Good morning,
The book of Titus tells how Paul encourages Titus to plant the church in Crete.
Chapter one tells us of Paul’s mission for Titus, the problem and problem makers at Crete, the witness against the Cretians, and the solution to the problem.
This week we will focus on each of these items.
The problems and problem makers at Crete (1:10-11, 15-16)
The problem (1:10-11)
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
The character of these difficult people (1:15-16)
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
The problems Titus faced in the first century are the same we face today. People who do not care about the truth, but pervert it. They try to deceive church members by division, false teaching, and outright lies.
They deny God, His teachings, and His people. Some seem very nice and can be very convincing, but they are of the devil.
We will know them because what they say, what they do, and their manner of life are not in agreement with Scripture.
That does presuppose that people who name the name of Christ, call themselves believers in Christ, and say they are Christians know what God’s word says. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many church’s today do not teach their congregation the Bible. Many of the ones that do, do not teach the Bible correctly.
That is why Church goers are easy prey for the deceivers.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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