Sunday School Lesson 12: The Rules of Life, Titus 1:1-3, Titus 2:11-15, August 18, 2024.
Key Text: The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13).
Titus accompanied Paul on numerous missionary endeavors. As a Gentile, he came under pressure during his visit to Jerusalem. But Paul stood firm on Titus’s behalf as he maintained his mission to the Gentiles. Paul’s letter to Titus established guidelines for Titus’ ministry. As a church planter, Titus was responsible for starting new churches around the island of Crete. Since these new believers needed guidance in the faith, he helped with the selection and preparation of the various pastors and the caution against false teachers and others who harmed the church. Certain greedy men had infiltrated the churches, teaching myths and superstitions to defraud the people financially. Consequently, both Titus and the pastors he appointed had to have impeccable character.
Paul spoke on behalf of and by the authority of Jesus “for the faith of God’s elect” (God’s initiative in salvation) v 1. Paul served for the knowledge of the truth and he encouraged the spiritual growth of believers by increasing “knowledge” so people might live in “the hope of eternal life.” This hope was guaranteed by Christ and it rested on the character of God, “who cannot lie” v 2. Even “before time began,” before creation, God planned a way for us to have eternal life. And God’s promise of redemption was revealed “in His own time” v 3. Paul then linked the orthodoxy of right beliefs with the orthopraxy of right living through the source in “the grace of God” (2:11). God’s grace appeared with “salvation” and it was made available to “all people.” God’s grace also instructs us how to live in the present age and it trains believers to deny godlessness and worldly lusts” v v 12.
Jesus was received up into glory and will return in glory. When He appears, believers shall appear with Him in glory v13. Then, the hope of this glory belongs to our great God and Savior, Jesus; and, it causes us to rejoice.
Paul affirmed that the object of Jesus’ death was to “redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for his own possession eager to do good works” v 14. The desire to live holy lives and pursue activities that please the Lord is because He cleansed us and set us apart to represent Him in this world. Paul reminded Titus to live and lead in such a manner that no one could “ despise or disregard him” v 15. AMEN!
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