Godly living and leadership in the Church / Titus Bible Study Chapters 1&2 / (TV Audio #536)

Paul instructs Titus, his fellow worker, to appoint qualified elders in Crete who are known for their integrity and strong grasp of sound doctrine. He warns against false teachers who lead others astray with corrupt and selfish motives. In chapter 2, Paul emphasises the importance of teaching sound doctrine to all age groups, encouraging believers to live self-controlled, godly lives that reflect the grace of God. Christian behavior should make the Gospel attractive, as believers wait for the return of Christ.

'An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless – not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it...

'For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

'These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.' (Titus 1.6-9; 2.11-15, NIV)