Titus (written)

Wednesday, 30 May 2018

For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, Titus 1:10

Paul has given the requirements for those who are to be ordained as bishops, both positive characteristics they must possess, and negatives that they must not possess. He then followed that up with the note that a bishop must hold fast to the word, and must possess sound doctrine which is able to “convict those who contradict.” With that now noted, he next says the reason for this with the words, “For there are many insubordinate.”

He has already used this word in verse 6 as a disqualifying factor for appointment. Now we can see the importance of this. It is because there are plenty of people who fit that very same category, and who must be refuted. The way this will be accomplished is through a proper handling of Scripture. It may not change their minds, but it will be a strong witness to those who might otherwise be seduced by these people who are “both idle talkers and deceivers.”

Both of the Greek words Paul uses are unique to this verse alone. “Idle talkers” are those who utter empty, senseless things. They may have a lot of words to say, but what they say is complete nonsense. A good example of this is comparing Ezekiel’s vision of God to a UFO encounter. It is utter nonsense, but the problem is that people may actually believe this line of reasoning because they don’t understand the connection of the vision to what it is showing us concerning God’s revelation of Himself. Therefore, the man of God must know how to refute such things.

The second word, translated as “deceivers,” is a compound word which gives the sense of a person who leads other people into delusions. This is especially true with those who are narrow-minded. Unfortunately, because they are narrow-minded, they are easily duped by such deceivers. It is as if they have their door open, waiting for them to come in and tell them something ridiculous to believe. An example would be those who put out conspiracy theories – flat earth, alien invasions, and a constant stream of new and nutty theories about the world around them.

They make stuff up, and there is an audience ripe to listen, absorb, and get their minds misdirected from what is reasonable. The problem with this mentality is that it transfers directly to Scripture. The deceivers of Scripture make up things by pulling verses out of context, and they completely confuse the minds of those who are uneducated in theology. Paul then identifies a main category of these deceivers by saying, “especially those of the circumcision.”

“The circumcision” are Jews. Paul is a Jew, but he had a proper understanding of the finished work of Christ. Other Jews, however, had been teaching only partial truths about what He did. He warns against these people in most of his epistles, but especially in Galatians. These are the deceivers who come into a congregation and claim a type of superiority over others simply because they are Jewish. With that supposed distinction being important, they then deceive others into going back under the Law of Moses, in part or in whole. In this, they rob people away from the grace of Christ. Instead of freedom, they are brought into bondage once again (Galatians 5:1). Unfortunately, this same group of “Judaizers” is still around today in the Hebrew Roots Movement and other cults. True teachers of the word are to be ready to refute these deceivers by properly applying Scripture, in context, and with the completed work of Christ as the main theme at all times.

Life application: How can one know if a teacher is proclaiming the truth about the word or not? In reality, the only way to be sure is to actually check the word while keeping all things in context. The more you read the word, the better off you will be. Further, by limiting oneself to a single teacher, you may be completely duped by him, no matter how on-target he sounds. Reading commentaries, and evaluating each doctrine from a multitude of angles, will help you to process the word in a more accurate way. It is incumbent on each of us to study to show ourselves approved.

Lord God, help each of us to be sound in our doctrine by reading Your word, listening to reasonable preachers and teachers, and by personally evaluating each major doctrine in Scripture from as many angles as possible. Your word is truth, but so many have incorrect opinions on it. And so help us to weed through them, and to form sound judgments which are in accord with Your will. Keep us from false paths as we study. Amen.

Tuesday, 29 May 2018

…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:9

Paul has given the list of things which disqualify a person from becoming a bishop, and then he gave those things which were necessary for such an appointment. Now he continues with another key element necessary for such an appointment with the words, “holding fast the faithful word.” This faithful word is explained by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 –

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15

The traditions are those things which the apostles directly taught to the churches. Personal visits were made and words were spoken. Also at times, letters were written. Those which were directly from the apostles, and confirmed as such, were to be held to without waving. Verifying authenticity of these letters was necessary because Paul also said in 1 Thessalonians 2:2 to “not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.”

In other words, people were making false claims (by spirit), or were writing false letters (by letter, as if from us), which would poison the doctrine of the fellowship if accepted and then passed on as doctrine. This is a clear indication of apostolic authority being the only valid source of doctrine for such things. When the final Apostle of Jesus Christ was gone, the words of authority ceased, the canon was complete, and the Bible alone was to be held as authoritative.

Paul then confirms this with, “as he has been taught.” Nothing is said of additional revelation, or that a bishop was allowed to add to the body of doctrine that had been received. Rather, it was the Old Testament Scriptures, along with the words and writings of validated apostles, that gives the basis for the faith. From this sound foundation, Paul says, “that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

The bishop was to hold fast to the doctrine he was taught, and to not make stuff up out of his own head. Any who spoke against the truth (for example, the Judaizers Paul vehemently spoke against in the book of Galatians), were to be given the sound doctrine of the apostles. Believers who listened to the false teachers were to be exhorted to leave such aberrant paths, and to come back to the solid doctrine of the apostles. The job of the bishop’s exhortation is to then convict the uninformed, turning him to the truth.

Life application: Nothing has changed in today’s world from the time of Paul’s warning here in Titus. There are countless false teachings, heretical sects, and misguided instructors of the word out there. They have misused Scripture (the Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, who deny the deity of Christ); they have added to the word (the Mormons, for example, who have added in the Book of Mormon); and they have misapplied Scripture (the Seventh Day Adventists and the Hebrew Roots movements, among others, who have mandated a return to the law – in part or in whole – thus diminishing the finished work of Christ). Where will one go to refute these heresies? The answer is obvious: “To the Bible.” Scripture has been received, it is sealed, and it is all the revelation necessary for life, doctrine, and practice. Let us not add to, or mishandle, this precious body of teaching.

Lord God, in Your word, we have a sure word. We have two testaments which tell of the anticipated Messiah, and then which reveal the Messiah who has come. We have the details of His fully sufficient and completed work. No other revelation is necessary, and none should be expected. Rather, we are to hold fast to this word for doctrine, teaching, exhortation, and convicting of those who have gone astray. Grant us wisdom to study this word daily, and apply it to our lives constantly. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Monday, 28 May 2018

…but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, Titus 1:8

In the previous verse, Paul noted disqualifying factors for the office of bishop. Now in this verse, he gives things which are necessary for qualification. The word “but” shows the contrast between the two. The first qualification is being “hospitable.”

This is a compound word coming from philos, meaning “friend,” or “associate;” and xenos, meaning “stranger,” or “foreigner.” Thus, it is one who is a friend of strangers. The word xenos is where our modern term “xenophobia” is derived. That speaks of having a phobia against foreigners. The word “hospitable” is then speaking of one’s conduct – being fond of guests, and good towards strangers. Such a person is to be naturally given to hospitality.

Next, Paul says he must be “a lover of what is good.” It is a word found only here in Scripture. It gives the sense of having personal affection for what is inherently good. Thus, it speaks of those who love what God loves. A paraphrase of its meaning would be “One who loves God’s good.” That which is of God, or of which God is pleased with, also pleases him.

Paul then mentions the “sober-minded.” It is a word found four times, all in the pastoral epistles. It signifies soundness of mind. Such a person is to be well-balanced from God’s perspective. It is a person who lives in line with the word of God, setting the boundaries of his life in accord with that word. Thus, a good definition of this word would be “discreet and discerning.” HELPS Word Studies gives the following example: “An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm which even controls the ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. Hence it regulates (‘brings safety’) to the body, keeping it properly controlled.”

The next qualification is being “just.” The word signifies being righteous, and thus “just in the eyes of God” (Souter). One who conforms to God’s righteous standards is indicated here. He is an upright individual.

Being just is followed by being “holy.” This indicates that which is sanctioned by higher (divine) law. Such a person lives in accordance with God’s divine truth. Thus, he is set apart as godly.

Paul finishes this verse with “self-controlled.” It is another unique word in Scripture, egkratés. It literally signifies “mastered from within.” Thus it is a person who is temperate, prudent, and able to control his passions and desires.

Life application: Think on the negatives of the words given today. Can you imagine appointing someone to a leadership position who isn’t hospitable toward others; who despises what is good; who is unsound in his thinking and decisions; who is unjust; who is unholy; and/or who cannot control his passions? Paul’s words should be obvious concerning the selection of men to the ministry. And yet, how many times do we read of pastors, preachers, and deacons who live very ungodly lives. It is possible for anyone to slip up, but some appointments are made of those who are just truly unqualified. This is a great fault in the church, and it has led to entire denominations quickly going apostate.

Lord God, great denominations have quickly fallen away from what is holy, godly, and in accord with Your will and Your word. The most vile of conduct is now being accepted under the premise that it is “loving.” In fact though, it is hateful of You, and of Your word. When will the ungodly be brought to account for this? We pray that You will act, and bring about restoration of our churches. Return our hearts to godliness, O God. Amen.

Sunday, 27 May 2018

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, Titus 1:7

In verse 1:5, Paul used the term presbuteros (from where we get “Presbyterian”), translated as “elders.” Here he uses the term episkopos (from where we get “Episcopal”), an overseer. It is then obvious that the two terms are being used synonymously here. The overseer is an elder. Paul says that such a man “must be blameless.” The Greek word signifies one who is not convictable when properly scrutinized, as if in a court of law. He is to be found without reproach, and is therefore suited to the job. As Paul says of this, “as a steward of God.” As his service is to the Lord, and as judgments about the Lord will be made based on His stewards, being blameless is a necessary qualification.

Next, he is not to be “self-willed.” This is a new word in Scripture, to be found only here and in 2 Peter 2:10. It signifies one who sets out to gratify himself; to be indulgent. Such a person is only interested in self, and would use the job to meet that end, not to glorify the Lord.

Paul then says that a bishop should not be “quick-tempered.” This is another new word, found only here in the Bible, orgilos. It signifies one who is “prone to anger and harbor resentment, nurturing long-standing anger (prejudice, bitterness)” (HELPS Word Studies). Such an overly angry and bitter soul is wholly unsuited to the job of a bishop.

Next, Paul says, “not given to wine.” The single Greek word so translated is used just twice – in 1 Timothy 3:3 and here in Titus 1:7. It signifies one addicted to wine; a drunk. It comes from two words indicating “near” and “wine.” Thus it is someone who is always consumed with drinking wine. It does not mean that a bishop (an elder) cannot drink. Total abstinence for such a position is never taught in Scripture.

Paul then proceeds to, “not violent.” This is again used only in 1 Timothy 3:3 and then here in Titus 1:7. It signifies a brawler or a contentious person. This person would be quarrelsome, and one who prefers using his fists to settle a disagreement. It would be wholly unsuited to the position of an overseer to always be jumping out of the pulpit and beating up everyone in the church who disagrees with him on doctrinal matters.

Paul’s words of this verse end with, “not greedy for money.” It is another rare word found only in 1 Timothy 3:8 and then again here. However, the principle is found in other verses of Paul’s instructions concerning church leadership. Those greedy for money have their priorities in the wrong place. If money is the objective in one’s life, then he will never be effective in the ministry. The heart must be devoted first, foremost, and with the greatest zeal to being an effective leader, not one concerned about getting rich off of the flock.

Life application: Those chosen for leadership within the church must be carefully evaluated, and they must be held to the highest of standards. The Lord’s name is upon them, as it is upon all Christians, but as representatives of the Lord in the church, these qualifications are especially necessary and important. Having said that, all Christians should strive to meet these high standards as we walk before the Lord.

Heavenly Father, You have laid out high and exacting standards which are expected of those in church leadership positions, but would You expect any less from any of Your people? Help us to consider this, and then to apply the highest standards of morality, fidelity, and uprightness to our own lives. May each of us be faithful representatives of the high and exalted Name which rests upon us. Amen.