13). The personal pronoun is deliberately emphatic, "I on my part was entrusted with" this message. His call was for him a very personal, irreversible experience.”[4]

His Recipient

“To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” (Titus 1:4, ESV)

The personal and kind reference to Titus as a “true child” is literally “legitimate son” (compare 1 Timothy 1:2). It probably indicates that Titus was lead to Christ by Paul.  It certainly implies that Titus was a genuine, sincere Believer.   In short, Titus is:

• One of Paul's closest associates, mentioned 13 times in the New Testament
• A Gentile convert to Christianity who accompanied Barnabas and Paul to the Jerusalem Council; although he is an uncircumcised Greek, he is not compelled to be circumcised (Gal 2:1-3).
• Paul tells the Corinthians that Titus is "my brother" (2Corinthians 2:13) and "my partner and co-worker for you" (8:23).
• Titus later serves as Paul's messenger to the Christian communities in Macedonia and Achaia, esp. in Corinth (2Corinthians 7:5--8:24; 12:18).
• He may also have preached in Dalmatia (modern Albania & Bosnia; 2Tim 4:10),

Paul refers to him as a son in the “common faith”. He is not a genuine biological son, he is a genuine spiritual son.  They both shared the same faith, the same spiritual values. This speaks volumes but at the time it also honored the Gospel truth that the Jewish and Greek cultures could both be included in the “common faith” of Christianity.

To Titus Paul greets with the phrase that is common to Paul: “Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”  You should note that grace (Gr charis) was the common Greek greeting, just as peace (Heb shalōm) was the ordinary Hebrew salutation.  Together this unites the Testaments and points to the blessings that were promised and fulfilled in Christ to all Christians. 

Likewise, as we have received the blessings of the Old Covenant promises that come from the Father through the New Covenant blessings that are fulfilled by the Son, Paul rests his greeting on "God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Paul’s mission has been clearly identified.  That is, to encourage the faith of Believers and to further their understanding of the Gospel. He makes a more-than-obvious hint about that Gospel in his opening greeting.  He says that it is a Gospel that promotes godly living and leads to eternal life.

Is there any other Gospel?

We will not be surprised when we will soon read:

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11–14, ESV)

Questions

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[1] https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/GTY129/servant-or-slave

[2] “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” (Romans 6:17–18, ESV)

[3] “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV) 

[4] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition of Titus/I. Salutation (1:1-4)/A. The Writer (1:1-3), Book Version: 4.0.2

The Sayings of the Wise – Part 22

THIRTY SAYINGS OF THE WISE

SAYING NUMBER TWENTY-ONE

Proverbs 24:5–6, reads:

⁵ A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, ⁶ for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

The inspired author tends to marry two important truths:

1. “A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.” (Proverbs 21:22, ESV)

PLUS

2. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, ESV)

In this saying the strong wise person is united to many advisors and the issue seems to surround a military scenario.  This strength of understanding is gleaned from the advice of good counsel. “The might of the wise is not solitary, nor is wisdom gained in isolation, but only through the teaching of others.”^[1] Or stated otherwise, “The man who listens carefully to wisdom’s counselors will increase his strength and be enabled to wage war successfully.”^[2]

Dr. Bruce Waltke observes, “The counter-argumentation of many counselors, who with a spirit of humility learn from each other, guarantee that the finally agreed upon strategy will succeed.”^[3]  How important it is to sit in counsel with those who humbly, honestly disagree. 

There is a phenomenon known as groupthink.  In this system group members, albeit married couples or Church Boards try to minimize conflict and reach a decision by suppressing their viewpoints. On the surface, this appears to be harmonious, but ultimately proves to be devastating.

Success comes, not from individual strength of wisdom but from the humility to learn from others – others who may even disagree.  May we welcome the differing perspectives of our spouses, our colleagues and friends.  

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^[1] Koptak, P. E. (2003). Proverbs (p. 561). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

^[2] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 1242). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Waltke, B. K. (2005). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 15–31 (p. 272). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Some Myths about Bible Translations

Here are some myths that we need to consider about Bible translations.  This is a summary of an article by Daniel B. Wallace.

1. Perhaps the number one myth about Bible translation is that a word-for-word translation is the best kind. Anyone who is conversant in more than one language recognizes that a word-for-word translation is simply not possible if one is going to communicate in an understandable way in the receptor language.

2. The King James Version is perfect. This myth continues to be promoted today, yet even the translators of the KJV were not sure on hundreds of occasions which rendering was best, allowing the reader to decide for himself. 

3. Modern translations have removed words and verses from the Bible. Most biblical scholars—both conservative and liberal—would say instead that the KJV added words and verses, rather than that the modern ones have removed such.

4. Essential doctrines are in jeopardy in modern translations. Actually, no doctrine essential for salvation is affected by translations, modern or ancient—unless done by a particular cult for its own purposes.

5. Red-letter editions of the Bible highlight the exact words of Jesus. Scholars are not sure of the exact words of Jesus. Ancient historians were concerned to get the gist of what someone said, but not necessarily the exact wording.

Exposition of Titus: Lesson 1 Introduction

Exposition of Paul’s Letter to

TITUS

LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION

Welcome and Introduction

Thank you for choosing to study this important letter of Paul to a colleague named Titus who was pastoring a Church on the island of Crete.  There are a total of 9 lessons. 

 

For those who like to keep notes, I’ll leave fillable notes on a music stand in the aisle near the back.  I will post my full transcript on my blog immediately following the Sunday when the lesson is given.  I will provide a link to that on the Church Facebook page.

Once we start into the text I will offer 5-10 minutes for questions following my lecture.  If you have questions that don’t get answered please feel free to email me or text me the question and I will be happy to attempt to answer it. 

If you are late for class, please enter quietly and for the least disruption please sit near the back. 

Today’s Lesson

My goal today is three-fold:

1. To give some context and background to this letter.

2. To teach why it is an important letter in the New Testament

3. To teach why it is an important letter for you and I.

  

Background to the Letter

In the first 5 verses we read “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ . . . To Titus, my true child in a common faith . . . I left you in Crete . . .” (Titus 1:1–5, ESV).  We learn that Paul is the author, Titus the recipient and the ministry context of concern is Crete.

What’s with Crete? 

Crete is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean, located southwest of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The text of the letter says that Paul was in Crete. Crete is a long and narrow island, spanning about 160 miles (260 km) east to west. We are not sure if or when Paul planted a Church there.  We know that Paul sailed past Crete and docked in the city of Fair Havens (Acts 27:8) on his way to Rome.  We also know that there were Cretans at Pentecost (Acts 2:11).  Is that when Christianity got its root on the Island?  We don’t know.

We are not even sure of when Paul and Titus were together on the Island.  Many people believe that Titus was written in the time between Paul’s first imprisonment (Acts 28) and a second imprisonment which led to his death.

We are simply certain that Paul was there with Titus and left him there.  We are sure that Paul wrote Titus there, probably during or right after his first imprisonment (house arrest).

What’s with Titus? 

Titus was a Greek.  In Titus 1:4, Paul calls Titus his “true son in our common faith”. “Paul typically uses this language to describe his converts (1 Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 1:2; Phlm 1:10).”^[1]

When Paul was newly converted and need validation by the Jerusalem Council we read in Galatians 2:1-10 that Titus was there.  He was an uncircumcised convert.  Titus also served as Paul’s assistant to the church in Corinth, where he helped collect relief funds for the poor believers in Jerusalem (2Corinthians 8:6–7).  In 2Timothy 4:10 at Paul’s last imprisonment and before his execution, we learn that Titus had been with him and headed off to Dalmatia (Dalmatia was part of the Roman province of Illyricum.) That is the last we hear of him.

Why is this letter in the New Testament?

When I ask this question I am not wondering why the early Church fathers deemed this letter inspired and appropriate to the New Testament canon.  That is a good question.  I am assuming that this is an inspired portion of Scripture and my question is why would our Lord give it to us?

If you were to read 1Timothy and then read Titus you would be aware that both letters seem to contain similar material, albeit Titus is shorter.  They both deal with the duties of spiritual leaders and social relations in the Church. Titus is less personal that 1Timothy.  In 1Timothy Paul stresses “sound doctrine” as he does in Titus, but in Titus the author, like nowhere else[2] in the New Testament emphasizes the reality that Christian behavior must be based upon the truth of the Gospel leading to holy living (e.g.[3])

In one word the stress of Titus is to lead us to integrity, i.e., our behavior matches our belief.  “The theme of Titus is the inseparable link between faith and practice, belief and behavior.”^[4]  It’s about “the integration of right belief and right action.”^[5] In the dictionary, the word integrity means 1) an unimpaired condition, i.e., soundness, wholeness 2) firm adherence to a code of moral values, i.e., incorruptible, honor, 3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided, i.e., completeness.

 Why is it important to us?

This letter is important to us for several reasons:

     1.       Because God has deemed this it is profitable (2Timothy 3:16-17);

     2.       Because it would be the “go-to” book of the Bible to learn about the need of making       sure our practice lines up with our profession; and

     3.       Because Titus is called to address “false teachers”, if the Church lacked integrity – if the Church was hypocritical – how effective might they have been?

Note this helpful quote: “Paul’s message to Titus—the integration of right belief with everyday practice—is a transformative one for us today. The letter is full of things that make us question our interactions with culture, but the overall message is clear: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Christians can transform their culture by their very presence in it. Although this involves separation from things of that our world values, it does not involve separation from culture itself. As Christians, we’re meant to be public witnesses to Jesus in everyday, ordinary stations.”^[6]

Considering Integrity

Contractors and engineers refer to the integrity of steel. There are times when you can have two pieces of steel that both look great on the outside—there’s no apparent difference between them—but one of them, when it is put under stress, may not support the weight. The reason the other piece of steel does hold up under stress is because it has integrity.

Integrity has to do with a sense of consistency.  A person of integrity is the same inside as outside.  He or she lives what they believe.  Their character and values don’t fluctuate depending on where they are. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Their values, words and actions were thoroughly the same.

Integrity is a determination of the heart. Integrity is the unwavering determination in the heart to do right no matter what.

Preparation for the next lesson.

I would encourage to read Paul’s letter to Titus (several times) (maybe different translations) before our next lesson.  As you do, look for specific instruction that relates to the theme of integrity.  See if you can find support for the following statements:

     1.       The Gospel will naturally produce godliness in the believer.

     2.       The Gospel is the basis for all ethical conduct.

     3.       Our outward behavior determines whether we truly know God or not.

     4.       Christians of integrity commend the Gospel to those who do not know Christ.

     5.       Good works are not inconsequential to Christian living.

     6.       Both false doctrine and immoral practice MUST be dealt with in the local church.

[Next week I’ll put the answers on the “Welcome” screen before class.]

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^[1] Lokkesmoe, R. (2016). Titus. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[2] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Introduction to Titus/Theological Value of Titus, Book Version: 4.0.2

[3]  “Proper Christian behavior is based on the fact that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,” and therefore those who believe in Christ are to “live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” as they await his return (2:11–13).” - The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Tt). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[4] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2345). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[5] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

^[6] Barry, J. D., Mailhot, J., Bomar, D., Ritzema, E., & Sinclair-Wolcott, C. (Eds.). (2014). DIY Bible Study. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

The Sayings of the Wise – Part 21

THIRTY SAYINGS OF THE WISE

SAYING NUMBER TWENTY

Proverbs 24:3–4 reads:

³ By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; ⁴ by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

The tools that build a “house” are “wisdom” and “understanding”. The ornate decorations are supplied by “knowledge”.  The idea of “house” could be general to include all domestic activity or it could relate to the building of a family as in Psalm 127:1 (ESV), “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

“As indicated by the clause initial words, the focus is on the means, by wisdom and by understanding. Unless a household is built on the revealed wisdom upheld by the Lord,”^[1] it is like a house built on sand. In addition “wisdom does not just build the house; she fills it with prosperity and happiness.”^[2]

There may be any numbers of means that the unscrupulous or unwise might use to establish their domestic life, but that which receives the honour of being wise, is a house built on wisdom and understanding – adorned with knowledge. One cannot help think of the words of Jesus: ““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24, ESV).  “Disciples who build their lives on the bedrock of Jesus and his message of the kingdom of heaven are truly wise, regardless of the shifting cultural or religious fashions.”^[3]

Previously the sage reminded us that “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down” (Proverbs 14:1, ESV).  A firm house adorned with beauty and prosperity is the result of wisdom – God’s wisdom, not man’s foolishness. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV)

“It certainly is true that if it takes wisdom to build a house, it also takes wisdom to build a household.”[4]   Where do we go for the resources to build our lives, homes or our families?  This saying brings us back to the Bible.  When our lives are in harmony with God’s Word then we can anticipate spiritual success.

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^[1] Waltke, B. K. (2005). The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 15–31 (p. 271). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

^[2] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Pr 24:3–4). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

^[3] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1834). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[4] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Proverbs/Exposition of Proverbs/IV. The Sayings of the Wise (22:17-24:34)/A. Thirty Precepts of the Sages (22:17-24:22), Book Version: 4.0.2