We open to a letter from Paul to Titus, a Greek disciple of Christ. Titus, who currently resides in Crete, is tasked to provide order to the local Churches and appoint leaders who are above reproach and hold fast to the Lord. In verse 1 we find Paul’s concern for the faith and truth in God’s chosen people under the current church leaders.

Once known, this faith and truth will undoubtedly lead to hope for eternal lasting life in believers. In verse 2 Paul declares that God never lies - a very important understanding for the people of Crete. With a long history of following god-figures, like Zeus, in Cretan culture these Christians were prone to see God’s truth as fallible and human-like; something that would change in a moment depending on the attitude and emotions of the god.

As the letter unfolds, Paul will continue to emphasize the importance of the Church living out the grace of Christ shown through his death and resurrection. He reminds them to devote themselves to good works which are excellent and profitable for people in the certainty that they will see the hope of eternal life before them.

[Titus 1.1-4]

1.1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Who is God’s elect?

+ What are two things that Paul is concerned about in the current Church of Crete?

+ What was manifested in God’s word at the proper time [v. 2-3]?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What do our actions speak to the people around us? Believers and/or unbelievers?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How can the grace of Christ be put on display to unbelievers as we live out faith and truth through our works?