Titus (written)

Friday, 15 June 2018

…not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:10

Paul continues to explain to Titus how he should exhort bondservants. He continues his list of admonitions for them with, “not pilfering.” The word used is rare, having only been seen elsewhere in Acts 5:2 and 5:3 where Ananias “kept back” a part of his property which he had devoted to the church. The idea of the word is to appropriate for one’s own benefit, and thus to purloin. A slave, regardless of his status, was to deal with his master, and the others he came in contact with, in integrity. He was to accept his station as one which did not include a wage, and he was to live within those confines.

Paul continues next with, “but showing all good fidelity.” This is a contrast to “not pilfering.” Bondservants who are also Christians are to demonstrate the highest trust, so that there would be no question of their faithfulness. There is already such an example for believers, right in the first book of the Bible. Of Joseph, it said –

“So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. ⁵ So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. ⁶ Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.” Genesis 39:4-6

If anyone had a reason to complain about his unfortunate station in life, it was Joseph, and yet he was a faithful slave to his master, showing all good fidelity. This continued on in his life, even when he was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit –

“And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. ²³ The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” Genesis 29:22, 23

Paul then explains why he has so commanded this life for bondservants. It is so “that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” As a crown adorns the head so that all can see it and be impressed by it, so bondservants were to adorn themselves with honesty and integrity so that others could look at them and see the epitome of faithfulness, despite their lowly state. In this, they would bring honor to the name of Jesus, and also bring attention to the Gospel to which they had become obedient. If obedience to the Gospel meant such a life of character, it would be a true sign of its power.

Life application: Are you in a position of working for another? Even if you work in isolation from others, the quality and timeliness of your efforts will be noticeable. How much more when you are constantly seen by others! No matter what your job duties call for, do them to the very best of your abilities, not for the sake of being seen by men, but because they will be seen by men who will then evaluate your efforts in light of your profession of Jesus Christ as your Lord. When you proclaim Christ, it is Jesus who is truly being evaluated by others when they watch you.

Heavenly Father, as we go off to work, or to the other things we will do today, help us to remember that we are being used as markers to evaluate the Lord we profess. If we are known by the sacred title of “Christian,” then what others see in our life, work quality, timeliness, and conduct will be an evaluation of our allegiance to Him as much as anything else. And so may we perform our daily duties with the utmost faithfulness and care. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, Titus 2:9

This verse is reflective of the words of Ephesians 6:5 –

“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;” 

The issue of bondservants is also addressed in Colossians 3:22-25, 1 Timothy 6:1, 2, and elsewhere. Now to Titus, who is on Crete, he repeats instructions for this group with the words, “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters.” A bondservant is a slave, either voluntarily or involuntarily. His work comes without recompense for his labors. It is a life we no longer have in our world today, and so the closest analogy we can draw is a worker under an employer. The same premise holds true for both. The bonded servant is to be obedient to his master, and the worker is to be faithful to his employer.

Paul then continues with, “to be pleasing in all things.” The labor of the slave, or the work of the employee, is to be cheerfully done, thankfully accomplished, and tirelessly conducted. Jesus, using the same word, doulos, or “bondservant,” said the following –

“And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Luke 17:7-10

Paul is following along in his instructions. The New Testament, contrary to the teaching of many liberal pastors, does not attempt to usurp the governing customs and laws of a given land. Paul does tell bondservants that if they can gain their freedom, that is acceptable (1 Corinthians 7:21), but he never attempts to override the laws of the land in the process. He next continues to explain “to be pleasing in all things” by saying, “not answering back.”

The bondservants (and the employees) are not to set about contradicting their master (or employer), nor are they to be disobedient to them. Instead, they are to accept their instructions, and they are to faithfully carry them out without complaint. This is the standard expected of those who are under the charge of another.

Life application: If you want to get fired, just be belligerent, slothful, or careless in your job. When you are let go, you will normally only have yourself (combined with a refusal to comply with the words of Scripture) to blame. If you want to be considered faithful to the word of God, you will be faithful to the one who has charge over you in your employ.

Glorious God, Provider of all that we have, help us to be thankful for the jobs we possess. It is so easy to complain about where we work and who we work for, but in the world today, nobody is forcing us to remain in our employ. As long as we are there, You would have us act obediently, conduct our duties faithfully, and strive to tirelessly work for those we are under. Give us the desire to fulfill this in our work lives. Amen.

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

…sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:8

Paul’s words of exhortation to Titus, which are so that he can be an example to the younger men, continue here. He admonishes him that in doctrine he is to show “sound speech that cannot be condemned.”

The word translated as “sound” is hugiés. It gives the sense of wholesome or healthy. It is the basis for our modern word “hygiene.” The words of Titus were to always be that which would be beneficial. This would include both private conversations as well as his public speaking. Those to whom he spoke should be invigorated and built up by the words which he uttered. In this, his words would not “be condemned.”

The thought is that nothing could be spoken against what he said, as if he were to be blamed as a corrupting influence. Paul alludes to this type of thought in Ephesians 5:4 where he mentions filthiness, foolish talking, and coarse jesting, “which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.”

He then next gives the reason for this with the words, “that one who is an opponent may be ashamed.” An opponent of the gospel will search for its weaknesses as found in those who proclaim it. If a pastor or a preacher is found to violate his office by having an affair, an opponent will take pride in heralding this as a failure of the individual. The same is true with an elder’s speech. When he speaks that which is not wholesome and uplifting, it will be a point by which the opponent can boast over him. However, in always being circumspect in his words, Paul tells Titus that this will not be a point of boasting. He will instead be “ashamed, having nothing evil to be spoken of you.”

A person who is morally upright, and whose words are wholesome and pure may be attacked in various ways, but his conduct and speech will not be a part of it. One can think of the attacks against various Christian politicians. They may be the brunt of attacks, but those attacks are often empty. There is no basis for them, and those who make them are the ones who wind up looking foolish. This is the thought that Paul conveys to Titus, and thus to all who enter the ministry.

Life application: The world is watching. It is evaluating the ministers, preachers, and missionaries of the gospel. The judgments of the people concerning the gospel will be based upon the words and actions of those whose duty it is to spread it. It is therefore necessary for those so appointed to always guard their actions and their tongues.

Gracious, merciful, and exalted God! How good it is to know that You are there watching over us. You watch over a billion galaxies and more, and yet You also carefully watch over Your people here on earth. It is amazing to know that we can reach out to You because of Christ Jesus, and we can open our hearts to You in times of joy and in times of need. Thank You for such close attention to us! All glory to Your name. Amen.

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

…in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility Titus 2:7

In the previous verse, Titus was directly instructed to “exhort the younger men to be sober-minded.” Now, instead of asking him to continue to exhort others, Paul directly exhorts Titus. With that understanding, he says to Titus, “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works.” The reason for his words is still for the benefit of the young men, but it is now one of example by Titus rather than exhortation from him.

Titus was to make himself the epitome (in all things) of character. Whatever he did was to be laid down as a pattern (an example worthy of emulation) that others could follow (good works). The word translated as “pattern” is tupos. It is where our modern word “type” is derived from. It signifies a model, which is used to mold other things. In making coins, there is a model which is then repeated in the coin making process. Titus was to be such a model by which he would forge others into the proper mold through emulation of him.

From here, Paul cites three words which are all connected to the idea of doctrine. One of the words is not found in many Greek manuscripts, and the order is not always translated the same, but each will be explained, regardless as to whether the third word is an insert error or not.

Paul says, “in doctrine showing integrity. The word signifies incorruptibility, and thus immortality. Titus’ doctrine was to be so pure and undefiled that it would exist at all times and without any change or corruption. It was to lack any capacity to break down. That is a tough call for anyone, but this is what is expected of the elder within the church. They are never to be blown by the winds of doctrinal confusion.

He then says that in doctrine, Titus should show “reverence.” Titus was to have a serious honor for the doctrine he espoused, exalting it because it is noble and good. The man of God is to hold doctrine from the word in high esteem, never diminishing it. Instead, he is to treat it as an august, worthy of respect, matter.

Finally, concerning doctrine, Titus should show “incorruptibility.” Albert Barnes says, “The word here used does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means, here, the same as purity – that which is not erroneous, and which does not tend to corrupt or vitiate the morals of others, or to endanger their salvation. Everything in his teaching was to be such as to make men purer and better.”

Life application: For the man of God who is selected as an elder, there is a high calling. The stress in Paul’s word of this verse in Titus is on doctrine. The man of God is to not waffle on his doctrine, but is to be sound and set in it at all times. He is to hold proper doctrine in the highest regard, and to live his life so that others understand that this is his treasure and sacred trust.

Lord God, doctrine concerning your word is a matter that many take lightly, changing their thoughts quickly with each argument that arises. Unfortunately, this shows a lack of respect for the incorruptible nature of Your word. There is one truth in doctrine, and it isn’t up for sale to the highest bidder, nor does it belong to the most eloquent orator. Instead, it is for us to seek out, and then to hold fast to. Give us wisdom in this, and may we be fixed, firm, and resolute in our proclamation of what is right and correct concerning the truth of Your word. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Monday, 11 June 2018

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, Titus 2:6

Paul now moves from the admonishment of the older women concerning their duties, which included their instruction of the young women, to exhorting “the young men.” He gives them one direct exhortation, which is “to be sober-minded.”

The idea concerns one who exercises self-control. In this, they are to consider what God would do in regards to moderation. The young men are to keep away from extremes, and to regulate their lives in a moderate and self-disciplined way. The Greek word comes from two different words. The first is one which indicates “safe.” The second is the root of the English word for “diaphragm.” It is that which regulates life, and therefore, it is safe-regulation. Just as the body is safely controlled by our breathing, so the young man is to control his mind.

Life application: Paul will have more words directed to Titus concerning his life and conduct which are to be examples for the young men to look to. But unless they are first sober-minded, they will not even be willing to look at another person for an example of wholesome living. We must always evaluate ourselves, turning our minds to that which is good, honorable, and upright. After doing this, our eyes will be opened to examples of others we can properly emulate, thus keeping ourselves from following the wrong crowd.

Lord God, we are faced with thousands of examples of how people think we are to live each day. And the large majority of them are not wholesome or proper. And so, unless we first control ourselves through moderation and self-discipline, we won’t have a clue as to which examples are proper to emulate. Help us in this Lord. Grant us wisdom to apply Your word, and the morals contained in it, to our lives. After that, we will know to reject the bad and to pursue the good. Be with us in this, O God. Amen.