The Practical Application to Christians (Essay)

Preface: This was written for my Titus: Digging Deeper class when I was a student of Bible & Ministry and submitted October 17, 2001.

The Practical Application to Christians

I have a book that I usually reference when attempting to argue a point, which is called the “Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties.” To my surprise, it actually covers seemingly difficult things, an “FAQ” of sorts, throughout 52 books of the Bible. Titus is not one of them that is discussed! Not only did this make my study harder to promote, it made me think in a simpler manner. Titus is not as ‘difficult’ as I am trying to make it.

I feel a strong thread throughout the whole book of Titus is the, or our, actions as Christians. (Quote Titus Commentary book: pg. 69) Paul makes it even easier for Titus, and now us as readers, with what do to if we have a certain role in the church, also. As soon as Paul finishes with his “credentials”, he immediately focuses on Elders. Why? I believe elders are the “human foundation” for the church when they have their roots in Christ. Paul wants to make sure Titus understands that the elders, older women and men (aka- the people who are looked up upon as wiser) show themselves good before the younger more impressionable ones in the hopes to have them follow their lead. No matter what our current role now, we will or have been considered a ‘wise one’ to someone. The mention of the slaves also seems to stir up conversation, which I will offer a light on this towards the end.

First, Paul breaks it down into groups of people and also addresses people as a whole. I found the condensing of a lot of information into a few verses interesting also.

• In only 3 verses, 15 items are mentioned for Elders

a) 1&2 Timothy and Titus book-pg 280

• In only 2 verses, 5 items are mentioned for Older Men

• In only 2 verses, 5 items are mentioned for Older Women

• In only 2 verses, 7 items are mentioned for Younger Women

• In only 2 verses, 4 items are mentioned for Slaves

a) 1&2 Timothy and Titus book-pg 281

• In only 3 verses, 12 items are mentioned for All People

The way we live and what is projected from us is a huge factor in our lives’ as Christians. With that in mind… (Quote: Titus Commentary book: pg. 71).

Now, most of us live by our faith. The faith that we live in is also what we walk in. (Quote 1&2 Timothy and Titus book: pg.278, 282, 284, Pg 286)

Closing: pg. 287-288

1 - Gleason L. Archer, © 1982 by The Zondervan Corporation

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© 2001 Shannon Yáñez

Titus Outline - The book of “Do’s and Don’ts”

Preface: This was written for my Titus: Digging Deeper class when I was a student of Bible & Ministry and submitted September 23, 2001.

Titus Outline - The book of “Do’s and Don’ts”

(This outline is not exhaustive)

I. Rules for Titus

a. Do’s

i. Complete work and appoint elders as instructed (1:5)

ii. Rebuke [those who rebel against right teaching] (1:13)

iii. Promote living that reflects right teaching (2:1)

iv. Teach older men (2:2)

v. Teach older women (2:3)

vi. Encourage young men (2:6)

vii. Be an example to the young men (2:7)

viii. Reflect integrity and seriousness of his teaching (2:7)

ix. Correct teaching so as to not be able to be criticized (2:8)

x. Remind the people to submit to the government (3:1)

xi. Give a 1st and 2nd warning to those causing divisions (3:10)

xii. Meet Paul at Nicopolus as soon as possible (3:12)

xiii. Help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos (3:13)

b. Don’ts

i. Let anyone ignore or disregard what he [Titus] says (2:15)

ii. Get involved in foolish discussions (3:9)

iii. Get into fights about obedience to Jewish laws (3:9)

iv. Have anything to do with persons after the 2nd warning if they are causing divisions (3:10)

II. Rules for Others

a. Elders

i. Do’s

1. Well thought of (1:6)

2. Faithful to his wife (1:6)

3. Have well mannered, obedient children (1:6)

4. Live a blameless life (1:7)

5. Enjoy having guests in his house (1:8)
6. Love all that is good (1:8)

7. Live wisely (1:8)

8. Be fair (1:8)

9. Live a devout and disciplined life (1:8)

10. Have a strong and steadfast belief in the message he was taught (1:9)

ii. Don’ts

1. Not arrogant (1:7)

2. Not quick-tempered (1:7)

3. Not a heavy drinker (1:7)

4. Not violent (1:7)

5. Not greedy for money (1:7)

b. Older Men

i. Do’s

1. Exercise self-control (2:2)

2. Be worthy of respect (2:2)

3. Live wisely (2:2)

4. Have a strong faith (2:3)

5. Be filled with love and patience (2:3)

ii. Don’ts

1. None mentioned

c. Older Women

i. Do’s
1. Live in an appropriate way (2:3)

2. Teach others what is good (2:3)

3. Train younger women (2:4)

ii. Don’ts

1. Go and speak evil of others (2:3)

2. Be heavy drinkers (2:3)

d. Young Men

i. Do’s

1. Live wisely in all they do (2:6)

ii. Don’ts

1. None mentioned

e. Younger Women

i. Do’s

1. Love their husbands and children (2:4)

2. Live wisely (2:5)

3. Be pure (2:5)

4. Take care of their homes (2:5)

5. Do good (2:5)

6. Be submissive to their husband (2:5)

ii. Don’ts

1. Bring shame on the Word of God (2:5)

f. Slaves

i. Do’s

1. Obey their masters (2:9)

2. Show themselves trustworthy and good (2:10)

ii. Don’ts

1. Talk back (2:9)

2. Steal (2:10)

III. Rules for all People

a. Do’s

i. Turn from godless living (2:12)

ii. Turn from sinful pleasures (2:12)

iii. Live with self-control (2:12)

iv. Live with right conduct (2:12)

v. Live with devotion to God (2:12)

vi. Submit to the government and it’s officers (3:1)

vii. Be obedient (3:1)

viii. Always be ready to do what is good (3:1)

ix. Be gentle (3:2)

x. Show true humility (3:2)

b. Don’ts

i. Speak of evil (3:1)

ii. Quarrel (3:1)

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Question:

Why did Paul write this letter?

Answer:

I believe that a main purpose of this epistle was to ‘check in’ with Titus. Paul says Titus is his “true child in the faith” (1:4) that he “left on the island of Crete.” (1:5) Wouldn’t a father want to check in with his son that he left all alone? Also, it is to follow up with him on what he needs to do (what he was sent there for) and to remind him that he has to instill the “Do’s and Don’ts” in the people. Thirdly, it serves as both a motivation and a warning (i.e., 1:13 and 3:9). Lastly, it is simply informational as Paul tells Titus where to meet him next and why at that location and who to help. (3:12-14) In addition it is the constant reminding of what God has done for us and what we were before we accepted Christ. To me, all of these factors give the impression of a parent or friend checking up on someone they love who is away and in charge of a large task.

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© 2001 Shannon Yáñez