Titus 1
BSB1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. 3 In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior. 4 To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. 7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. 8 Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it. 10 For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not. 12 As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
Study Notes — Titus 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Titus 1
- Themes from Titus 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Titus 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Titus 1 begins with an introduction to Titus, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, and his mission to appoint elders in every town in Crete. The chapter then outlines the qualifications for these elders, including being blameless, the husband of one wife, and having faithful children. It also warns against false teachers who are corrupt and greedy. The chapter concludes with a call to rebuke the false teachers and to teach sound doctrine.
Context for the Chapter
Titus 1 is part of a letter written by Paul to Titus, a young pastor in Crete. The letter is one of the Pastoral Epistles, which also includes 1 and 2 Timothy. The chapter is set in the context of the early Christian church, where false teachings and corrupt leaders were a significant threat. The chapter provides guidance on how to establish a strong foundation for the church in Crete and how to deal with false teachers.
Heart Application
This chapter calls us to prioritize sound doctrine and to be discerning in our evaluation of teachers and leaders. It also emphasizes the importance of moral character in our personal lives, particularly for those in positions of leadership. As we seek to apply the teachings of this chapter, we must examine our own hearts and lives, and strive to be faithful and blameless in our walk with God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the importance of sound doctrine and having good leaders in the church. It talks about how leaders should be chosen and what qualities they should have. The chapter also warns against false teachers who can lead people away from the truth. In Titus 1:9, we are reminded to hold firmly to the trustworthy message and to encourage others by sound doctrine.
Voices from the Church
“The Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone. Therefore, it is necessary that the doctrine of the Church be sound and pure, lest it be overthrown by the gates of hell.”
— John Calvin
“Sound doctrine is the backbone of the Church, and without it, we are but a mere skeleton, devoid of life and vitality.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Titus and His Mission (1:1-4) — Paul introduces himself and Titus, and explains the purpose of the letter.
- Qualifications for Elders (1:5-9) — The chapter outlines the qualifications for elders, including being blameless and having faithful children.
- The Role of Elders in Teaching Sound Doctrine (1:9-10) — Elders are to teach sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
- Warning Against False Teachers (1:10-16) — The chapter warns against false teachers who are corrupt and greedy.
- Conclusion and Final Instructions (1:15-16) — The chapter concludes with a call to rebuke the false teachers and to teach sound doctrine.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Sound Doctrine
- This chapter teaches that sound doctrine is essential for the health and vitality of the Church. It emphasizes the need for biblical teaching and the role of elders in teaching sound doctrine.
- The Qualifications for Church Leaders
- The chapter outlines the qualifications for elders, including being blameless and having faithful children. This highlights the importance of moral character in church leadership.
- The Dangers of False Teaching
- The chapter warns against false teachers who are corrupt and greedy. This highlights the need for discernment and vigilance in the church.
- The Role of Elders in the Church
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of elders in teaching sound doctrine and refuting false teachings. This highlights the role of elders as guardians of the faith and leaders in the church.
Lessons from Titus 1
- The Importance of Moral Character — This chapter teaches us the importance of moral character in our personal lives, particularly for those in positions of leadership.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — The chapter warns us against false teachers who can lead us away from the truth and into error.
- The Role of Elders in the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of elders in teaching sound doctrine and refuting false teachings.
- The Need for Discernment — The chapter calls us to be discerning in our evaluation of teachers and leaders, and to be vigilant against false teachings.
- The Importance of Sound Doctrine — The chapter teaches us the importance of sound doctrine in the life of the church, and the need to hold firmly to the trustworthy message.
Themes from Titus 1
- The Importance of Sound Doctrine — This chapter emphasizes the need for sound doctrine and the role of elders in teaching it.
- The Qualifications for Church Leaders — The chapter outlines the qualifications for elders, including being blameless and having faithful children.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — The chapter warns against false teachers who are corrupt and greedy.
- The Role of Elders in the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of elders in teaching sound doctrine and refuting false teachings.
- The Need for Discernment — The chapter calls us to be discerning in our evaluation of teachers and leaders, and to be vigilant against false teachings.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of sound doctrine in the life of the church?
- What are the qualifications for elders, and why are they important?
- How can we recognize and avoid false teachers?
- What is the role of elders in teaching sound doctrine and refuting false teachings?
- How can we apply the teachings of this chapter in our own lives and in our local church?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Titus and His Mission (1:1-4)
| 1:1 | Paul introduces himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. |
| 1:2 | Paul explains that he is writing to Titus, a true son in the common faith, and is sending him to Crete to appoint elders. |
| 1:3 | Paul explains that he is writing to Titus to encourage him and to provide guidance on how to deal with false teachers. |
| 1:4 | Paul greets Titus as a true son in the common faith, and wishes him grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. |
2. Qualifications for Elders (1:5-9)
| 1:5 | Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in every town in Crete, who are to be blameless and the husband of one wife. |
| 1:6 | The elders are to have faithful children, who are not rebellious or disobedient. |
| 1:7 | The elders are to be blameless, as God's stewards, and are not to be self-willed or quick-tempered. |
| 1:8 | The elders are to be hospitable and a lover of good, and are not to be given to wine or violent. |
| 1:9 | The elders are to hold firmly to the trustworthy message, and are to be able to encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. |
3. The Role of Elders in Teaching Sound Doctrine (1:9-10)
| 1:9 | The elders are to hold firmly to the trustworthy message, and are to be able to encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. |
| 1:10 | There are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, who must be silenced. |
4. Warning Against False Teachers (1:10-16)
| 1:10 | There are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, who must be silenced. |
| 1:11 | They are teaching things they should not teach, and are upsetting whole families with their false teachings. |
| 1:12 | One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, has said that the Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons. |
| 1:13 | This testimony is true, and therefore, Titus is to rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith. |
| 1:14 | They are not to pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of men who reject the truth. |
| 1:15 | To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. |
| 1:16 | They claim to know God, but by their actions, they deny Him, being detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of sound doctrine in the life of the church?
Sound doctrine is essential for the health and vitality of the church, as it provides a foundation for biblical teaching and protects against false teachings. (Titus 1:9)
What are the qualifications for elders in the church?
Elders are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, and have faithful children. They are also to be hospitable, a lover of good, and not given to wine or violent. (Titus 1:5-8)
How can we recognize and avoid false teachers?
False teachers are often characterized by their insubordination, empty talk, and deception. We can recognize them by their actions and their teaching, and avoid them by being grounded in sound doctrine and being discerning in our evaluation of teachers and leaders. (Titus 1:10-16)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titus 1:1 → 2 Corinthians 1:1 | Both passages introduce the apostle Paul and his mission to the church. |
| 2 | Titus 1:2 → John 17:3 | Both passages emphasize the importance of knowing God and having eternal life. |
| 3 | Titus 1:5 → 1 Timothy 3:1-7 | Both passages outline the qualifications for elders in the church. |
| 4 | Titus 1:9 → 2 Timothy 1:13 | Both passages emphasize the importance of sound doctrine and holding firmly to the trustworthy message. |
| 5 | Titus 1:10 → 1 Timothy 1:3-7 | Both passages warn against false teachers and their corrupting influence on the church. |
| 6 | Titus 1:12 → Proverbs 30:12 | Both passages comment on the corrupt nature of humanity and the need for repentance. |
| 7 | Titus 1:13 → 2 Timothy 4:2 | Both passages call for sharp rebuke of those who are in error and for the teaching of sound doctrine. |
| 8 | Titus 1:15 → Romans 14:14 | Both passages comment on the relationship between faith and purity, and the importance of a clear conscience. |
| 9 | Titus 1:16 → Matthew 7:21-23 | They claim to know God, but by their actions, they deny Him, being detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. |
| 10 | Titus 1:1-4 → Galatians 1:1-5 | Both passages introduce the apostle Paul and his mission to the church, and emphasize the importance of sound doctrine and the trustworthy message. |
Sermons on Titus 1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Counterfeit Spirituality by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pull and attraction of worldly influences and sin. He emphasizes the need to address and deal with sin rather than trying to shift the bl |
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The Meaning of Life - 1. God Only by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the foundation of the universe, which is built on love. He emphasizes that God is a God of love and that the e |
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Blessings and Curses by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sufficiency of the word of God for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. He highlights that the Bible is inspire |
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The Grace of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of grace and its significance in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that grace is not just unmerited favor, but also a demand |
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(Titus - Part 1): A Biography of Titus by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of wise giving and the importance of working diligently before giving. He uses the example of giving away a shoe shop, which would |
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(Titus - Part 11): Inspiration by Information by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his joy in seeing the work of God in the neighborhood through the Pioneer Girls program. He then addresses the perception of the ch |
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(Titus - Part 12): Sound Doctrine in Life by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sound teaching, which consists of both a foundation and a superstructure. He compares this concept to a tree with its roots |
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(Titus - Part 7): Qualifications for Church Leadership I by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a separate and distinct entity from the world. He urges the church to not conform to the moral standards |
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(Titus - Part 2): An Introduction to Titus by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker announces the start of a new series on the careful study of the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages everyone to attend the first sermon and emphasizes th |
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Garland, Texas - Conscience by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon delves into the historical context of moral decline post-American Revolution, highlighting the societal issues of drunkenness, immorality, and lawlessness. It transitio |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Titus 1
In this chapter, we see the importance of sound doctrine and the role of elders in teaching it. The apostle Paul is writing to Titus, a young pastor in Crete, and is instructing him on how to deal with false teachers and to establish a strong foundation for the church. The chapter emphasizes the need for moral character in church leaders, and warns against those who are corrupt and greedy. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone.' Therefore, it is necessary that the doctrine of the Church be sound and pure, lest it be overthrown by the gates of hell. In Titus 1:9, we are reminded to hold firmly to the trustworthy message, and to be able to encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
The chapter emphasizes the need for sound doctrine and the role of elders in teaching it. This highlights the importance of biblical teaching in the life of the church.
The Qualifications for Elders
The chapter outlines the qualifications for elders, including being blameless and having faithful children. This emphasizes the importance of moral character in church leadership.
The Warning Against False Teachers
The chapter warns against false teachers who are corrupt and greedy. This highlights the need for discernment and vigilance in the church.