Introduction

In Titus 1:1–16, Paul writes to Titus, his true child in the faith, emphasizing the importance of appointing godly leaders in the church. These leaders are to uphold sound doctrine and counter false teaching. The passage highlights the connection between truth, godly character, and the church’s mission to reflect God’s truth in a world plagued by deception.

Key Points

• Main Point: Right doctrine, grounded in the true God, produces right living.
• Purpose: Establish a church that reflects God’s truth through leaders with exemplary character and unwavering commitment to sound doctrine.

Titus 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…

Paul opens his letter as an apostle sent by the Lord Jesus to the Cretan church for their benefit (1:5), emphasizing not just the importance of knowing the truth but living out a truth that is consistent with godly living. Knowing the truth involves more than acknowledging a collection of facts—it is allowing the truth of God’s Word to transform us from the inside out, producing practical godliness.

Titus 1:2

…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began…

Paul reiterates Christians’ confidence in eternal life, grounded in God’s unchanging truthfulness. God always speaks the truth, and His promise of eternal life has been assured since before time began. This hope is sure and confident because the One who promised it never lies but always accords with truth. Therefore, we can fully trust God at His Word and rely on His promises with complete assurance.

Titus 1:3

…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…

To carry out His salvation plan, God proclaimed the message of hope through the apostles, ensured by the finished work of Jesus, at precisely the right time. God perfectly timed the first coming of Christ, who died for our sins, to fulfill His promise of eternal life to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior and King.

Titus 1:4

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Paul writes this letter to Titus to guide him in leading the Cretan church. He uniquely refers to Titus, his ministry partner, as a “true child in a common faith,” emphasizing their spiritual bond. In serving God and others, believers are not merely business partners but members of God’s family, equal in standing before God the Father, working together to build His house.

Titus 1:5

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…

Paul’s first instruction to Titus is to appoint church leaders with godly character (1:6–9), as they represent God in leading His people and serve as His witnesses before non-believers. When selecting leaders in ministry, godly character must take precedence over talent or skill. Leaders who genuinely love the Lord in word and deed rightly represent God both within and outside the church.

Titus 1:6–7a

…if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.

To be above reproach does not mean to be without sin, but it does mean being blameless and honest in continually repenting of personal sin. A leader appointed by Titus should live in such a way that no one can justly accuse them of wrongdoing or evil. The responsibility of being godly and blameless as a minister of God is significant, as their conduct represents God and carries substantial influence both inside and outside the church—for good or for ill.

Titus 1:7b

He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain…

Paul prohibits anyone lacking self-control, whether inwardly or outwardly, from serving as a church leader. While self-control is a command for all Christians (Jm 1:19–20; 1 Pt 4:7; 2 Pt 1:5–9), it is especially critical for those in leadership. Although all believers are called to saving faith in the Lord Jesus, not everyone is immediately suited for ministry if significant character flaws, such as a lack of self-control, persist. In such cases, it may be wise for them to refrain from public ministry until growth in these areas is evident.

Titus 1:8–9

…but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Paul requires church leadership candidates to demonstrate self-control in thought, emotion, and action, especially as they steward leadership in the church. They must also remain faithful in preserving and teaching sound doctrine as outlined in the Bible, both to edify the congregation and to counter false teachings. The godliness of a church leader is pivotal to the health of a church. A leader who faithfully adheres to God’s Word—cognitively and practically, inwardly and outwardly—builds up God’s people and safeguards them from deception.

Titus 1:10–11

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

Paul condemns false teachers, decrying their connection to Jewish practices and myths (1:14). The godly leaders Titus is instructed to appoint are tasked with silencing these false teachers, who harm families driven by their greed for money. As we faithfully learn God’s Word within a church community led by faithful leaders, we can support and encourage one another to stay true to God’s Word and resist deceitful teachings that might derail us from godly living.

Titus 1:12–14

One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

In contrast to the God who never lies, the Cretans are infamous for their lies and empty talk. Paul instructs the leaders in Crete to firmly rebuke these deceitful teachers, calling them to abandon Jewish myths and embrace sound doctrine. Deception has no place in our spiritual communities, as lies undermine and destroy the foundation of these communities, which should be firmly grounded in the God of truth and His Word.

Titus 1:15–16

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Paul describes the “defiled” and “unbelieving” as individuals who claim to know God but live in ways that contradict His teachings, thereby discrediting their professed faith. He declares them entirely unfit for ministry. Godly character is inseparable from sound doctrine. As we humbly submit to God’s Word and His ways, the Holy Spirit works within us (Phil 2:12–13), transforming us from the inside out to reflect God’s character (Gal 5:22–23).

Conclusion

Titus 1:1–16 emphasizes that right doctrine, grounded in the true God, produces right living. Leaders of God’s church must not only teach sound doctrine but also embody godliness in their lives. Through godly leaders who reflect His character, uphold His truth, and counter false teaching, the church can remain faithful to its mission. By doing so, the church becomes a beacon of truth and godliness, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel to the world.

Summary

• The promise of eternal life, grounded in the unchanging truthfulness of God, underpins the hope and mission of the church (Titus 1:2).
• Leadership in the church involves stewarding both truth and godliness, setting an example of holy living for others to follow (Titus 1:1, 1:6–7).
• The church thrives when its leaders prioritize faith, integrity, and a commitment to God’s Word (Titus 1:8).
• Sound doctrine is essential for producing right living and equipping believers to refute false teaching (Titus 1:9).
• False teaching must be confronted and silenced to protect the church and maintain its witness to God’s truth (Titus 1:10–11).
• The church must rebuke and correct harmful practices rooted in cultural or doctrinal distortions, steering members toward sound faith (Titus 1:12–14).
• A pure and transformed heart is crucial for effective ministry and faithful service to God, as external works alone cannot validate one’s faith (Titus 1:15–16).