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"THE EPISTLE TO TITUS"
Chapter Three
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To review responsibilities Christians have toward those in authority
and others in general
2) To consider how one is saved by God's mercy, through the washing of
regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit
3) To notice the emphasis on being careful to maintain good works,
while avoiding things that are unprofitable and useless (including
some individuals)
SUMMARY
In this final chapter Paul instructs Titus to remind the brethren
concerning their duties toward those in authority and men in general
(1-2). Exhortations to gentleness and humility toward all men is made
with a reminder that we too were once like those in the world (3). We
have been saved, not by our own works of righteousness, but by the
mercy of God who saved us through the washing of regeneration and
renewing of the Holy Spirit (4-5). The Spirit has been poured out
abundantly on us, so that we who are justified might become heirs
according to the hope of eternal life (6-7). Paul also wants Titus to
affirm constantly that those who have believed in God should be
diligent in their good works (8). At the same time, foolish disputes
and divisive men are to be avoided, for such are unprofitable and
useless (9-11).
The epistle closes with personal remarks and greetings. Titus is
encouraged to come to Nicopolis as soon as Artemas or Tychicus have
arrived, for Paul has chosen to winter there (12). In the meantime,
Titus is to send Zenas and Apollos on their journey with haste (13).
Yet another exhortation is given to have the brethren learn to maintain
good works, meeting urgent needs, so they may not be unfruitful. Paul
then passes along greetings to Titus from those with him, and sends
similar greetings to those who love the brethren (13-14). A final
benediction regarding grace ends the letter (15).
OUTLINE
I. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BRETHREN IN GENERAL (1-11)
A. CONCERNING PROPER CONDUCT (1-2)
1. Toward those in authority (1)
a. Be subject to and obey rulers and authorities
b. Be ready for every good work
2. Toward all men (2)
a. Speak evil of no one
b. Be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all
B. REASONS TO HEED SUCH EXHORTATIONS (3-11)
1. In view of our past conduct (3)
a. We were once foolish, disobedient and deceived
b. We served various lust and pleasures
c. We lived in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another
2. In view of our salvation (4-7)
a. We were saved according to God's kindness, love and mercy,
not by works of righteousness which we have done (4-5)
b. We were saved through the washing of regeneration and
renewing of the Holy Spirit (5-7)
1) Whom God poured out abundantly through Jesus our Savior
2) That being justified by grace we should become heirs
according to the hope of eternal life
3. In view of what is good and profitable (8)
a. Those who have believed in God should be careful to
maintain good works
b. This is a faithful saying, and should be affirmed
constantly
4. In view of what is unprofitable and useless (9-11)
a. Foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings
about the law are to be avoided (9)
b. A divisive man is to be rejected after two admonitions
(10-11)
1) For such is warped and sinning
2) And is self-condemned
II. CONCLUDING REMARKS (12-15)
A. FINAL INSTRUCTIONS (12-14)
1. To meet him at Nicopolis, after the arrival of Artemas or
Tychicus (12)
2. To send Zenas and Apollos on their journey with haste, lacking
nothing (13)
3. To aid others in learning to maintain good works, meeting
urgent needs, so as not to be unfruitful (14)
B. FINAL GREETINGS, AND A PRAYER (15)
1. Greetings from those with Paul
2. Greetings to those who love the brethren in the faith
3. Grace be with you all. Amen.
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Instructions for the brethren in general (1-11)
- Concluding remarks (12-15)
2) What are the responsibilities of Christians toward rulers and
authorities? (1)
- To be subject to them, to obey, to be ready for every good work
3) How should Christians conduct themselves toward men in general? (2)
- To speak evil of none, to be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward
all
4) What should help us to be gentle and humble toward others? (3)
- We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived
- We had served various lusts and pleasures
- We had been hateful and hating one another
5) What else should remind us to be humble? (4-5)
- We were saved, not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to the kindness, love and mercy of God
6) How has God in mercy saved us? (5)
- Through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy
Spirit
7) Why has God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us? (6-7)
- That having been justified by His grace, we should become heirs
according to the hope of eternal life (cf. Ga 4:6-7 ; Ro 8:15-17 )
8) What faithful saying did Paul want Titus to affirm constantly? (8)
- Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good
works
9) What was Titus to avoid? Why? (9)
- Foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about
the law
- They are unprofitable and useless
10) Who was Titus to reject after two admonitions? Why? (10-11)
- A divisive man
- Such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned
11) Where did Paul want Titus to join him? (12)
- Nicopolis
12) Who was Titus to send along on their journey with haste, lacking
nothing? (13)
- Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
13) What did Paul want Christians to learn? (14)
- To maintain good works, to meet urgent needs
14) Who sent greetings to Titus? Who did Paul send greetings to? (15)
- All who with him
- Those who love the brethren in the faith
15) What prayer did Paul offer as he closed this letter? (15)
- Grace be with you all. Amen.
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