Titus

Temple Baptist Church - 7-20-2014

Titus 1:1-5

 

Introduction:

A. The Book of Titus is the 3^rd and final Pastoral Epistle.

1. 1 Timothy was written to a young pastor named Timothy whom the Apostle Paul left at Ephesus to keep the church there orderly.

a) Doctrinal error, one of the greatest enemies of the local church, had begun to advance in the church. 1 Timothy 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; (2) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (3) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

b) The key verse is found in 1 Timothy 3:14-15: “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: (15) But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

2. 2 Timothy was written to Timothy in light of defense against the ever present apostate and their apostasy.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. (15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16) But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

3. Titus was written to young Titus to set order the things that were “wanting” or lacking in the churches on the island of Crete. There is no mention of Paul ever going to Crete. In Acts 27, the ship Paul was on sailed around Crete (a little island off of the coast of Greece) and spending some length of time at the fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. Evidently, churches were established then or shortly thereafter but because Paul’s time there was short, there were some things “wanting” or lacking.

Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

B. I want to take a short look at this man, Titus, for a few minutes before we begin to preach through the Book of Titus in order to lay a little background.

1. Titus was busy in the Lord’s work – 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

2. Titus was an encouragement to the Apostle Paul – 2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

3. Titus was also encouraged by others – 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

4. Titus was consistent in the ministry – 2 Corinthians 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

5. Titus had a pastor’s heart for his people – 2 Corinthians 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

6. Titus was busy in whatever capacity that he was needed in – 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

7. Titus followed the Old Paths paved by his predecessors – 2 Corinthians 12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

8. Titus had a great testimony of salvation - Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.