TEXT: Titus 1:1-4
READING: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
SUBJ: The nature of the message that Paul commissioned to Titus, his agent in Crete, as to that which is to be believed, taken to heart, and followed as a way of life.
AIM: That we might hear, believe, embrace, and live after the truth expressed in the faith of God’s elect.
INTR: Introductory remarks are often an overview or compendium of the underlying theology and aim of the writer.
1. Paul immediately addresses the critical issues of faith, truth and godliness.
2. Consider the thrust of the epistle with regard to sound doctrine and warnings as to those who would alter or pervert it: Sound doctrine (2:1); function of grace (2:11-12); expectation (2:13); Gospel (2:14); Conduct (3:1f); Reminder of our past (3:3); regeneration (3:5) and the result (3:8).
3. It is the purpose of God and of Paul that the elements of salvation be in accord with each other. Thus, we consider faith, understanding and Godliness.
THESIS: God will be believed, fully known in the heart and practiced in life. For this, Christ died and is risen, and ever lives to make intercession.
I. Paul, the Slave and Apostle
1. Doulos and Apostolos – He who is owned and he who is sent as representative with an authoritative message.
2. Paul is first a believer and then an Apostle and therefore this he communicates to Titus is that which he believes and upon which he acts.
3. We note then the accord of his ministry with the Gospel as redeemed and sent – so should it be with us.
II. The trilogy of faith
1. The faith of God’s elect
1) That which is believed by the chosen of God (not just that they believe, but what it is they believe).
2) Consider the importance of emphatic definition (the faith) and note the laxity of the many as to what they believe or what they must believe.
3) Consider again that which follows – esp. 2:14
2. Based on the fullness of knowledge
1) The truth, understood, taken to heart and embraced is that which truly distinguishes the truly saved
2) It is not the volume of knowledge here, but the full understanding of what is revealed – It will cause and increase in that knowledge
3) It is only that which is know from the heart that matters and this is in accordance with the Apostles purpose and with true faith.
3. After (according to) Godliness (11 times in Pastoral epistles and 4 times in 2 Peter)
1) Definition: A religious life; a careful observance of the laws of God and performance of religious duties proceeding from love and reverence of the divine character.
2) Consider: 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. AND 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. AND 1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
3) We must beware of the imitation: 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
III. The foundation (vv. 2-4)
1. “For the sake of hope” – or in these things is the hope of eternal life confirmed.
2. Which God,
1) That cannot lie
2) Promised before the world began
3. Then in verse 3, consider that the preaching of the Gospel, manifested in due time, connects with the eternal purpose of God.
4. From Whom comes Grace, mercy and peace. (v. 4)
