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1 Session 4: Response Paper: Titus Colorado Christian University BIB 102-A: New Testament Introduction Dr. Clarence Ihm November 5, 2023 Session 4: Response Paper: Titus

2 Although Paul leaves Titus behind to resolve problems that are at hand, he recognizes that the church of Crete needs leadership, order, and correction. He writes Titus a letter to better equip him. While shepherding the church in Crete, Titus faces various challenges in implementing leadership in the churches such as dealing with legalistic false teachings, division in the church, and immoral behavior. Paul announces to Titus that he must appoint elder leadership in the churches in the town, but there are certain qualifications one must meet. 1 Titus 1:7-8 says, “For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined” ( The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001). To lead the church, the pastors must have godly character. Some of the elders in the churches did not according to Titus 1:10 which states, “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party” ( The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001). There were many in the churches spreading legalistic teachings and leading those in Christ to believe that by following the law of Moses and completing good works righteousness would be secured. This was far from the truth and Paul told Titus that this teaching needed to be stopped. Jesus came to fulfill the law not to create more slaves to the customs of the Jews. Paul also adds in Titus 3:9-11, But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned ( The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001).

3 This was important because some Jews were caught up in being descendants of Abraham that they forgot about the salvation that being in Christ brought and Titus was to bring their focus back to the good news of the Gospel. After the second warning, Titus was to have nothing to do with those who caused division in the church. We can clearly see that the strife was intentional by promoting sinful and false teachings and Paul’s instructions were to protect the body of Christ by encouraging unity. Today modern Christians deal with both legalistic teachings and division in the church. Although the argument of Christians today is not one of circumcision, many still hold that legalistic mindset of believing they need to strive instead of surrendering to God. One legalistic mindset that I am still surprised by is that women should not preach, but many do not mind putting a woman on the microphone to lead worship. There is no difference between ministering to a crowd during worship and ministering the word of God. I believe that God can use anyone He wants to, and if for some reason people decide that they no longer want to obey the voice of God, He will raise up the trees, rocks, or animals. Some try to keep us bound to things that Jesus freed us from, including the belief that salvation is contingent on following every law completely and working to earn righteousness. In the same way, division is rampant in the church. In my opinion, one of the biggest divisions in the church is sin. We have the word of God to train us on what is sin in God’s eyes. Many still choose not to follow it and there are leaders who are becoming lackluster about God’s expectations of His people and are not correcting their congregants, allowing them to stay in error. Then, there are those leaders who do follow God’s word in calling sin just what it is, correcting their congregants and other leaders, and equipping them on how to get out of sin and stay out. The wisdom that is insightful from Titus is that our

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4 beliefs about God impact every decision we make, so we should embrace the sound doctrine that is the word of God. The result will be changed and purified lives. Reference Page

5 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway.

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