We meet Titus today. He is a Gentile Christian leader, someone brought into the faith by Paul. Paul trusted him to be the pastor of a church he loves – Corinth, and we see today that Paul left Titus in a very hard place for ministry. He left Titus in Crete. Paul tells Titus to work on appointing leaders for the church there, and of all the things that Paul tells him to look for – look for this: character. I think that’s what our church should be focusing on in all things. Not the gifts but the character of the leader and the follower. That character is the contrast that the world needs to see!

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Good morning. It’s wonderful to be here with you as we continue our exploration of Paul’s Pastoral letters. Today, we embark on the study of Titus. Titus is a concise letter, spanning only three chapters, so we’ll likely spend the next three days delving into its contents. After that, we’ll segue back into the Old Testament for some engaging discussions. As always, I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, and I’m delighted to journey with you through these teachings.

Let’s delve into Titus by reading through chapter one. Paul, identifying himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, expresses his commitment to nurturing the faith of God’s chosen ones and spreading the truth that leads to godliness and the hope of eternal life. He emphasizes God’s unwavering promise of eternal life, a promise made long before time began. Paul underscores his authority to proclaim this message by divine command.

Addressing Titus, whom he regards as a loyal child in the faith, Paul extends grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Savior. He recounts leaving Titus in Crete with a specific purpose: to set things in order and appoint elders in every town. Paul outlines the qualifications for these elders, stressing the importance of blamelessness, marital fidelity, well-behaved children, and a host of virtues suitable for those in positions of spiritual leadership.

Paul warns Titus about deceptive individuals, particularly those of the circumcision group, who spread false teachings for personal gain. Quoting a Cretan prophet, Paul acknowledges the challenges posed by the cultural context of Crete, known for its negative stereotypes. Despite these challenges, Paul encourages Titus to rebuke falsehood firmly, aiming to restore soundness in the faith. He advises against indulging in Jewish myths or adhering to the commandments of those who reject the truth.

Reflecting on these teachings, it’s evident that Titus faced a daunting task in Crete. As a Gentile believer, Titus accompanied Paul on various missions, demonstrating his reliability and trustworthiness. Paul’s decision to entrust Titus with significant responsibilities underscores his confidence in Titus’ abilities to navigate challenging situations.

What stands out in Paul’s instructions to Titus is the emphasis on character over charisma or skill. Paul prioritizes blamelessness, humility, temperance, and other virtues essential for effective spiritual leadership. This focus on character underscores the importance of authentic Christian living, both for leaders and followers alike.

As we reflect on Paul’s teachings to Titus, let’s consider how we can cultivate godly character in our own lives. While we may not face the same challenges as Titus in Crete, we live in a world that often contradicts Christian values. By prioritizing character development and remaining faithful to Christ, we can make a profound impact on those around us.

Tomorrow, we’ll continue our journey through Titus by exploring chapter two. Until then, may you have a blessed day, filled with opportunities to grow in faith and character. Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to our next session together. Take care!