6/5/10 2 Timothy 4, Titus 1-2
Protect the Church
(Tit 1:5) 5For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
Paul in Titus 1 and 2 addresses Titus another younger man who had been helping and assisting Paul sometime just prior to Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul had sent him at different times to different churches to handle the difficulties which were present. Titus seemed to be successful on so many of his missions especially diffusing the tension that existed between Paul and the Corinthian church (2 Cor 8:23).
Paul’s letter to Titus was a letter of guidance and instruction concerning his mission at Crete. Crete was a difficult place and Titus was left there to do a couple of things for the church. The first item of business was for Titus to go through the island of Crete and appoint elders in the cities which had churches. Paul gives detailed but not exhaustive credentials as to who would be qualified to serve as an elders or pastors. This is necessary because a well-organized church with strong spiritual leaders in place proves to be a safe place where sound doctrine is taught.
That was the second thing which Titus has the task of doing. To reprove severely those who are rebellious, empty talkers, and deceivers both of Gentile and Jewish backgrounds. Titus must take his stand against those who are not teaching sound doctrine.
Paul then urges Titus to teach sound doctrine that will be evident in sound living. Paul gives real life examples on how various groups are to act and how they are to foster biblical, peaceful, growing relationships. Paul first breaks down these groups be age brackets and lastly by social bracket.
Titus mission here is to protect the church in Crete. By the appointment of godly men and the identifying and rejection of rebellious false teachers and finally teaching sound doctrine with a view to everyday living the church will be a safe place where growth leading to purity and good deeds is evident.
Prayer: Father and Lord of the churches, teach me what it means to organize the church. Keep me from teaching anything which is not sound doctrine even if that means going against tried and adored traditions. Where traditions are true and faithful I will rejoice, where they are not I ask for your grace to abandon them. Protect our church from rebellious, empty talkers and deceivers. Let no one upset your chosen ones, those of your flock. I pray that our church will become hungry for sound doctrine and sound living. I ask the Spirit to move upon us in a unique way producing purity and a zeal for good works in the name of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Amen.