Titus Introduction

Today we travel to Nakasongola – medical clinic and pastors leading Nexus class – small group discussion

Titus was another trusted friend and companion of Paul. Born of Gentile parents, he accompanied Paul to the Jerusalem council (Acts 15) and played a significant role in the collection Paul was taking for the poor in Jerusalem. When Paul wrote this letter, Titus had been left on the Island of Crete to further the Christian cause. Crete was one of the first places to hear the Christian gospel. There were people from Crete in the crowd on Pentecost. This letter was probably written late in Paul’s life. The letter is concerned with pastoral matters of discipline in the church. Key learning: Titus gives behavioral standards for those seeking leadership in the Church. These standards serve as a reminder that those who are trusted with leadership in the Church will be held accountable to a higher standard than the rest of the body.

Titus 1

Today we are holding a medical clinic in Nakasongola and holding a information meeting on Nexus

Paul is writing to Titus who is on the Island of Crete. Crete’s reputation was somewhat checkered in the first century (as is evidenced by the quote in verse 12). Paul’s routine in establishing churches is to preach, baptize, and begin the process of developing disciples. This process is ongoing. Paul would then select leaders (overseers) from the new disciples and leave them in charge of the fledgling church. In chapter 1 of Titus Paul lays down some of the characteristics of an “Elder” in the church. This word “Elder” has been used to mean Pastoral Elder as well as Bishop. There are good arguments for both cases.

Notice that the overseer is known for what he is not: He is not a lover of money; he is not rebellious; not accused of debauchery; not arrogant; not addicted to wine or greedy. This “negative” list is impressive. Notice also that he is the husband of only one wife (married only once) and whose children are believers (6). These are high expectations and qualifications for someone who will lead a church. They are not unreasonable and, even from this earliest time, we have had higher expectations of those who lead us.