This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Titus, the 56th book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 22nd January 2023.

About this book

This book of the Bible is a short letter from the apostle Paul to Titus, a young pastor on the island of Crete. Titus task is to appoint elders in each city, choosing men of spiritual character as Paul sets out – but this letter is not only relevant to Titus, or to pastors, but to each of us – for we all should have an understanding of both what godly leadership looks like, and the purpose of it. Having set out what godly leadership looks like, Paul then notes the doctrine they should teach, and the result of it – good works and close walk with the Lord.

About this study

Sometimes the third chapter, and specifically verse 8, gets all the attention in this short letter – that we should do good works. However, that cannot be isolated from the first two chapters, where Paul set the foundation of sound leadership in the church, and sound doctrine in the church, which very things should lead to those good works which we do as Christians; not to earn our salvation – but rather, in response to it. Indeed we cannot live a God-pleasing life without good works.

Application questions

• Do you hold your tongue from speaking evil of anyone?
• Are you peaceable, gentle and humble in the way you approach others?
• What are you doing to maintain good works? What are you doing?