I. Things To Remember Vs. 1-8
A. How To Treat People Vs. 1, 2
1. V. 1-Remind them-present tense, continuous action. Keep on reminding them.
a. Christians need constant reminders about godly living.
b. As long as we are on Earth, there will be a battle between our flesh and the Spirit.
c. It is helpful for all of us to be reminded about what we already know.
d. 2 Peter 1:12-15 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
2. V. 1-Unless civic leaders are forcing us to sin, we should be obedient to them.
a. To obey leaders is a godly response, but to do good works is to be pro-active.
b. Some Christians may think that to passively obey government is enough, but we need to be looking for and praying for opportunities to be pro-active in doing good works.
3. V. 2-How easy it is to sin in speaking evil of others, especially in this age of social media.
a. It is so easy to speak or write in an evil way about others. We write things that we would never say to someone’s face. We have “cyber courage”, with little to no direct consequences. See James 3:1-12.
B. Remember Your Past V. 3
1. Titus was to remind the Cretans about where they came from, and who they used to be
2. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1. It is a wonderful thing to have our minds transformed by God. To have a clear and accurate understanding of right and wrong.
2. Sometimes Christians begin to harshly criticize unbelievers because of their darkened understanding, and we forget that we used to be in that same condition.
3. Though we may think in a better
4. way than unbelievers, we are not better than they are.
5. Christians are not naturally morally superior over non-Christians.
C. Remember God’s Salvation Vs. 4-8
1. V. 4-Repetition of Titus 2:11. The grace of God appeared when we were not looking for it. a. God is always the initiator, and it is because of his kindness and love.
2. V. 5-We are not saved by our works, even religious works. Bible reading, giving, etc.
a. we are saved according to his mercy-It is God who does the saving.
b. Washing of regeneration-regeneration doesn’t happen because of water baptism, though that is important.
c. Renewing of the Holy Spirit-The Spirit gives birth to man’s spirit. See John 3:6-8
3. V. 6-The Holy Spirit is poured out on us through/by Jesus Christ.
4. V. 7-justified by his grace
a. Heirs according to the hope of eternal life
5. V. 8-affirm constantly-Titus needed to be sure to repeat this message. It is worth repeating. It must be repeated. Christians need to be regularly reminded about all this.
a. Christians are not saved by good works, but good works should be done.
b. It is good and profitable to remind them regularly and do them regularly.
c. If a Christian think that they are deserving of salvation because of good works, then they begin to take pride in themselves, and look down on others.
II. Looking Forward
A. Things To Avoid Vs. 9-11
1. V. 9-Avoid Foolish Arguments V. 9
a. There are many things that pastors and all Christians should avoid.
b. Foolish arguments should be avoided. They are not helpful and can actually cause divisions. Christians are not profited by engaging in them. They are a waste of time.
c. Some Christians love to argue. Instead, they should be doing good works.
d. Foolish arguments are unprofitable, but God’s word is always profitable.
e. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
f. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
2. Vs. 10, 11-Avoid Divisive People Vs. 10, 11
1. V. 10-Divisive man- heretic- not a person who is unsure of what they believe and is trying to understand. A man that causes division because he promotes false doctrine.
a. We certainly want to be patient with all people, but sometimes we have to reject people. This is especially true for the safety of the church and us.
b. If we do reject someone, we need to remember that we used to be like them.
c. Warn them multiple times. We are to give them a chance to not be divisive.
d. We are not better than them. We used to be blinded to God’s truth.
e. It’s only because of God that we are saved and can understand truth.
1. V. 11- warped-twisted. Sinning- miss the mark. Self-condemned-they are to blame.
a. This person is a victim of Satan, having been lied to and deceived.
b. In another way, they have allowed this to happen in their own lives.
c. They are not innocent victims who are to be forever tolerated.
d. They cause damage to people’s faith, and they divide churches.
e. They are unwilling to receive correction through patient church leadership.
B. Directions Regarding Fellow Ministers Vs. 12, 13
1. V. 12-We see that it was not intended that Titus would be the permanent pastor in Crete.
a. Paul planned to send others to be spiritual overseers. This shows us that Paul was concerned that spiritual leaders would be present to lead these Believers.
b. Paul did not want to leave them without spiritual leadership.
c. Tychicus- beloved brother, faithful minister, fellow servant. Col. 4:7; Eph. 6:21
2. V. 13-Titus was also to financially assist Zenas and Apollos so that they could continue with their ministry. This probably indicated that a collection would be gathered for them.
C. Final Words V. 14, 15
1. V. 14-This has been a repeated phrase to Titus. Apparently, the Cretans were unwillingly to do good works. They refused to do them, or avoided them as much as possible.
a. Urgent needs- They were even unwilling to meet urgent needs, emergency needs, or the deep needs of others. These were needs which were necessary, important. These were not simply desires others had, but these were needful things.
b. Unfruitful- barren, not yielding what it ought to yield. These were people who contributed nothing to help others in any way. These were people that claimed to follow Jesus, but there was little or no evidence of their faith that could be seen.
c. For example- The Cretans would be fruitful if they would financially assist Zenas and Apollos to proceed to their next ministry.
2. V. 15-Paul intended that many should read or hear about this letter. He blessed them all.