Titus 1: Expository Preaching & Study Guide

Overview

Titus 1 opens Paul‘s pastoral letter to his trusted co-worker Titus, who had been left on the island of Crete to establish and organize the local churches. Paul begins with a rich theological greeting that affirms God’s sovereignty, the hope of eternal life, and the truth of the gospel. The central focus of the chapter is the appointment of qualified elders and the urgent need for doctrinal soundness and moral integrity within the church leadership.

Paul stresses the importance of sound teaching and godly leadership in contrast to false teachers who threaten the spiritual health of the Cretan believers. The chapter reveals that church structure is not a human invention but a divine design intended to preserve the truth and promote godliness.

Key theological concerns include biblical eldership, the role of sound doctrine, and the danger of false teachers, all within the framework of God’s sovereign plan and the believer’s sanctified life.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context

Authorship: Written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 63–65, likely after his first Roman imprisonment and prior to his final imprisonment and martyrdom.
Recipient: Titus, a trusted Gentile co-worker of Paul (Gal. 2:3), known for his strength in confronting issues and organizing church affairs (cf. 2 Corinthians).
Setting: The letter addresses the young churches on the island of Crete, a place known in the ancient world for moral corruption, laziness, and deceitfulness (Titus 1:12).
Purpose: Paul writes to instruct Titus on how to “put in order what was left unfinished” (v.5) and to appoint elders who would lead with integrity and defend the faith against false teachers.

Literary Context

Titus is one of the Pastoral Epistlesfoundational chapter, laying the groundwork for the rest of the epistle. It combines theological precision with practical instruction, presenting qualifications for elders and exposing the deceitfulness of false teachers.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God (vv. 1–3)

Paul begins by grounding his apostleship in God’s electing purpose: “for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
This affirms divine sovereignty in salvation—God chooses, God saves, and God sustains.
The hope of eternal life is “promised before the beginning of time” and now made known through the preaching of the Word (v. 2–3).
Application: Church leaders must root their ministry in God’s eternal plan, not human invention or popularity.

2. Biblical Qualifications for Elders (vv. 5–9)

Paul commands Titus to appoint elders (presbuteroi) in every town, showing the local nature of biblical church leadership.
Elders must be above reproach (not perfect, but without chargeable offense), faithful in their family life, and morally upright.
Spiritual character is prioritized over skill—traits like self-control, hospitality, love of good, discipline, and sound doctrine are emphasized.
Elders must “hold firmly to the trustworthy message” to encourage sound doctrine and refute error (v. 9).
Application: Church leadership is not a matter of charisma or competence alone but a reflection of one’s integrity, faith, and doctrinal fidelity.

3. The Danger of False Teachers (vv. 10–16)

Paul warns of many “rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception,” especially from the circumcision group—likely Judaizers who mixed the gospel with legalism.
These false teachers upset households and teach “for dishonest gain.”
Paul quotes a Cretan poet: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons”—then affirms its truth. This cultural backdrop sets the urgency for strong leadership and sound correction.
False teachers are described as detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good (v. 16).
Application: Leaders must be alert to doctrinal corruption and cultural compromise, boldly confronting deception with truth.

4. Godliness as the Goal of Truth (v. 1; v. 16)

The knowledge of truth leads to godliness (v. 1).
By contrast, those who “claim to know God but deny him by their actions” are shown to be false (v. 16).
Right theology must produce righteous living.
Application: A truly biblical ministry aims not just at information, but transformation—lives that reflect Christ.

Doctrinal Summary Points

God is sovereign over salvation and history (v. 2)
Scripture and apostolic teaching are trustworthy and authoritative (v. 3, 9)
Church leadership must be godly, not merely gifted (v. 6–8)
False teaching is destructive and must be opposed (v. 10–11)
Truth and godliness are inseparable (v. 1, 16)

These teachings affirm biblical inerrancy, the sufficiency of Scripture, and God’s unchanging standards for church leadership and sound doctrine.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Titus 1:1-3 – Paul’s Introduction and Apostolic Purpose

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness…”

Servant (Greek: doulos) – A bondservant, fully surrendered to God’s will. Paul introduces himself with humility and mission.
Apostle – Sent one; Paul claims divine commissioning for the building up of the church.
God’s elect – A reference to those chosen by God for salvation, showing the sovereignty of God in salvation (cf. Ephesians 1:4-5; 2 Timothy 1:9).
Truth that leads to godliness – Genuine faith transforms life. Theology must produce piety.
Promised before time began – God’s plan of salvation was set in eternity past (cf. 2 Timothy 1:9-10).
Manifested through preaching – God uses the proclamation of His Word to bring life (Rom. 10:17).

Application: Church leaders must see preaching not as optional but as a divine means to spread eternal truth and build godly lives.

Titus 1:4 – Greeting to Titus

“To Titus, my true son in our common faith…”

True son – Titus was a genuine convert and co-worker of Paul, emphasizing the personal discipleship model of ministry (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2).
Common faith – Jews and Gentiles share one faith in Christ.

Titus 1:5 – The Reason for Titus’s Assignment

“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished…”

Put in order (Greek: epidiorthoō) – To straighten further. The church must be structured and orderly, not haphazard (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Appoint elders in every town – Local churches need leadership grounded in Scripture.

Titus 1:6-9 – Qualifications of Elders

These qualifications parallel 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and focus on moral integrity, family life, doctrinal soundness, and spiritual maturity.

“An elder must be blameless…”

Blameless – Not sinless, but beyond reproach.
Faithful to his wife – A one-woman man; sexual fidelity is essential.
Children who believe – Demonstrated godly influence in the home.
Not overbearing or quick-tempered – Leadership must be patient and peaceable.
Hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined – Internal and external godliness.
Hold firmly to the trustworthy message – Elders must know, teach, and defend sound doctrine (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15; Jude 3).

Application: The church must evaluate leaders not by talent or popularity, but by character and commitment to truth.

Titus 1:10-14 – Rebuke of False Teachers

“For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception…”

Rebellious – These individuals reject authority and truth (cf. 2 Peter 2:1).
Especially those of the circumcision group – Legalists promoting works-righteousness.
Must be silenced – False teaching is spiritually toxic; leaders must confront it (cf. Galatians 1:6-9).
One of Crete’s own prophets has said… This testimony is true – Paul affirms the island’s moral condition and the need for strong rebuke.
Rebuke them sharply – Loving correction includes strong confrontation for the sake of truth.

Titus 1:15-16 – The Nature of False Teachers

“To the pure, all things are pure…”

Purity of heart results in pure perception; false teachers are impure and thus corrupt all things (cf. Matt. 5:8).
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him – Hypocrisy. Orthodoxy without obedience is false faith (cf. James 2:14-17).
Detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work – Their lives reflect their rejection of the truth.

Application: Sound doctrine must lead to godly living. Believers must test teachers by both their doctrine and their deeds.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Christ as the Fulfillment of the Gospel Promise (vv. 2–3)

The hope of eternal life is “promised before the beginning of time” but “brought to light” through Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Timothy 1:10).
Jesus is the embodiment of God’s truth and grace (John 1:14; John 14:6).
His life, death, and resurrection fulfill God’s eternal plan and make eternal life possible (Rom. 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

2. Jesus as the Head of the Church (v. 5–9)

Elders must submit to Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), and lead His flock according to His Word.
Christ gives gifts to the church for its upbuilding, including pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-13).

3. Jesus the Standard of Godliness (v. 1, 16)

Godliness is found in conformity to Christ (Rom. 8:29).
False teachers deny Christ by their works; true believers reflect Christ through obedience (John 14:15).

Connection to God the Father

1. The Father’s Sovereign Plan (v. 2)

Eternal life was promised by God—the Father—before time began. This points to God’s eternal decree and sovereign will (Ephesians 1:4-5).
His faithfulness is emphasized: He “does not lie”—a contrast to the false teachers and the deceitful Cretan culture (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18).

2. The Father Sends and Authorizes Preaching (v. 3)

The Father entrusted Paul with the proclamation of the gospel (cf. Galatians 1:1, “not from man but by Jesus Christ and God the Father”).

3. The Father Cares for His Church through Ordained Leadership (v. 5)

God, as the Father of His people, provides order, care, and protection through the appointment of qualified leaders.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Though the Holy Spirit is not explicitly mentioned by name in Titus 1, His presence and work are deeply implied throughout the chapter. Here’s how:

1. The Spirit Inspires the Word and Sound Doctrine (vv. 1–3, 9)

Paul’s preaching and writing are Spirit-empowered (2 Peter 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:13).
Elders must “hold firmly to the trustworthy message”—this message is the Spirit-breathed Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Holy Spirit is the divine author of Scripture, guiding both content and application.

2. The Spirit Produces Godliness (v. 1)

Paul’s apostolic purpose is to build the faith and knowledge that leads to godliness, a direct result of the Spirit’s sanctifying work (Galatians 5:22-23).
Only the Spirit can transform hearts, forming Christlike character in believers.

3. The Spirit Empowers Discernment and Correction (vv. 9, 13)

Elders must refute those who oppose the truth, which requires Spirit-given wisdom, courage, and clarity (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Sharp rebuke (v. 13) must be Spirit-controlled, aiming not at condemnation but restoration.

4. The Spirit Marks the False from the True (vv. 15–16)

The Spirit of truth discerns hypocrisy from genuine faith (1 John 4:6).
The contrast between pure and impure (v. 15) echoes the Spirit’s role in revealing internal realities.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: “Truth That Leads to Godliness: Building the Church with Conviction and Character”

Text: Titus 1
Theme: God calls the church to appoint godly leaders, uphold sound doctrine, and boldly resist false teaching.

I. Introduction: The Need for Godly Leadership in a Corrupt Culture (vv. 1–4)

Paul’s greeting shows his authority, mission, and the foundation of gospel hope.
Illustration: A lighthouse in a storm – The church needs solid, unshakable leaders to guide it through moral and doctrinal confusion.

Application: Leadership begins with submitting to God’s truth, not human trends.

II. Appointing Elders of Conviction and Character (vv. 5–9)

God’s design: local churches governed by elders who are qualified by Scripture.
Character before competence. Doctrinal soundness before dynamic speaking.

Example: Hiring a pilot—you wouldn’t choose someone just because they’re friendly, but someone competent, disciplined, and tested.

Transition: Why is such careful leadership essential? Because danger is always present.

III. Confronting and Correcting False Teachers (vv. 10–14)

False teachers are deceivers and greedy opportunists. Their teaching destroys households.
Paul commands sharp rebuke, not soft compromise.

Illustration: A doctor giving chemo to treat cancer—false teaching is spiritual cancer that must be treated decisively, not politely ignored.

Application: Christians and leaders today must not tolerate what God condemns. Love confronts error.

IV. Living Lives That Match Our Confession (vv. 15–16)

“To the pure, all things are pure…” – Purity flows from within (cf. Matt.hew 15:11).
False teachers claim to know God but deny Him by their actions.

Modern Example: A counterfeit bill may look real but has no backing. Similarly, hypocritical faith looks convincing but lacks the Spirit’s truth.

Application: We are not called to impress with knowledge but to reflect Christ with integrity.

Conclusion: Call to Action

In an age of spiritual confusion, the church must:
- Appoint biblical leaders,
- Hold to sound doctrine,
- Confront error with truth,
- And live holy, Spirit-empowered lives.

Call to Action:

Church leaders: Evaluate yourself by God’s standards, not popularity.
Church members: Pray for, encourage, and submit to godly leadership.
Everyone: Embrace the gospel that changes not just your beliefs but your behavior.

Illustrations and Modern-Day Examples

1. Illustration: The Broken Compass

Imagine you are sailing at sea with a broken compass. Every direction looks right, but only one leads home.
This is the modern church without sound doctrine. False teachers offer attractive but deadly directions. Elders are called to protect the flock with true direction from God’s Word.

2. Analogy: Water Purifier

A water purifier removes contaminants to make water safe. Elders and leaders act like spiritual purifiers—filtering truth from error, keeping the church spiritually healthy.

3. Personal Story Example (Adaptable by Preacher)

“When I was a young Christian, I admired a pastor who spoke with power, but over time, cracks appeared. His character didn’t match his calling. It reminded me that charisma may inspire, but only character can lead.”

4. Cultural Comparison

In a world where influence is gained through social media followers, God’s design for leadership is radically different: it’s based on faithfulness, purity, and doctrinal integrity—not public image.

Here is the final portion of the Expository Bible Preaching, Sermon, and Study Guide for Titus 1, completing the study with practical applications, a connection to God’s love, and a link to broader biblical themes within the redemptive story of Scripture.

Application for Today’s Christian

Titus 1 offers powerful instruction for every believer—not just pastors or elders. It calls Christians to lives marked by integrity, sound doctrine, spiritual discernment, and faithful living in a morally confused world.

1. Discipleship: Be Grounded in Truth That Leads to Godliness (v. 1)

Paul connects truth with godliness. Christians today must pursue doctrinal understanding and personal holiness.
Practical step: Join or lead a Bible study that not only teaches Scripture but also challenges application in daily life.
Disciple others by modeling godly character and speaking truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

2. Stewardship: Guard the Gospel with Integrity and Courage (vv. 9, 13)

We are stewards of the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Christians must be ready to refute false teaching, especially in a culture of relativism.
Practical step: Equip yourself by reading sound Christian books, listening to expository preaching, and studying Scripture diligently.
Use your influence in your workplace, home, or online presence to promote biblical truth with humility and grace.

3. Godly Living: Reflect Christ in Word and Deed (vv. 15–16)

Professing Christ while living in hypocrisy damages your witness. Holiness matters.
Practical step: Conduct a personal “fruit check” (Galatians 5:22-23). Are the Spirit’s fruits evident in your daily life? Ask others who know you well for honest feedback.

4. Church Life: Support and Submit to Godly Leadership (vv. 5–9)

Not everyone is called to be an elder, but every Christian is called to honor and pray for their leaders (Hebrews 13:17).
Practical step: Pray regularly for your church leaders. Encourage them. Protect unity by refusing gossip or slander.

Connection to God’s Love

Although Titus 1 contains strong warnings and correction, it is ultimately an expression of God’s love and care for His people. His concern for truth, leadership, and holy living flows from His deep desire to see His people flourish in righteousness and experience redemption.

1. God’s Love Protects the Church

God provides biblical leadership not as a burden but as a safeguard. Like a loving father who protects his family, God gives elders to protect the church from deception and danger (Acts 20:28-31).

2. God’s Love Reveals the Truth

Truth is not oppressive—it is freeing. The knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness (v. 1) is a gift of grace. God’s Word lights our path (Ps. 119:105) and shields us from lies.

3. God’s Love Redeems Hypocrites and the Deceived

Even the false teachers of Titus 1, though rebuked sharply, are rebuked “so that they will be sound in the faith” (v. 13). God’s discipline aims at restoration, not just condemnation (Hebrews 12:6).
This reflects God’s heart: “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

Broader Biblical Themes

Titus 1 fits seamlessly into the grand narrative of Scripture, revealing the continuity of God’s plan from creation to redemption and final restoration.

1. Creation and Order

God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Just as He ordered the cosmos in Genesis 1, He desires His church to reflect His order through qualified leadership and sound doctrine (Titus 1:5).
Parallel: Genesis 1 → God speaks and brings form to chaos. Titus 1 → Paul speaks God’s Word to bring order to the Cretan churches.

2. Covenant and Community

The structure of leadership and the emphasis on godly living reflect God’s covenantal pattern—He calls a people, forms them through instruction, and sets them apart to be a light to the nations (Exodus 19:5-6).
Elders act as covenantal shepherds, maintaining the integrity of the church as God’s witness in the world.

3. Redemption and the Gospel

The promise of eternal life “before the beginning of time” (v. 2) ties the local church in Crete to the eternal redemptive plan revealed throughout Scripture (cf. Ephesians 1:4-10).
Christ is the center of this redemptive story, and the sound doctrine that elders defend is the good news of His saving grace (Titus 2:11).

4. Holiness and Restoration

God’s desire for a “blameless” elder and a godly people echoes His original purpose for humanity—to bear His image in holiness (Genesis 1:26; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
Titus 1 helps restore that image in the church by ensuring that spiritual leaders mirror Christ in conduct and doctrine.

Reflection Questions

These questions are designed to deepen engagement with Titus 1 and to help Christians reflect personally and communally on its truths. They work well in personal study, discipleship groups, or small group discussions.

Section 1: God’s Calling and the Truth That Leads to Godliness (Titus 1:1-4)

Paul says his purpose is to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.
How does your understanding of truth shape the way you live each day?
Eternal life was promised before the beginning of time.
What does this say about God’s plan for your life and His control over history?
Paul calls Titus his “true son in our common faith.”
Who are you discipling in the faith right now? Who is mentoring you?

Section 2: The Need for Godly Leaders (Titus 1:5-9)

Paul gives specific qualifications for elders.
Why do you think character is emphasized more than skill?
Which of the elder qualifications do you see as most needed in today’s church?
Why is that particular trait important in our culture?
Elders are called to hold firmly to the trustworthy message and refute false teaching.
How can Christians grow in their ability to discern truth from error?

Section 3: Rebuking False Teachers (Titus 1:10-14)

Paul describes some people in the church as rebellious and deceiving others for dishonest gain.
What are modern examples of this kind of false teaching or behavior?
Paul commands Titus to rebuke them sharply, so they may be sound in the faith.
How can we speak truth in love when we see others straying from sound doctrine?
In what ways can church leaders and members alike protect their homes and communities from spiritual deception?

Section 4: Living What We Profess (Titus 1:15-16)

Paul says that to the pure, all things are pure, but to the corrupt, nothing is pure.
How does your inner heart condition affect how you interpret and respond to God’s Word?
What does it look like to “claim to know God but deny Him by their actions”?
How can we guard ourselves from falling into hypocrisy?
Paul describes false teachers as “unfit for doing anything good.”
How does holding to the truth of the gospel equip you to live a life full of good works?

Final Reflection

How does this chapter challenge your view of the church, leadership, and your role in the body of Christ?
What practical steps can you take this week to grow in sound doctrine, godly character, or faithful discipleship?
How does Titus 1 increase your appreciation for God’s love in protecting His people with truth, order, and grace?