Commentary on Titus
Chuck Smith expounds on the Epistle to Titus, emphasizing Paul's role as a servant of God and the establishment of church order through the appointment of elders and church offices.
In this sermon, Chuck Smith provides an insightful exposition of the Epistle to Titus, focusing on Paul's identity as a servant of God and his instructions for church leadership. Smith explores the significance of servanthood and the establishment of order within the early Christian church, drawing parallels between Titus and Timothy. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the biblical foundation for church offices and the humble attitude required for Christian service.
Text
Not much is known about Titus. Paul makes slight references to him in the Corinthian epistles. Outside of that we know very little about Titus, except what we can pick up in the book. Evidently he was a convert of Paul, as was Timothy, because he calls him his "beloved son" as he did Timothy. He wrote his epistle to Titus at about the same time that he wrote the first epistle to Timothy. There is a similarity between the two epistles, in that in both of them Paul is establishing the order within the churches the appointment of the elders and the various other offices within the church and the functions of the various groups within the church.
And so with that brief background lets turn directly to the book as Paul introduces himself here as
Paul, a servant of God (Tts 1:1),
The Greek word is "douleuo", which is "slave". It is a title of humility but in the same token it is a title of pride. What greater thing could a person be than the servant of the Eternal living God, the Creator of the universe? And so he sees himself. Moses was called a servant or a slave of God, as was so many in the Old Testament. And so Paul begins his book to Titus by the declaration of himself as a slave of God.
and an apostle of Jesus Christ, [or an envoy of Jesus Christ] according to the faith of God\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Titus and his background
- Paul's relationship to Titus as a spiritual son
- Comparison of Titus and Timothy epistles
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II
- Paul's self-identification as a servant of God
- Meaning of 'douleuo' and its significance
- Examples of servanthood in the Old Testament
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III
- Purpose of the epistle: establishing church order
- Appointment of elders and church offices
- Functions of various groups within the church
Key Quotes
“Paul begins his book to Titus by the declaration of himself as a slave of God.” — Chuck Smith
“What greater thing could a person be than the servant of the Eternal living God, the Creator of the universe?” — Chuck Smith
“Paul is establishing the order within the churches, the appointment of the elders and the various other offices within the church.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Embrace a servant's heart in all areas of Christian life and leadership.
- Support and uphold the biblical structure of church leadership and order.
- Recognize the importance of humility and dedication in serving God and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Titus?
Titus was a convert of Paul and considered his beloved spiritual son, known primarily through Paul's epistles.
What is the main theme of the Epistle to Titus?
The main theme is establishing church order, including the appointment of elders and defining church offices.
What does Paul mean by calling himself a servant of God?
Paul uses the Greek word 'douleuo' meaning slave, expressing humility and pride in serving the eternal living God.
How is Titus related to Timothy?
Both Titus and Timothy were converts of Paul, and their epistles share similar themes regarding church leadership.
Why is the concept of servanthood important in this sermon?
Servanthood highlights the attitude of humility and dedication necessary for Christian leadership and service.