Instruction in the Epistle to Titus

1. Instruction for Church Leaders (1:1-16)

• Introduction (1:1-4)
• Qualification for Leaders (1:5-9)
  • Blameless
  • Husband of one wife
  • Faithful children
  • Not charged with riot or unruly
  • Not charged with self-willed or self-pleasing
  • Not inclined to anger
  • Not given to wine
  • Not a brawler
  • Not greedy for money
  • Hospitable
  • A lover of the good
  • Of a sound mind
  • Righteous
  • Pious
  • Self-controlled
  • Holding fast the word (a teacher)
• Characteristics of the Unbelieving (1:10-16)

If a man is to properly lead in the church, then he needs to know the difference between the sheep and the goats, that is, the difference between those that are born-again and want to serve God and those that are un-regenerated and want to cause problems. We see a list here that will help us know who is not serving the Lord.

- Insubordinate - Idle talkers - Deceivers - Seeking dishonest gain - Liars - Evil beasts - Lazy gluttons - Following fables - Denying God by their works - Detestable - Disobedient - Disqualified

2. Instruction for Church Members (2:1-10)

- For Older Men 2:1-2 - Temperate - Reverent (serious) - Of sound mind - Healthy in faith - Healthy in love - Healthy in patience - For Older Women 2:3-4 - Sacred character "behaviour as becometh holiness" - Not a slanderer - Not a slave by having any wine - A teacher of the good - To guide younger women into sound minds - For Younger Women 2:4-5 - Love their husbands - Love their children - Be of sound mind - Undefiled - Good workers at home - Submissive to their own husbands - For Younger Men 2:6-8 - Of sound mind - Good works - Uncorruptness - Reverence - "Sound speech" words that cannot be condemned - Servants 2:9-10 - Submissive to their masters in all things - Well-pleasing - "answering again" gain saying, Not speaking against or answering back - Not purloining

(removing things - stealing from the boss - time or material)

- Being faithful

3. Instruction for Titus (2:11-3:11)

- Speak of God's grace and purpose - We should deny ungodliness and worldly lust - We must live in this present world; soberly, righteously, and godly - We should look for the Blessed Hope to be made one with Him - We should be zealous of good works - Remind believers (3:1-8)

"Put them in mind"

- To be submissive to rulers - To obey - To be ready for every good work - To speak evil of no one - To be peaceable - To be gentle - To show all humility - To remember what we once were - To remember what God our Savior has done for us abundantly - To affirm constantly that good works needs to be the pattern of our lives

"these things are good and profitable unto men"

- Avoid these things (3:9-11) - Foolish disputes - Genealogies - Strife - Arguments about the law - Unprofitable and vain people

Titus 3:10-11 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Labour to convince him of his error; but if he will not receive instruction, if he has shut his heart against conviction, then shun him. Do him no harm in body, soul, character, or substance; hold no grudge; but leave him to God.

4. Closing Words (3:12-15)

• Come to me (3:12)

• Send Zenas and Apollos (3:13)

• Learn to maintain good works (3:14)

Paul's last exhortation is to "maintain good works." These words are written while Paul is a free man and therefore sometime before 2 Timothy was written. What a wonderful blessing it must have been for these two young men, Timothy and Titus, to have such a "father in the faith" concerned about their ministry for the Lord.

• Greetings (3:15)