Leading With The Truth {Titus 1}
Titus was a redeemed Gentile and beloved companion of Paul who referred to him as, “my true child in a common faith”, (v. 4) and “my partner and fellow worker.” (2 Cor. 8:23) He traveled with Paul to Corinth, Antioch, Jerusalem, and the island of Crete, where Titus remained to begin the task entrusted to him. The church at Crete was struggling, so Paul wanted Titus to appoint elders as overseers before eventually rejoining him in Nicopolis. Not an easy job since the church was being heavily influenced by the immorality of the Cretan culture. The men Titus chose were to be spiritual and above reproach. They would have to stand strong against the evil and ungodly influences which surrounded them, thereby leading others with the truth of God’s Word.
Paul begins by describing the character of those chosen. They were not to be, “self-willed, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self controlled” (vs.7-8) I’m sure that narrowed the list of potential men down quite a bit. For even the strongest of Christians, if not on guard, can find themselves falling prey to the temptation of worldly living. Much like today, the believers at Crete lived in a society which was trying to rid itself of God. The church was being corrupted by false doctrine and the depravity of the day. God called the believers in Crete to stand strong in the truth of His Word. A calling He also gives to us. He wants us to lead godly lives, allowing Christ to work in and and through us, drawing others to Him.
How do we do this? By “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able to both exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” To hold fast literally means to hold your position, or to hold tightly onto something. We are to hold on tightly to God and His Word. For His strength is unshakable and His Word is true. When we know what God says and hold it in our hearts, we won't be led astray by false teachers, wrong doctrines, and those “who turn away from the truth” (v. 14).
The truth of God’s Word is also a protection against “Christians” who, “profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him” (v. 16) As followers of Jesus we are to lead lives set apart from the world and which reflect His character. Being diligent to, “present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) Sadly many who profess to love God instead lead lives of compromise, trying to balance one foot in the world and one foot in the Word. Busy trying to please both. But as Matthew 6:24 tells us, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and hate the other.” When believers don’t practice what they preach, the credibility of their testimony is ruined. And those who live in complete disobedience to God become, “detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.” (v. 16) The world is watching. Is it clear to all who see you who it is you serve? Are your actions speaking louder than your words?