Introduction
As Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul wrote to Titus giving him instruction and encouragement. Titus had been assigned to care for the church on the Island of Crete.
Titus, Chapter 1
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for set of questions.
Titus 1:1-4
1. Read Acts 2:5-12. Under what circumstances do we first hear of people from the Island of Crete (Cretans)?
2. From Titus 1:1, what does Paul say his purpose is?
3. What does the truth he teaches give to those who listen?
4. Who gave Paul this work to do?
5. Read 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 7:5-6. What do we learn of Titus and his relationship to Paul from these verses?
Titus 1:5-9
6. Why was Titus on the Island of Crete and who sent him there?
7. What faults are elders to avoid?
8. What positive qualities are elders to have?
9. Why is it important for elders to have strong faith in the message?
10. How do you see the elder’s role fulfilled in the church today?
Titus 1:10-11
11. Compare today’s verses with 1 Timothy 1:6. Who was Paul referring to in these verses?
12. Read Romans 2:25-29. Why was it wrong to insist on circumcision for salvation?
13. What makes a true believer?
14. From verse 11, would you say that the church is to be tolerant of all views and opinions? State why or why not.
Titus 1:12-14
In verse 12, Paul refers to the general cultural conditions that Cretans had been known for. The quotation he gives is said to refer to that of Epimenides of Knossos, a philosopher from Crete in around 500 BC. The Cretans had a particularly colorful culture and claimed that the god Zeus once lived on Crete as a mere man and his tomb was said to be there. In 200 BC, it was said “Cretans are always liars!” Their religious lies had opened the door to moral corruption.
15. Does Paul’s sweeping accusation about the Cretans, in uncomplimentary terms, focus on the culture as a whole or on the false teachers?
16. Cretan believers came out of this background. Read Ephesians 2:9-13. Do you think it is ever helpful to remember our lives before Christ? Why or why not?
17. See 1 Timothy 5:20. What is to be done for those who continue in sin but are part of the church?
18. What is to be the result of this action?
Titus 1:15-16
Paul contrasts those with a pure heart with the corrupt and unbelieving.
19. What do you think Paul means by “everything is pure to those with pure hearts”? See Luke 11:39-41 and Romans 14:14-20.
20. How does the way we live show that we know God? See 1 John 2:3-6.
21. If our obedience to God is the demonstration of our love for Him, why is acceptance of false teaching such a threat?
Titus, Chapter 2
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each set of questions.
Titus 2:1-5
1. In contrast to the false teaching from verse 1, what kind of teaching did Paul want Titus to engage in?
2. Summarize the teaching to older men.
3. From verses 3a and 5b, what is the end goal of the kind of living Paul instructs?
4. Summarize the teaching to older women.
Titus 2:6-8
5. How is Titus to encourage the young men to live?
6. What does Paul tell Titus to do?
7. In the end, what about Titus’ teaching will end condemnation or criticism?
8. Describe how important you think it is for one who teachers to live an exemplary life?
Titus 2:9-10
9. What did Paul require of slaves?
10. Read Ephesians 6:5-8. Who is said to be the real Master and the One who is to be pleased by their work?
11. Explain how these verses apply to anyone working today? What examples do you know of?
12. What is the ultimate benefit for working as to the Lord according to Ephesians 6:8?
Titus 2:11-13
13. What is the believer to turn from, or say “no” to in this life?
14. How is the believer to live in this sinful world or present age?
15. What is it we are waiting for according to verse 13?
Titus 2:14-15
16. What did Christ do for us according to verse 14?
17. As His very own people, what are we expected to do?
18. What does Paul charge Titus to do in verse 15a?
19. What does he have the authority to do?
20. Are you open to Biblical correction in your own life? What might this look like? Can you give an example that you have experienced?
Titus, Chapter 3
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each set of questions.
Titus 3:1
1. What is Titus to remind the people of in verse 1?
2. Why are Christians to submit to civil authority? Read Romans 13:1-6
3. How does God work through government authority, according to Romans?
4. Since God works through the government, what do you think the Christian’s role in government should be?
Titus 3:2-3
5. What are the characteristics of believers in verse 2?
6. Before knowing Christ, what was our experience according to verse 3?
7. What led us to such behavior?
8. What attitude towards others did this result in?
Titus 3:4-7
9. What happens when God’s kindness and love is revealed?
10. What does the Holy Spirit do in this process?
11. How do we have access to the Holy Spirit, through whom does it come?
12. According to verse 7, what is our confident hope because of God’s grace (kindness)?
Titus 3:8-11
13. What does Paul anticipate will be the result of teaching about God’s kindness, love and grace?
14. What does Paul caution as a waste of time?
15. In what ways do we violate this caution today?
16. What is the reason Paul gives for some people to cause divisions?
17. What is to be done with them?
18. What do you think that might look like in the church today?
Titus 3:12-15
19. What did Paul want Titus to do in verse 12?
20. What does Paul say believers must learn to do?
21. In what ways might this be needed today?
22. What does Paul want to be prevented in the believer’s life?
23. How do you think this happens today? How can it be avoided?
24. What are the main principles from Titus that you want to embrace in your own life?