Titus 1

B1 Titus 1:2 ...in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

C1 God cannot lie.

D1 What an awesome description. The Greek word is ἀψευδής apseudḗs and means non-lying. It is an adjective modifying the word God, so it means the non-lying God. When compared to humans—Romans 3:4, God is truly a blessing.

D2 Not only is every individual a liar, but there is satan (his hordes also)— You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you desire to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar, and the father of lies. John 8:44 EMTV

C2 We can safely live our lives. He will not change.

B2 Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

C1 These are qualifications of elders, yet are good, godly characteristics for anyone. What a better society all would have, if all thought and lived God’s way.

D1 Blameless

E1 This is not sinless. Blameless has the idea of living the lifestyle and having the worldview aligned with God’s. When we sin, we confess our sins, ask forgiveness, and He forgives, thus blameless.

E2 It is God’s desire and goal for us. Would to God more pastors would teach the Christian life. in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach before Him—Colossians 1:22 EMTV

D2 Monogamist

E1 I understand this to mean one wife at a time.

E2 Also, I understand that this does not mean that a pastor must be married.

D3 Faithful Children—these are children still at home.

D4 Blameless steward of God—steadfast and true to God’s doctrine, lifestyle, and worldview.

D5 Not self-willed—they are God-willed. Success as a pastor is not in numbers but in faithfulness to God. Noah had essentially no numbers from his ministry. Jonah had vast numbers. God judged them to be faithful. Discouraging as it might be, we should not give up because we are serving God, not committees or the need for greatness.

D6 Does quick tempered

D7 Not a drunkard

D8 Not violent—this is the abuser, sex molester, and cheat. These things are usually done in private, because they want to look good to the public for money and influence.

D9 Not greedy for money—too many pastors are, even though they appear very humble.

D10 Hospitable—this isn’t just hosting people at their home. It includes listening, giving them time when needed, and helping others in what we are able.

D11 Lover of good things (People and otherwise. Good is what God defines as good).

D12 Self-controlled

D13 Just (fair and not biased)—true justice treats all people the same.

D14 Holy—Devout, pure, following God's way.

D15 Disciplined—having time and knowing how to use it. This is also having right priorities as God first, spouse second, children third, other believers fourth, then the rest of people

D16 Holding on to the truth as one has been taught, that is, faithful to Bible teachings. Doctrine is important.

D17 Apologist for the faith—We must know what we believe and why. We must study the Scriptures and know them well. Reading and studying the Bible is more important than reading and studying theology.

C2 The need for truth—there were lots of liars, distorters, heretics who were causing all kinds of troubles in the church, the family, and in individuals. There is only one truth—the Bible.

B3 Titus 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

C1 Three things we need to avoid

D1 Lying—liars

D2 Evil beasts—acting like an animal—Rude, cruel, and brutal

D3 Lazy gluttons

C2 If we are like these Cretans or not believing and living the truth, we need to be told.

B4 Two Groups All things indeed are pure to the pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience have been defiled. They profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:15-16 EMTV

C1 The pure—in heart and conscience

C2 The impure—in heart and conscience

D1 Defiled

E1 Mind (thinking, intelligence, attitude)

E2 Conscience (a poor sense of right and wrong)

E3 In body, soul, and spirit

E4 Both in public but especially in private

D2 Unbelieving—this is not believing what God says

D3 Deceived—think they know God, but don't (empty religion)

D4 False fruit (works, what they do) is

E1 Denying God—by being a hypocrite. They know, or should know, but will not think and live according to God’s rules.

E2 Abominable—shockingly vile. Compare Job 15:16.

E3 Disobedient—to God’s lifestyle, worldview, beliefs, and laws.

E5 Reprobate—this is not meeting God’s standards and thus rejected.

C3 I don't want to be like this; do you?

C4 I read this in the Biblical Illustrator: I laid aside a coin one day but did not remember just where I had put it, till one day I found it in a comer, encrusted with rust. At first, I thought it was copper, but careful examination proved it to be silver. It had lain there so long that it was tarnished and unrecognisable. Just as many Christians, alas I are so covered with the grime and filth of this world that it is no wonder that the unconverted and Christians look upon them as copper instead of being good silver.