<< Previous | Index | Next >>"THE EPISTLE TO TITUS" Chapter Three OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER 1) To review responsibilities Christians have toward those in authority and others in general 2) To consider how one is saved by God's mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit 3) To notice the emphasis on being careful to maintain good works, while avoiding things that are unprofitable and useless (including some individuals) SUMMARY In this final chapter Paul instructs Titus to remind the brethren concerning their duties toward those in authority and men in general (1-2). Exhortations to gentleness and humility toward all men is made with a reminder that we too were once like those in the world (3). We have been saved, not by our own works of righteousness, but by the mercy of God who saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (4-5). The Spirit has been poured out abundantly on us, so that we who are justified might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (6-7). Paul also wants Titus to affirm constantly that those who have believed in God should be diligent in their good works (8). At the same time, foolish disputes and divisive men are to be avoided, for such are unprofitable and useless (9-11). The epistle closes with personal remarks and greetings. Titus is encouraged to come to Nicopolis as soon as Artemas or Tychicus have arrived, for Paul has chosen to winter there (12). In the meantime, Titus is to send Zenas and Apollos on their journey with haste (13). Yet another exhortation is given to have the brethren learn to maintain good works, meeting urgent needs, so they may not be unfruitful. Paul then passes along greetings to Titus from those with him, and sends similar greetings to those who love the brethren (13-14). A final benediction regarding grace ends the letter (15). OUTLINE I. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BRETHREN IN GENERAL (1-11) A. CONCERNING PROPER CONDUCT (1-2) 1. Toward those in authority (1) a. Be subject to and obey rulers and authorities b. Be ready for every good work 2. Toward all men (2) a. Speak evil of no one b. Be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all B. REASONS TO HEED SUCH EXHORTATIONS (3-11) 1. In view of our past conduct (3) a. We were once foolish, disobedient and deceived b. We served various lust and pleasures c. We lived in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another 2. In view of our salvation (4-7) a. We were saved according to God's kindness, love and mercy, not by works of righteousness which we have done (4-5) b. We were saved through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (5-7) 1) Whom God poured out abundantly through Jesus our Savior 2) That being justified by grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life 3. In view of what is good and profitable (8) a. Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works b. This is a faithful saying, and should be affirmed constantly 4. In view of what is unprofitable and useless (9-11) a. Foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law are to be avoided (9) b. A divisive man is to be rejected after two admonitions (10-11) 1) For such is warped and sinning 2) And is self-condemned II. CONCLUDING REMARKS (12-15) A. FINAL INSTRUCTIONS (12-14) 1. To meet him at Nicopolis, after the arrival of Artemas or Tychicus (12) 2. To send Zenas and Apollos on their journey with haste, lacking nothing (13) 3. To aid others in learning to maintain good works, meeting urgent needs, so as not to be unfruitful (14) B. FINAL GREETINGS, AND A PRAYER (15) 1. Greetings from those with Paul 2. Greetings to those who love the brethren in the faith 3. Grace be with you all. Amen. REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER 1) What are the main points of this chapter? - Instructions for the brethren in general (1-11) - Concluding remarks (12-15) 2) What are the responsibilities of Christians toward rulers and authorities? (1) - To be subject to them, to obey, to be ready for every good work 3) How should Christians conduct themselves toward men in general? (2) - To speak evil of none, to be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward all 4) What should help us to be gentle and humble toward others? (3) - We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived - We had served various lusts and pleasures - We had been hateful and hating one another 5) What else should remind us to be humble? (4-5) - We were saved, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to the kindness, love and mercy of God 6) How has God in mercy saved us? (5) - Through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit 7) Why has God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us? (6-7) - That having been justified by His grace, we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (cf. Ga 4:6-7; Ro 8:15-17) 8) What faithful saying did Paul want Titus to affirm constantly? (8) - Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works 9) What was Titus to avoid? Why? (9) - Foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law - They are unprofitable and useless 10) Who was Titus to reject after two admonitions? Why? (10-11) - A divisive man - Such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned 11) Where did Paul want Titus to join him? (12) - Nicopolis 12) Who was Titus to send along on their journey with haste, lacking nothing? (13) - Zenas the lawyer and Apollos 13) What did Paul want Christians to learn? (14) - To maintain good works, to meet urgent needs 14) Who sent greetings to Titus? Who did Paul send greetings to? (15) - All who with him - Those who love the brethren in the faith 15) What prayer did Paul offer as he closed this letter? (15) - Grace be with you all. Amen.<< Previous | Index | Next >>
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