He was a "Gentile" Christian, whose name had been mentioned before...in a letter to a group of believers who were called Galatians. This man, who is known as Titus...had likely become a Christian through the teachings of Saint Paul who was of the Jewish race.
Saint Paul, now a Christian himself, had grown close to this "Gentile" Christian...in fact, Paul refers to Titus as his "true son", a partner in Christ, and one who works along side another.
Titus was one that went along with Paul when he went to visit "The Original" (the apostles that were hand chosen by Christ) in Jerusalem...where there was chaos over Gentiles who had become believers in Christ Jesus...whether they should or should not be held accountable to Jewish Law and customs. St. Paul had already instructed Titus before their arrival in Jerusalem...that he need not obey the strict Jewish Laws.
Titus was also involved with the people of Corinth...a time when there was a collection going on with the believers in Corinth...for many of the Christians in Jerusalem who were going through some tough times. Titus was with St. Paul on the island of Crete. Paul could not stay at Crete as long as what he would have liked...and left Titus there to complete the mission. Crete was known for being a place with some pretty "rough characters."
So, here in the letter to Titus from Saint Paul, Paul continues to remind Titus of "true character"... the kind Titus has...and to pass this type of character to others.
In chapter 2, Paul encourages Titus to "tell it like it is"...and to teach things that are true. The message in chapter 2 is this: "How Christians are to interact with one another." This letter was sent to Titus...while he was still on the island of Crete.
A Gleaning from Titus...chapter 2
" As for you Titus, keep teaching the things that will cause others to live in a wholesome way...the things that reflect what is right, the things that add character to a person's life, brings integrity to the community, and honest truth to those who might be in search of Him.
And what is important right now, the stability and steadiness in their lives will produce an endurance...which is a strong witness to those who do not know Him.
The older women must "own up" to what being a Christian really means...in their own lives. What they don't need to be doing is gossiping or slandering others, and they don't need to be sipping on wine...everyday...for any reason! Some of these women have a "buzz"...before the sun has even gone down.
Instead, these women need to be showing the younger people what is good...what is right! Older women need to be examples of what it means to love their husbands and children, lives that radiate a pureness from the heart, keeping their homes in order, and just being good wives! Their daily lives need to be "working" with the Scriptures...not fighting against it!
Along with this Titus, stay close and urge the younger guys...to be self-restrained...keeping their focus on the Lord Jesus...and not spending all their energy and time...wanting to go to bed with a girl they have just met. Guide these young men...and get them in a more serious train of thought. Show them how to use all that youthful energy to help others. And Titus, you take the lead...set a high benchmark...stemming from your actions and the life you portray.
When you speak with others...keep your words "clean". Teach things so well others will not be able to criticize. Speak with such passion that even your enemies will be ashamed to say anything negative about you.
Slaves need to be obedient to their masters...and give "their all" in service. Let their work come from their hearts, and not allow bitterness any entrance. Slaves should not steal or "talk back" to their masters. Instead, they should have a reputation of being totally trustworthy, reliable, and honest. By doing these things, when Jesus is brought up in conversation...their lives will reflect Him...and bring respect and dignity...to Him!
Let this thought always burn within us Titus...the knowing that the grace of God has been revealed...salvation is here!...and He has given this to all people!
The grace that is now living in our own hearts has indeed trained us to turn away from the desires the world promotes, and to turn from sinful pleasures as well.
What we now have...in our hearts... is a hope, and this hope has filled us as we await the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Tell them Titus...that Christ Jesus has redeemed us, He is the One...who purchased our freedom...from all sin and every kind of iniquity. His desire for us is that our hearts are made pure...He has called us His very own, and because of this, we are eager to do...all the things we learn... come from Him!
Urge them Titus...advise, encourage, and warn others when needed. If correction is needed...do so, and don't let anyone "put you down", instead challenge them with the strength of the Lord Jesus...and you will earn every one's respect."
Saint Paul, now a Christian himself, had grown close to this "Gentile" Christian...in fact, Paul refers to Titus as his "true son", a partner in Christ, and one who works along side another.
Titus was one that went along with Paul when he went to visit "The Original" (the apostles that were hand chosen by Christ) in Jerusalem...where there was chaos over Gentiles who had become believers in Christ Jesus...whether they should or should not be held accountable to Jewish Law and customs. St. Paul had already instructed Titus before their arrival in Jerusalem...that he need not obey the strict Jewish Laws.
Titus was also involved with the people of Corinth...a time when there was a collection going on with the believers in Corinth...for many of the Christians in Jerusalem who were going through some tough times. Titus was with St. Paul on the island of Crete. Paul could not stay at Crete as long as what he would have liked...and left Titus there to complete the mission. Crete was known for being a place with some pretty "rough characters."
So, here in the letter to Titus from Saint Paul, Paul continues to remind Titus of "true character"... the kind Titus has...and to pass this type of character to others.
In chapter 2, Paul encourages Titus to "tell it like it is"...and to teach things that are true. The message in chapter 2 is this: "How Christians are to interact with one another." This letter was sent to Titus...while he was still on the island of Crete.
A Gleaning from Titus...chapter 2
" As for you Titus, keep teaching the things that will cause others to live in a wholesome way...the things that reflect what is right, the things that add character to a person's life, brings integrity to the community, and honest truth to those who might be in search of Him.
And what is important right now, the stability and steadiness in their lives will produce an endurance...which is a strong witness to those who do not know Him.
The older women must "own up" to what being a Christian really means...in their own lives. What they don't need to be doing is gossiping or slandering others, and they don't need to be sipping on wine...everyday...for any reason! Some of these women have a "buzz"...before the sun has even gone down.
Instead, these women need to be showing the younger people what is good...what is right! Older women need to be examples of what it means to love their husbands and children, lives that radiate a pureness from the heart, keeping their homes in order, and just being good wives! Their daily lives need to be "working" with the Scriptures...not fighting against it!
Along with this Titus, stay close and urge the younger guys...to be self-restrained...keeping their focus on the Lord Jesus...and not spending all their energy and time...wanting to go to bed with a girl they have just met. Guide these young men...and get them in a more serious train of thought. Show them how to use all that youthful energy to help others. And Titus, you take the lead...set a high benchmark...stemming from your actions and the life you portray.
When you speak with others...keep your words "clean". Teach things so well others will not be able to criticize. Speak with such passion that even your enemies will be ashamed to say anything negative about you.
Slaves need to be obedient to their masters...and give "their all" in service. Let their work come from their hearts, and not allow bitterness any entrance. Slaves should not steal or "talk back" to their masters. Instead, they should have a reputation of being totally trustworthy, reliable, and honest. By doing these things, when Jesus is brought up in conversation...their lives will reflect Him...and bring respect and dignity...to Him!
Let this thought always burn within us Titus...the knowing that the grace of God has been revealed...salvation is here!...and He has given this to all people!
The grace that is now living in our own hearts has indeed trained us to turn away from the desires the world promotes, and to turn from sinful pleasures as well.
What we now have...in our hearts... is a hope, and this hope has filled us as we await the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Tell them Titus...that Christ Jesus has redeemed us, He is the One...who purchased our freedom...from all sin and every kind of iniquity. His desire for us is that our hearts are made pure...He has called us His very own, and because of this, we are eager to do...all the things we learn... come from Him!
Urge them Titus...advise, encourage, and warn others when needed. If correction is needed...do so, and don't let anyone "put you down", instead challenge them with the strength of the Lord Jesus...and you will earn every one's respect."
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