God’s Word of Joy
Introduction
Titus 1:1-16: Titus was a Gentile convert to Christianity who assisted Paul in his missionary work. Paul’s letter is addressed to Titus who was supervising the work of the church in Crete. Paul reminds Titus of the characteristics church leaders should have.
Scripture Reading
1From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I was chosen and sent to help the faith of God’s chosen people and to lead them to the truth taught by our religion, 2which is based on the hope for eternal life. God, who does not lie, promised us this life before the beginning of time, 3and at the right time he revealed it in his message. This was entrusted to me, and I proclaim it by order of God our Savior.
4 I write to Titus, my true son in the faith that we have in common.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
Titus’ Work in Crete
5I left you in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing and appoint church elders in every town. Remember my instructions: 6 an elder must be without fault; he must have only one wife, and his children must be believers and not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient. 7For since a church leader is in charge of God’s work, he should be without fault. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or a drunkard or violent or greedy for money. 8He must be hospitable and love what is good. He must be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the message which can be trusted and which agrees with the doctrine. In this way he will be able to encourage others with the true teaching and also to show the error of those who are opposed to it.
10For there are many, especially the converts from Judaism, who rebel and deceive others with their nonsense. 11It is necessary to stop their talk, because they are upsetting whole families by teaching what they should not, and all for the shameful purpose of making money. 12-13It was a Cretan himself, one of their own prophets, who spoke the truth when he said, “Cretans are always liars, wicked beasts, and lazy gluttons.” For this reason you must rebuke them sharply, so that they may have a healthy faith 14and no longer hold on to Jewish legends and to human commandments which come from people who have rejected the truth. 15Everything is pure to those who are themselves pure; but nothing is pure to those who are defiled and unbelieving, for their minds and consciences have been defiled. 16They claim that they know God, but their actions deny it. They are hateful and disobedient, not fit to do anything good.
Today’s Key Verse: Titus 1:4b
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
Reflect
What instructions does Paul give Titus concerning church leaders (verses 5-9)? Are these instructions relevant for today? Why or why not? What does Paul say about those who “deceive others” (verses 10-11)? Have you ever had to confront anyone because of their false teachings? Reread verses 15-16. Why do you think Paul said this?
Pray
Lord God, keep my heart pure and let no deceit be found within me. Help me to hold fast your teachings and to proclaim your message of truth. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Titus 2:1-15: Paul instructs Titus to teach what agrees with sound doctrine.