The Book of Titus is a pastoral letter from Paul to guide church leadership and Christian living in Crete. It emphasizes salvation by grace, godly conduct, and the rejection of false teaching.
The book of Titus, written by the apostle Paul around AD 66, is a pastoral letter addressed to Titus, a trusted co-worker and leader of the church in Crete. Paul instructs Titus to appoint qualified elders, uphold sound doctrine, and guide believers in godly living. The letter emphasizes that salvation is by grace, not by works (Titus 3:5-6). It warns against false teachers, especially those promoting legalism, and stresses the importance of living in a way that reflects true faith (Titus 1:16). Paul highlights the transforming power of the gospel, which trains believers to “renounce ungodliness” and live upright lives as we await Christ’s return (Titus 2:11-14). He also encourages Titus to avoid divisive controversies and to correct those who stir up division (Titus 3:9-11). The book emphasizes the call to spiritual maturity, the need for integrity in leadership, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives. The Book of Titus serves as a practical guide for church leadership and Christian living rooted in the grace and mercy of God.
For church leaders and all those who seek to follow Christ, Titus provides clear instructions on how to live a godly life. We are to seek purity and live our lives in accordance with our faith in Christ. People may claim to know Christ, but there is no good in such a claim if their actions do not line up (Titus 1:16).
The book of Titus may prompt Christians to ask themselves, “Without me saying so, would others know I’m a follower of Christ?” Part of our responsibility as Christians is to look after our own faith and continue examining our lives to make sure they line up with Christ's instructions (2 Corinthians 13:5). Paul reminds us that God "saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior" (Titus 3:5-6). Through the Holy Spirit at work in us, helping us to discern good from evil, we can continue becoming Christians who honor Christ with every facet of our lives.
Key Verses:
"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" (Titus 1:5).
"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 1:7-9).
"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).
"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:3-7).