The Faithful Word

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.  Titus 1:5-9

Titus, one of the young men who accompanied the Apostle Paul on many of his missionary journeys, first came to Christ as a Greek in the city of Antioch. At the time of this writing, was now on the island of Crete, just south of Greece. The church in Crete was probably the result of Paul and Titus ministry after Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome. And so we read that he left Titus there to “set in order” the things that  needed immediate attention, and appoint elders in every city as Paul directed him. And because of the nature of the citizens there,  Titus, and those whom he made apostolic delegates to do the work of ministry were to be transformed by the Word of God, in which everyone who were listening to them, or watching and observing them, would see exemplary character qualities that every leader in the church is to have. The word “blameless” does not mean sinless perfection but to a personal life that is beyond legitimate accusation and public scandal. In more detailed character, the elder or appointed one by God in ministry is to be integral not only in public ministry, but is to have integrity in the home. If a husband is loving his wife as Christ loves the church, and has given himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25), and as a father is bringing up his children in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), this speaks of a man who is consistently both inwardly and outwardly devoted and faithful to his wife, and is raising his children to have saving faith in Christ, who reflects it in their conduct and decision making skills. Again, the ministry leaders cannot just preach the Word, but also has to be living out what it says.

In the background of the this letter, we can discover the kind of persons the Cretans were. In one of the most unusual passages in the New Testament, the apostle quotes from one of the most popular ancient writers of their day, a secular Greek poet who describes these people among whom young Titus had to share the gospel to. He says, One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). Paul is giving Titus his insight for what he may be up against and wants him to understand the formidable nature of the problem he may one day have to face. Yet, even with a daunting task as this, God is faithful to any of us with the enigma of sharing our faith with harden people. Jesus Christ, and His atoning shed blood for the remission of sins is for everyone, we must not ever think that someone we cross paths with is not worthy to receive the good news of the gospel. Because truthfully, none of us are ever worthy. God’s grace makes us worthy, we are nothing more than sinners who have been saved by grace. And therefore, when we share our testimony, we humbly agree, that it is through His offer of mercy and grace that I received my salvation. This puts us all on even ground.

But hospitable, a lover of what is good—The word for “hospitable” actually means “a lover of strangers.” A Christian is to have a love for others that is not hypocritical, but rather of the same genuineness of that of Christ. Our actions should be motivated by our love for God, and demonstrated by our love for others.

Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught—Sound biblical doctrine not only should be taught but also adhered to with deep conviction. The faithful teaching and defending of Scripture against false teachers, with encouragement for more godliness and courage to confront sin and error, on those who contradict what we believe in. When the church has a problem, often times it is because the world is invading the church, instead of the church invading the world. It is only by sound biblical doctrinal teaching are we able to resist the sinful things of this world. Church fellowship, Bible studies, and of course worship, both public congregational and private worship of the Lord is needed. Our hearts will fall victim to whatever corrupted forces is allowed to enter in. We must be on guard against false teachings, and worldliness that wants to consume our passion for Christ. If the mind is defiled, it cannot accurately inform the conscience, and so the conscience cannot warn the person. When our conscience is accurately and fully infused with God’s Word of truth, it functions in the way  that God designed it, with a warning system to help us turn to God, and His Holy Spirit who enables us to know all truth. Sound also means “healthy,” Paul uses it nine times in these pastoral epistles, and always with the meaning that truth produces well being. True and pure doctrine was to be required of all who spoke to the church. Any who fell short of that were to be rebuked.

Beloved friend, Being a steward of the Lord in whatever capacity, whether you are a Sunday school teacher, and usher, or an elder in the church. God requires stewards that they be found faithfully fulfilling their calling. The most essential character trait of a follower of Christ, is a humble reverence to obey His Word like that of a faithful servant to his master. There are many who profess to believe in God, but only those whose life is marked by a inward change, those whose life is now governed by the Word of God. Jesus aim was not to gather appreciative crowds, but to make true disciples. He never adapted the message of the gospel to majority preferences, but always plainly declared the high cost of discipleship. He made demands to discourage those who were only half-hearted and not genuine in their faith.

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to love the way You love. Where I need to be healed, delivered, changed, matured, or made whole, I invite You Lord to do that in me. Help me walk in righteousness and integrity before You, and those whom You put into my life. Teach me Your ways and enable me to obey Your commandments and be about doing only what pleases You. For Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and for my good. In Jesus name, Amen.

May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!

Author: rontrujillo

Married 37 years We have six children. All of whom are adult. Three are married one of them blessed us with three beautiful grandchildren. Retired Firefighter @ Boeing Aircraft 37 years (Formally McDonnell Douglas) Born Again Summer of 1981 View all posts by rontrujillo