Titus

Theme 1 : Christians are to be godly people and to live lives different from the world which please Christ. Paul told Titus to appoint elders or pastors who were holy, lovers of goodness , devout and self controlled. (1:5-8). He told Titus that he was to teach believers to be godly and to emphasize self control. Paul instructed him to be a model of good works and in his teaching to show integrity(2:1-7). He told Titus that as believers waited for the coming of Christ they were to be godly for Christ had redeemed them to be set apart for him as a people zealous for good deeds. (2:14). Christians are to be obedient to those in authority, ready to do good, speaking ill of no one , avoiding quarrels and being gentle and courteous to all people. ( 3:1-2).

Theme 2: Christians need to be aware of the essentials of their faith and not be led astray from their purpose due to focusing on non essentials. Paul told Titus to appoint elders or pastors who had a grasp of the Scriptures , who were able to teach sound doctrine and to refute those who contradicted the gospel. ( 1:8-9). He also told Titus to rebuke those who taught what was wrong , allowing believers to grow strong in the faith and keeping them from myths. ( 1:11-14). In his closing words to Titus Paul encouraged Titus to avoid controversy over Jewish law and to shun a person who taught false doctrine after speaking to them twice and encouraging them to come back to the faith. (3:9-10). Thus it is crucial to focus on the Scripture and not modern ideas.