nttitus2

Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Drake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it? Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

Titus is a doctrinal book, a book of teaching of the law in the New Testament. This second chapter now tells us how we do things when we call ourselves Christians. Titus was a Greek and therefore there was no need for Titus to become circumcised, however we will see in this chapter that Titus is working out his message of Salvation through the freedom and the good news that Christianity brings in a doctrinal way. This is the doctrine of Christ, the teaching that Christ has for those that call themselves Christians. Their is a distinctive difference between the doctrine of Christ, and the doctrines that men create for themselves. As we saw in Chapter one, we are to see everything pure, though we all fall short, we are protected by the blood of Jesus Christ, and Christ's blood makes us pure in our life.

The point Titus makes is that we are not to take the good news of salvation, and turn it into something of bondage, such as the traditions of men do. Titus is now going to get into the detail of what should be taught in the church, and in the home.

"Speak" as given in the Greek text means to "preach or teach". As you learn those things from Christ's teachings, you teach that to others. If you are unsure of some doctrine or teaching, don't teach it until you have proven it in your life. This is instruction to those that are going to be in a position of teaching others, the bishops, elders, and ministers that are going to be giving instruction.

Titus 2:2 "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience."

To be "sober", means to be vigilant and alert at all times, and to be "grave" means to be honorable in all matters. "Temperate" is to be in "self control" at all times, and completely sure of what you believe and why you believe what you believe. Our faith should be sound so that when we are challenged by unbelievers we can give answers to their questions. As we mature in God's Word, we are to practice each of these instructions, and make them part of our lives. It may be hard to love a certain person in the beginning with the love of God, but when we practice love and patience for others, it puts stability in our own lives.

There is a time when we should show righteous indignation, and there is a time to hold back. When we give God's Word out to others, we are to give it freely, expecting nothing in return. Titus uses the term "aged men" and in the text it is the elders of the church, those men that are set aside for positions of leadership.

Titus 2:3 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;"

"Aged women" likewise are the ladies that hold positions of authority and leadership in the congregation. They are to be leaders not only in the church but in the community. Though no human being can be called holy except for Christ Himself, our behavior in the community and in our daily lives should strive for perfection in our lives. Make it so obvious that you are a Christian that people would have doubt about you.

One of the most common problems amongst Christians is being a "false accuser", that is to say "gossipers", saying things about other, including a fellow Christian when you are not absolutely sure in what you are saying. Then even though you know the truth, following what Christ told us to do when we see a fellow brother or sister in Christ in error. We are to go to them in private first and call the error to their attention, and then to the elders before the word gets spread all around. Satan is the accuser, and when you gossip and make false accusation, you become an instrument of Satan.

An elder always makes a difference wherever they go. They give sound advice, and they teach things that are of sound doctrine. What they say makes the community, the home and the person a better person for have listened to her.

Titus 2:4 "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"

Those mature women that hold the positions of leadership in the church are to be role models for the rest of the ladies and young women in the church. These ladies ought to be wise in their conversation, and just like the men, in self control of their words and actions. They must take and show the responsibility of a good wife to their husbands, and the love and discipline for their children. There is a great responsibility for the wife to keep the family together, and seeing to the needs of the family. In all nature, the female is the one that keeps the nest in order, perhaps God knew that the woman was a little wiser than men, but in most families it is the woman that reflects the character and upkeep of the household. The elder women are to teach the girls and young women that responsibility to their homes.

Titus 2:5 "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

"To be discreet" is to use common sense. "Chaste" is to be pure in your thinking, innocent in your actions, modest and clean in your character. "Keepers at home" is to pay attention to the needs of your husband and children. In past generations is was usually the mother that was the bible student in the family, and thus she become the spiritual pillar of the family. In many cases that is how it still is, for many men just are too involved in their jobs, and other things to give time to the study of God's Word. However in the families where you have a strong disciplined man, the man will do his part and takes the spiritual leadership role, as far as teaching the children. However in most cases it is the mother that keeps the sensitive touch of God's hand over the family.

It is the people that keep order in the community, not the law. The people see the problems and make their stand. The spiritual leaders know when things are not right, and they can go to God's Word for instructions to make the corrections. The law is the reminder that things are not right, but if people don't set the standards, and use discipline to see that those standards are followed, than the law is of no effect. It is up to the people in the community, and the neighborhood to exercise the authority that God give them, and make a stand. This is an individual responsibility for each person that lives in a community.

Titus 2:7 "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness gravity, sincerity,"

We are to let our lives be a pattern of good works that are obvious to those around us. Jesus Christ set an example for us to follow, and we are to use His pattern of living and speaking in our lives.

The instructions that we read of in His Word we are to apply in our lives, and to use common sense in the way we do and say things in the presence of others.

The thing that is stressed here is discipline, and when there is no discipline in a community, there is chaos and confusion. The community must discipline itself, and the members of the community must used common sense and respect of others. The most powerful forces in a community are God driven, Christian people that know good sound doctrine, and are willing to make a stand for those principles.

Titus 2:8 "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."

"Sound speech" is one of the most basic foundations for establishing honor in a community. When you do your homework, and stay away from gossip and the talk that goes floating around the neighborhood, your words cannot be condemned. When you speak "nothing but the truth", people can't fault you. When you seek the truth, and pray and study instructions from God's Word, then when those that are ignorant and would speak lies of you speak, they will be shamed by their own words. When you have done your homework, you will be able to document what you say and what you teach. If you are teaching a class, set a time when questions can be asked for clarifying those things that are not clear. However the final authority for all discussion must be the Word of God, and not from some set of instructions from some church system.

Titus 2:9 "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;"

Remember that this book is a set of instructions to those that are to teach and be leaders within their churches. This is the example of what they [men and women alike] are to teach, and how they are to live their lives. When you give instruction to workers or servants, teach them to be obedient to those in authority over them, and not to talk back to them. As this is used today, we are talking about an employer and employee relationship. The owner of a company, or the one in management has the full picture of all parts of that company. He knows what has to be done for that company to be successful and show a profit and stay in business. That business is what is paying the bills at home, and giving you a descent life style, and your job as a Christian is to do what you do for that company well, and please the one in charge, and to bring respect to you and our heavenly Father.

If the manager in charge requires you to do things that you don't understand, don't question his authority. Many times an order is given at a time when it is impossible for you to understand, or just not time to make an explanation. If you are on that man's payroll and he asks you to do an honorable thing, do it. This is God's instruction given to Paul, that he is writing for you to follow. Be obedient to those in authority over you. When you do, others will see that they can count on you, and it leads to promotions, and respect for what you have to say.

Titus 2:10 "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."

To "purloining" is to take things that you are not entitled to, in a small way. Paul's instruction is to be honest in all matters. When others look at you, what you say and do is an example to them just as much to what you are taught and believe. When you rip others off even in a small way, their not going to listen to anything that you say about the doctrines or teaching from God on any other matter. They will look to you as one that cannot be trusted in your life, and thus what you say of God's Word will also be in question by them. You cannot be dishonest even in a small way, and be a teacher of God's Word at the same time. God Himself will take you and your ministry down. You must be honest.

Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,"

"Grace" is the "unmerited favor of God", forgiveness through repentance in Jesus name is offered to all men and women. It is through the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus blood that brings salvation to all men that will receive it. The offer that our Father has made applies to all men and women. God's salvation is brought forth to all men and women equally, there are no higher or lower status in the eyes of God. That is the good news. It is the same for the plant manager as it is for the janitor, for the Bishop as it applies to the man in the back pew of the church. Today many are off in their own church systems, and they don't want to accept this verse and apply it to themselves.

"Grace" is something that you don't deserve but it is given to you anyway. We receive God's unmerited favor of salvation by our faith in Jesus Christ, and by taking the sacrifice that He gave at the cross, when we repent of our sins. Within the name of Jesus, we are stating that we believe in the purity of Jesus' life, His sacrificial death on the cross, and in the resurrection as prophesied by the prophet. We are saying that we believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, and that we accept Him. So in our prayers when we say; "In Jesus name", the "name of Jesus" becomes our credentials before the throne of God in heaven.

That by the way is the only name, or way that is acceptable to God. We do it God's way, or not at all, and this same right or salvation is present to all men alike. Jew, Gentile, black or white, it just doesn't make a difference what the race or condition of the person, all must come to the Father the same way, by faith "in Jesus name".

Once a person takes that step, and gets right before the Lord, the same discipline applies to all Christians no matter what their position. We are all one in the body of Christ, and each member is just as important as the others. We all have different gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us, and God holds us responsible individually for those gifts that we have. It doesn't matter what any person has done in the past, but when that person becomes saved by the blood of Christ, they become a new creature in the eyes of God, and all of God's children are equal.

The unforgivable sin has not, nor can it be committed yet, because the time has not come yet. Satan has not come to earth to set up his rule, and the sixth trumpet of Revelation has not sounded. Though that time is not far away, so far not one person has committed any sin that is not forgivable by God through repentance and under the blood of Christ. Only Satan and the Nephilim [fallen angels of Jude 6] have been condemned, and all other souls have the right to God's salvation. Christ paid the full price to make this possible to all men equally.

Titus 2:12 "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"

When we accept the grace of God in our lives, even in our flesh bodies, we are to strive to be overcomers over the evils of this world age. Once you have taken that step and repented of your sins, you may slip again, and that is what repentance is all about. Many people think that once they have received Christ they become perfect and won't sin again, and that just isn't so. When you take that step into grace, then you don't need to be saved again, but when you do fall short of God's law we have repentance for that sin. God created each of us and He knows that we are made of flesh and blood, and how we think. He knows all the weakness that are in all men and women, and that is why He gives us forgiveness each time we repent those sins that we commit no matter what the day. That is the peace of mind that we have in Christ.

Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;"

You can count on that "Blessed hope" for it is part of your inheritance when you are in Christ. The one that looks forward to that glorious appearing of Jesus Christ is one that is not afraid of the judgment that is going to come upon the earth. To those that are under the blood of Christ that time of fear for the sinner, is a time of rewards and a new eternal body. That person that has the blessed hope knows the plan of God, and he or she knows the events that shall take place before that day comes. We know that the enemy Satan and all of his evil will be destroyed at the coming of Jesus Christ. We are looking forward to that day.

Titus 2:14 "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

Jesus Christ gave Himself to be a sacrifice for each person that will accept the offer that God gives us, that Jesus Christ might redeem, or rescue you from all and any iniquity that is in your life. It doesn't matter if your an dope addict, and adulterer, or whatever. What matters is that you understand that Christ paid the price, and by faith reach out and take the redemption that He is offering to you. If people meddle with God's Word and put limitations to God's salvation, they rob you of what God is willing to give you, just for the taking. If you enter a church that likes to put you back in bondage, they are a den of thieves, they want to rob you of the freedom that you can have in Christ.

Jesus said, "I redeem you from all iniquity all sin]". When God saves you, He purifies you of all sin unto Himself, and sets you aside as a peculiar or special people. Any person, or so-called preacher that tries to hold you to those past sins is not of God, but doing the work of the Devil. It is Satan that is the accuser before the throne of God, and those that accuse wrongly here on earth are in Satan's service.

Titus 2:15 "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

These things that have been given in this chapter, Paul is telling us to speak and teach with force if necessary, and rebuke those that would say anything differently. The source and authority of our rebuking others is the Word of God, and the teaching of Jesus Christ. Our authority is what holds the truth in line with this doctrine. Teach God's Word with the same simplicity that it is written in the Word. Don't let any man speak badly of you, when you are teaching the truth of God's Word, but let others know that what you are saying can be documented from God's Word. If that so-called reverend doesn't accept God's Word, than who cares what he thinks. Don't worry about what people say, but stay with the truth, and know that you are right with the world of God. That makes you one of God's peculiar people, zealous of good works.

To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals. We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.

doctrine of many of our Christian churches, (The Man on a White Horse)
political direction of our country, (The Man on a Red Horse)
economic direction our country has taken, (The Man on a Black Horse)
and teaching of our schools and media, (The Man on a Pale Horse)

The Four Hidden Dynasties of the New World Order Revelation 6:1-8
"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"
Did you know all four are being ridden by Satan?