Paul's Salutation
The book of Titus is a letter that Paul penned to instruct Titus. This is a real historical communication that took place between these two men. As it is the custom when writing a letter Paul begins with a salutation. Paul's greeting to Titus bears many similarities to his other letters as well. Often in addition to greeting the recipient Paul establishes that he is a servant of God and one that occupies authoritative office(s) within the body of Christ. This is certainly what he does in this epistle as well.
Paul the Servant
Paul begins this epistle by affirming that he is a servant of God, "Paul, a bondservant" (Tit. 1:1a). He depicts the nature of the relationship that exists between he and God. He wanted to make clear that although he bears some high titles his first position in the sight of God is one of a servant.
This word "bondservant" is the word "doulos" in the original Greek writing. In reality the word bondservant does not really capture what Paul was getting at here. A better interpretation of this word is slave. Paul is just like every other christian and operates within the realm of the slave/master relationship. Paul was a slave to God serving under His divine authority and guidance.
Paul the Apostle
After establishing that he is a slave to God Paul asserts that he also does fill a high office, "an apostle" (Tit. 1:1b). A literal interpretation of the word apostle is: a sent one. Those who operate in an apostolic office or function are sent to 'foreign' lands in order to bring the gospel message to them. Furthermore Paul was a primary apostle. The primary apostleship was not a permanent office, but one that was temporary in nature. In order for a person to fill this office it was required that they: 1). Have seen the risen Christ, so they could preach a resurrection that they had been an eyewitness of (1 Cor. 9:10); 2). They had to be called an commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ directly (John 20:21; Acts 26:15-18); 3). They received the gospel from Christ Himself (Gal. 1:11-12). Paul fit this description and was one of the few primary apostles.
Paul the Preacher
One of the main priorities of Paul's ministry was preaching, "but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior" (Tit. 1:3). This verse reveals to us that preaching is the divine vessel in which God has chosen to use in order to reveal His truth. Understanding this point should radically transform how the church views the act of preaching. We should gather in the house of God as eager listeners who desire to know more of God's truth.
Paul the Father
Even though the the Apostle Paul was never married he did have many children. His children are not in the flesh, or by natural descent, but in a spiritual sense. Paul was the spiritual father to many including this young man Titus. Most scholars do believe that Paul was the instrument in God's hand to lead Titus to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition Paul maintained this relationship with Titus and guided him to a level of spiritual maturity. At the point of this writing Paul was still exhorting his son in the faith.
There is something very special about the relationship of a spiritual father and a spiritual son. I feel so blessed to know the nature of this relationship. Pastor Dickie has continued to be my spiritual father for nearly ten years now. Let me take this time to exhort all of the young men and women like myself. You all need to go and find a godly man or women in order to sit at their feet and be discipled by them!
Lesson 2 Questions
1. For what purpose did Paul leave Titus in Crete?
ReplyDelete- To put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town.
2. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders at the church in Crete. Should the church today follow these same instructions? Please explain your answer.
- Yes. To be overseer and God’s steward. To give instruction in sound doctrine and rebuke those who contradict it.
3. Paul used the plural word “elders” rather than the singular form. Does this bear any significance? Explain your answer.
- Paul was first of all intending elders ‘in every town’ of Crete, as mentioned in vs. 5. However, I think it’s important to have multiple elders in each local church to mentor younger believers and to assist the ‘Senior Elder/Pastor’.
4. Read through the requirements of eldership in the local church. What does this tell us about the office of an elder?
- It is to be respected. It is to be filled only by those who show the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. You don’t just fill it with anyone off the street because there is a ‘vacancy’.