Titus study section

Titus themes

Titus develops doctrine and good works together, godly leadership, and grace that trains.

1. Sound Doctrine and Good Works Together

Titus insists that right belief produces right living. Sound doctrine is not abstract; it “accords with godliness” and produces a people “zealous for good works” that “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”

2. Qualified Church Leadership

Titus is to appoint elders “above reproach,” of proven character and family, who “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught” so they can teach sound doctrine and rebuke those who contradict it.

3. The Grace That Trains for Godliness

“The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation... training us to renounce ungodliness... to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.” Grace is not opposed to holiness but is its very school.

4. The Blessed Hope

Believers live “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” The expectation of Christ’s return shapes godly living in the present age.

5. Salvation by Mercy, Not Works

God “saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Salvation is God’s gift, received by grace.

6. Refuting Error and Avoiding Division

Titus must silence false teachers and rebuke sharply, but also avoid foolish controversies and divisions, warning a divisive person twice before having nothing more to do with him. The church’s peace and truth are both to be guarded.