Titus
He was one of Paul’s most trusted friends and colleagues who is named thirteen times in Paul’s letters, but surprisingly, not once in Acts of Apostles.
Titus worked with Paul in Ephesus and was commissioned to pastor the Church in Crete (Titus Chapter 1 verse 5) and later (according to II Timothy Chapter 4 verse 10) was sent to Albania to work as a missionary. (Albania was also known as Illynicum or Dalmatia) He was one of Paul’s trouble-shooters!
In this letter, Paul spoke of the turbulent Church in Crete and advised Titus on dealing with it’s people before Titus’ replacement arrived, leaving him free to join Paul in Nicopolis for winter, a new mission field in the province of Dalmatia (see also the final greetings, Chapter 3 verses 12 to 15).
Input
Relationship-Titus, Chapter 1 verses 1 to 4
Note Paul’s self description ’slave’ and ‘envoy’ (Apostle’). His task and the fond phrase “Titus, my true son” – i.e., born again under Paul’s ministry.
‘Snapshots’ of Paul and Titus
2 Corinthians Chapter 2 verse 13
2 Corinthians Chapter 8 verse 23
2 Corinthians Chapter 12 verse 18
The Task -Titus, Chapter 1 verses 5 to 16-To put structure in the Church by appointing leaders:
True elders (verse 6)(Presbuteroi) and resisting false leaders and true overseers (verses 7 to 9)(Episcopoi) Chapter 1 verses 10 to 11
“Steady on, Paul!(Chapter 1 verses 12 to 16)Do say what you mean!”
(Paul is quoting the Greek poet Epimenides 600 B.C.)
Question – Paul did not say ‘avoid them but convert them to Christ’. Is this always the Church’s main missionary task?
The Teaching-Chapter 2
The test of Christian teaching is seen in flesh and blood Christian characters.
“Seize the opportunity amongst …”
Chapter 2 verses 1 to 2-Mature Christian Men
Chapter 2 verse 3-Mature Christian Women
Chapter 2 verses 4 to 5-Younger Christian Women
Chapter 2 verses 6 to 8-Younger Christian Men
Chapter 2 verses 9 to 10-Younger Christian Slaves
Question – Chapter 2 verses 11 to 14
What really does preach to and reach the Pagan world?
The Transformation
The Making of Christian Citizens – Chapter 3
The model is Jesus – Chapter 3 verses 1 to 2.
The Gospel does work – Chapter 3 verses 3 to 8.
It makes rogues into Christians.
Question – How does this miracle take place?
Follow the steps.
Things to avoid which warp and divide communities.
Pray together about the need for Christian character to impact amongst our families, our friends, neighbours, work colleagues and everyone else we know.
Optional Reading for Next Session Read Philemon, verses 1 to 25.

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