The letter to Titus (Part 14)

In his final conclusion to his letter to Titus, Paul hinted the importance of doing what is good. Doing good should stem from our nature as Christlike followers of Christ. When we fail to devote ourselves to doing what is good, the devil finds work for us to do. No wonder idle people are susceptible to temptations. Don’t open yourself up to an unnecessary and unproductive lifestyle. We should be determined each day to be carriers of goodness. What does doing good mean to you?

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. (‭Titus 3:14)

As Paul delivered his final conclusion to Titus, he wrote that “our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives” (‭Titus 3:14). Paul knew that when believers live unprofitable lives, it directly affects our testimony of Christ Jesus. Imagine living the opposite of what you preach. What message will you be transmitting to the world? Christ in us should be a mark for godliness and righteousness. You cannot claim to live for Christ when your life speaks for the devil. Just Like the Cretan church, we must also be intentional about devoting ourselves to doing what is good. If we remain idle and unprofitable, we cannot even provide for our own needs. Believers have been called to demonstrate to the world what it means to live for God. Being profitable and devoted to doing what is good, is part of our calling. Never excuse yourself from doing those things that bring growth,  increase and development.

Knowledge of the fact that we have been called to do good and live profitable lives should constantly remind us of the need to be mindful of what we do. We shouldn’t be counted together with evil doers and unbelievers. Whatever we do, should stem from a heart committed to making Christ known. If Christ is not the reason for our godliness, we tend to gratify our selfish desires. As we continue our Christian journey, we should always be prepared to do good. Be always ready and prepared to make an impact in your generation.

The letter to Titus (Part 13)

Dealing with a divisive person can be quite a hurdle. Such people are usually bent on causing confusion wherever they go. They spread rumors, gossip and orchestrate stories that spike up arguments and strife. When a divisive person meets person A, they have a different story to share. Similarly, whatever person A says can be distorted in a reported speech to persons B and C. As the circle goes on, a divisive person succeeds in creating enmity and strife among friends and family. Although it might sometimes be easy to identify a divisive person, it is not always the case. Be on the lookout so you do not become a prey to their tactics. Christians have been called as peacemakers on earth. Never kowtow to any act that leads to division and confusion.

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.  You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (‭Titus 3:10-11)

As Paul was about to conclude his apostolic letter to Titus, he made a very profound statement: “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.  You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.” (‭Titus 3:10-11). Paul understood that in the church could be men and women with the ultimate goal to cause conflict and division within the body of Christ. Paul’s advice to Titus was that such persons should be warned at least twice and if they fail to listen, Titus should have nothing to do with them. In other words, Titus shouldn’t patronize divisive people if they fail to change their ways. The church stands the risk of being despised by the world if we are riddled with division and confusion.

As Paul advised Titus to stay away from divisive people, so must we purpose to be agents of peace. We should learn how to avoid conflict and division in the house of God. As an agent of transformation, the church should be a place where lives are transformed by the word of God. As we are transformed and renewed, we should also be intentional to avoid instances that cause division in order to avoid self-condemnation. The church of God is a place where broken lives are mended. Believers have the mandate to share God’s love with a broken society.  Let’s consider ways we can become agents of peace.

The letter to Titus (Part 12)

Have you ever experienced a heated argument that is totally irrelevant? Growing up in a small community, it was so common to witness heated arguments about almost everything that is not profitable. I experienced adults who spent most of their day at community centers doing nothing and arguing about everything. Unfortunately most of these men were jobless and spent the most part of their day doing nothing. It is good to socialize but if the conversations and arguments are baseless, it is an unprofitable use of time. Time is money, they say. If you waste time, you are more likely to never recoup it. Be careful of what engages you. If it is not profitable, avoid it.

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9)

Paul understood that Titus stood the risk of arguing with others concerning his faith in Jesus Christ and in relation to matters of the law. This was more likely to stem from the circumcision group,  those who believe that salvation is tied to circumcision. Should Titus defend the stand that Gentiles don’t need circumcision to be accepted by the Lord, that would likely bring in arguments and quarrels. Paul had to resolve some of these issues in his previous letters to other places. To mitigate the influence of such conversations, Paul admonished Titus to “avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9). According to Paul, there was no need to make arguments about things that do not contribute to growth and development. Imagine Titus spending all his day refuting others on matters of the law instead of teaching them things pertaining to godliness and eternal life.

Many of us have become susceptible to unnecessary controversies and arguments. Instead of spending quality time sharing with others the word of God, we end up arguing about controversies that do not have any impact on kingdom growth. We have been called to bear fruit that remains and fruit-bearing is an intentional effort on the part of the believer. We need to make intentional efforts to cut off all things that hinder growth and development. These include unnecessary and unprofitable controversies and arguments. Instead, we should spend time in the word of God to be equipped. Just as we have been admonished to stay away from foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments, we should also be careful not to share information that will likely lead to unprofitable arguments. In the 21st century, information travel very fast because of access to technology. We should use technology wisely as tools for transformation. Never be a part of a skeptic generation that shares false, divisive news about the body of Christ. Before you share it to all your contacts, consider how that news will equip the body of Christ. If God is not glorified in the story, it is as well not needed in the body of Christ.

The letter to Titus (Part 11)

One major cause of division in the body of Christ is refusing to live at peace with all people. Whenever the church is divided by factors such as racism, ethnic affiliations among many others, the church becomes a weak representation of the kingdom of God. It is very important and necessary that church leadership put everything in place to ensure that the house of God represents that oneness in Christ. As part of Paul’s letter to Titus concerning the church in Crete, Paul made it clear that the believer has to eschew disunity and be at peace with one another. Can you identify some causes of strife in the body of Christ?

to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (‭Titus 3:2)

Paul was aware of the attitude of the Cretans and renegade leaders who were bent on infiltrating the godly seed that was planted in the hearts of the people. In Paul’s letter, he admonishes Titus to remind the people that they have been saved to do good and not evil. In a previous blog, we saw that Paul admonished the people to be subject to rulers and authorities in anticipation of doing what is good. Paul continued to admonish the people “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus 3:2). This advice is not just relevant to the church in Crete but even to us at the present day. It is important that we live at peace with all, even those who do not share the same faith with us. Being considerate of other people’s needs and showing gentleness is a sign of growth and maturity. Paul noted that, prior to their conversion (and to the wider Christian community), this was their state:
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)

Indeed, we have been saved by grace from all our past sins and we have been saved to do good works. Paul puts it this way: “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” (‭Titus 3:8). Therefore, even as we approach each day, we should have the mindset that we have been saved to do good. Carefully consider your ways: Are you representing the kingdom of God on earth? Is goodness flowing from you to others?

The letter to Titus (Part 10)

One of the convictions believers must hold dearly is the fact that we have been saved to do good works. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul wrote that “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10). Doing good work includes being submissive to authority. The Bible speaks against rebellion and equates it with witchcraft. When Saul failed to wait for Samuel’s arrival before presenting an offering to God, Samuel told Saul that “rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” (‭1 Samuel 15:23). Because Saul failed to obey the words of Samuel, Saul was rejected as king. It is therefore important that believers are reminded of the need to be obedient to rulers and authorities.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good (‭Titus 3:1)

In his letter to Titus, Paul succinctly admonished Titus to remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good (‭Titus 3:1). Submission to rulers and authorities is our godly responsibility. Believers are admonished several times in scripture to be intentional in obeying their leaders. In our obedience,  we should also be ready to do whatever is good. This point is very important and necessary. Our obedience to authority should not be a yardstick for disobeying God. We should do what is good and eschew whatever is evil. If the demands of rulers and authorities require us disobeying the words of God, we should know where our allegiance and priorities are.

Service to man, they say, is service to God. However, not all services to humanity are God-glorifying. As we make a conscious effort to be subjected to authority, we should also understand that any authority, institution, laws and regulations that contradicts the word of God should be approached with all caution. Our goal is to be ready to do whatever is good. For example, God created the world for humankind to dwell on it. Any activity that promotes the destruction of the natural vegetation, animals, hurting or extermination of humans, among others are activities we should stay away from. Whether you voted for your current leader or you did not vote, their authority over you should be viewed from the viewpoint of obedience not disobedience. Christianity is a lifestyle that must be lived intentionally. The rulers and authorities might not be our favourite people, yet, we are reminded to be subject unto them and be ready to do whatever is good. This is part of our salvation journey.

The letter to Titus (Part 9)

Paul’s letter to Titus touched on very important and basic truths that aid in believers growth. Paul also dealt with the need to rid the church of renegades leadership who infiltrate the church with their own teachings that go contrary to the doctrines of the church. Paul then takes the time to instruct Titus on the instructions relevant for the different categories of people in the church. All these important discussions are relevant for church growth and for individual growth of the members. Titus, a young leader, was also admonished to let his life be an example to the believers. In this letter, Paul also wrote on the grace of God that has appeared to all men.

Paul wrote that:
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
‭(Titus 2:11-14).
Paul, the apostle who is well noted for the several times he used the word grace in the New Testament, ended this letter with a reminder that it is the grace of God that offers salvation to all people. This is a reminder that “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (‭Ephesians 2:8). Paul also reminds Titus that grace is not a license for lawlessness but “it teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” In another place in the New Testament,  Paul cautions the church this: “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” (‭Romans 6:15).
Paul reminds us that we need to live self-controlled and godly lives “while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

Paul concludes this section by admonishing Titus the following: “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” (‭Titus 2:15). As a young man, Titus stood the risk of being despised by the older people. Paul encouraged Titus to rebuke with all authority and not to allow anyone look down on him because of his age. Many of us stand the risk of looking down on leadership especially when we are older and more mature than those who have authority over us. In this letter,  Paul reminds us that the shepherds set over us deserve  our respect. Once again, we need to be reminded that we have been saved by God’s grace. However, we should never consider this grace as license for misbehavior in the church.

The letter to Titus (Part 8)

Our relationship with our employees/employers should be one that is God-glorifying. We cannot claim to love God, honour our church leaders, respect the members of our church and maltreat our employees/employers. Whatever we do to any one should be done with the understanding that we are doing it for the Lord. As Paul continued his instructions to Titus concerning raising a church that meets God’s standards, Paul also admonished Titus to encourage slaves to serve their masters well. At the time of this letter, slaves were workers bought by a master to work for them. Slaves were assigned several jobs depending on what the master does. Sometimes, slaves would escape from their masters just like Onesimus escaped from Philemon. Some of these slaves also heard the gospel and became believers. Paul admonished the slaves through Titus that their new life in Christ should not be that of rebellion but of obedience. Doing that, they will make the teaching of Christ worthwhile.

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.‭ (Titus 2:9-10)‬

In Titus 2:9-10, Paul admonish Titus to “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.” The following key points are important.  First, slaves were to be taught to be subject to their masters in everything. Second, slaves were to please their masters. Thirdly, slaves shouldn’t talk back to their masters. In addition to these, slaves should not steal from their masters. However,  by their godliness,  slaves should rather show to their masters that they can be fully trusted. According to Paul, such a lifestyle will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive. Here, we see Paul redefining the Slave-Master relationship in every way. The popular notions about this relationship in the days this letter was written was not so attractive. Some slaves were fond of squandering their masters’ resources and such slaves, if arrested, were dealt with harshly. Here Paul’s letter was to have a relationship that is not built in the world’s system but on the understanding that in Christ, there is neither slave nor free. A cordial and lovely relationship between a slave and the master cancels the societal perceptions of this relationship.

Similarly, we have also been called to demonstrate Christ wherever we go. Our workplaces are very important marketplaces for evangelism. We may not have the pulpits to preach at work, but by our lives and approach to our work, we should make it obvious for all to know that we are different. We should learn to appreciate those who are our leaders. Serving in love and humility is not a sign of weakness. We should stay away from malicious people, wicked co-workers, and serve with all diligence as if working for the Lord. We should not make room for people to doubt our faith. Our conversations should be seasoned with salt. We should be trustworthy in all our ways. We cannot promote Christ with our words and promote the devil by our lifestyles. That is living two different lifestyles. As we desire to make Christ known everywhere and everyday, our workplaces should also experience the love of Christ through us. If Jesus was your manager, would you have served Him like you are serving your current manager? If your answer is NO, you still need to have a change of mind.

The letter to Titus (Part 7)

The strength and stamina of young men can be useful assets for church growth. The energy possessed by young men can be instruments in church planting, evangelical crusades and even personal level evangelism. However, it is also possible that the same young men can become a snare to the church if their energies are channeled into wrong endeavours. Therefore, it is important for the church to acknowledge the presence of young men, train and equip them, and institute mentorship programs to aid their spiritual growth. If these are done with intentionality, the church would raise a formidable army of young men who are resilient and ready at all times to be kingdom ambassadors. As Paul delivered instructions to Titus on how to deal with different groups of people in the church, Paul also implored Titus on how to deal with the young men.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ‭(Titus 2:6)

In ‭Titus 2:6-8, Paul admonished Titus this: “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” To Paul, self-control is a virtue that the young men need to possess. Thus, the ability for the young men to control themselves, in particular their emotions and desires or the expression of their behavior, especially in difficult situations or when emotionally charged is very important. Without self-control, the young man is like a city without walls, he can get easily broken through. Titus was also expected by Paul to set them an example by doing what is good in everything. In other words, as the young men look up to Titus, they should see an example worth emulating. As a young man, Titus was expected to show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned in his teaching. Like a mirror, the life of Titus was expected to reflect the message he was teaching. These days, many preachers do not practice what they preach. They hide under the cover of their authority and commit outrageous sins that they themselves would ostracize their members for. Paul’s message was clear: Titus should practice what he was preaching.

According to Paul, living a life without blemish will silence those who oppose Titus. In the words of Paul, “so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Our lives as believers attract good or bad comments from people all over. If we live contrary to what we practice, we are likely to face backlash and opposition from others. Christian young men are expected to glorify God with their lifestyles. If there is no difference between us and the world, our message is of no power. In a world where social vices are rampant, having a generation of godly young men who are ready to make a positive impact in the nations is the way to go.

The letter to Titus (Part 6)

Women are very important in church history. Even in the 21st, it is a known fact that for a church to thrive, a few women are needed to carry the vision across. Naturally, women tend to be affable and their friendliness lend them to become great points of contact for every new ministry. However, when the church fails to equip the women in the church with the necessary tools needed for spiritual growth, the same women can become agents of retrogression. Therefore, it is important that the church becomes a place where both men and women are nurtured to grow in the things of God. In Paul’s letter to Titus, after addressing the older men, Paul then addressed the need to teach the women in the church. Paul focused on 2 groups of women: the older women and the younger women. We need to understand that both the older and younger women are very important in God’s agenda. From the early days of church history till date, we see God using both older and younger women for different kingdom assignments.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ‭(Titus 2:3)

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he emphasized that, Titus should “teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” (Titus 2:3). Thus, the older women are to be taught to live responsibly and respectfully, avoiding gossip, blabbering and not as wine blabbers. These vices can cause great confusion in the church if not dealt with. However, when the older women eschew these vices, then they can teach what is good. Afterall, it is more profitable to practice what one teaches. In the words of Paul to Titus, it is after the older women have imbibed and practicalized these godly principles, “then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” (‭Titus 2:4-5).‬ In other words, the virtues that Paul talks about must not just be messages the older women preach to the younger women. It should be a lifestyle that would be easy to emulate by the younger women.

The older women were to teach the younger women marriage and home management (love their husbands and children, to be busy at home, subject to their husbands), self-control and purity (before marriage and after marriage), kindness (compassion to one another). According to Paul, when these virtues are demonstrated in the younger women, they stand as a barrier against people maligning the word of God. Imagine if younger women in the church have been taught to demonstrate these values, the people of the world will identify the difference Christ makes. Paul’s letter appealed that this mentorship role be entrusted into the hands of the older women. Thus, the older women would be equipped by Titus and they in turn will be able to equip the younger women with their lifestyles. This is true in many churches, where there are no good mentors for the young woman to look up to, there is a high possibility for young women in such churches to live anyhow. Mentorship and discipleship are relevant for holistic approach to spiritual growth.

If you are an older woman, let your life be the mirror that reflects Christ to the younger women. Dear young woman, be willing and ready to be taught. Never undermine the wisdom of the older generation because you have higher educational credentials. Your PhD is not equal to lessons acquired from sitting under the feet of a godly woman. Be humble enough to learn and be versatile enough to teach others. Remain blessed!

The Letter to Titus (Part 5)

One of the challenges in the 21st century church is dealing with generational issues with the different age groups. While it is important that the younger generation gives to the older generation the needed respect, it is also important that the older generation respect and appreciate the presence of the younger generation as a complement to the kingdom of God. An older man who lacks self respect and as such treats others with disdain, harsh words and unpleasant actions is likely to receive similar responses back. In Paul’s letter Titus, he outlines how Titus should teach the older men in order to bring both physical and spiritual growth in the church. The older men could refer to men who have attained the age of maturity and possibly married (with children or not).

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. (‭Titus 2:2)‬

Paul’s instructions to Titus concerning the older men was simple: “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (‭Titus 2:2)‬. There are a couple of relevant subjects in this verse.

First, Paul tasked Titus to teach the older men to be temperate: that is showing moderation or self-restraint. It is important that the older men learn how to be moderate so that they can teach the younger ones. More especially in respect of what is consumed.

The second virtue was for the older men to be worthy of respect. ‘Respect is earned’ is a popular cliché and as absurd as this sound, if you fail to make your life worthy of respect, even the youngest of children might look down on you. The way a man carries himself,  deals with life’s challenges, and responds to internal and external conflicts are all important in creating a positive self image. If a man’s approach to issues is flawed, lacks moral integrity and motivated by financial gains, such a man has lost respect.

The third virtue Paul tasked Titus to teach the older men is self-control. A man without self-control is like a city without walls. He can be attacked at any time. Such a man is also likely to allow unnecessary character deformities to ruin their own lives.

Another important virtue the older men were to be instructed on was to make them sound in faith. A man without sound faith is likely to be tossed about by every wind of doctrine. Such a person cannot help himself to even help others. It is important that the older men in the church have a good understanding and grasp of the fundamentals of our faith. This soundness in faith was to be taught in love and endurance.  Paul urged Titus to teach older men that their faith should be demonstrated by their love and endurance.

These virtues taken altogether would equip the man of God to be well-grounded in faith and also to be able to serve as good mentors for the younger ones. A man who lacks these virtues is likely to approach the things of God with lack of godliness and wisdom. A man who lacks self-restraint, lacks respect, is not self-controlled, and does not have a sound faith is more likely to be a disaster waiting to explode in the house of God. The least opportunity will trigger such a person to undertake all sorts of vices. The older men deserve our prayers and support. Be always willing to support them in prayers and also hold their hands to stand when they are in delicate positions. Don’t delight in their fall, delight to see them rise in the Lord. Bear our older men in prayers. They are not immune to sin!