The Out-of-Control Cretans

One of the first missionaries, Paul, left Titus on the island of Crete to

oversee the new churches there and appoint elders in every town. Titus may

have been young, or at least younger than Paul since Paul refers to him as

my true son in our common faith (Titus 1:4). In the book of Titus, which

is really a letter, Paul advises Titus on how to handle false teachings and

immorality in the church.

Many people in the Cretan churches claimed to know God, but their actions

denied Him (1:16). We can guess what some of their sinful actions were by

noticing what Paul warns against: teaching false beliefs for dishonest

gain, engaging in foolish controversies and quarrels about the law, getting

drunk, behaving violently, gossiping and slandering others, stealing,

saying Yes to ungodliness and worldly passions, and living in envy and

hatred of others (1:7, 11; 2:3, 10, 12; 3:3, 9). Yet, the Cretans’ sin is

no worse than anyone else’s sin. In fact, Paul writes, At one time we too

were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions

and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one

another (3:3).

But the good news is, God mercifully saves us from hell and offers us

eternal life through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and the pouring out

of the Holy Spirit upon us. He didn’t save us because of anything good we

did or will one day do; He saved us because He loves us. And once we’ve put

our trust in Jesus, we are able to live in a way that honors our loving God.

Accepting the grace of God and the salvation message teaches us to say No

to ungodliness (2:11-12). Although Paul’s letter is short, he stresses the

need for self-control five times (1:8; 2:2, 5-6, 12). And self-control is a

fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit works in us,

helping us to exercise self-control and live godly lives by loving God and

loving one another (Matthew 22:36-40).

Ronica Stromberg

Why do you think Paul emphasized self-control in his letter to Titus?

God doesn’t expect us to be able to say No to sin without His help. How

do God’s love and mercy toward us make it possible for us to live

self-controlled lives?

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It

teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live

self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12

(NIV)

Read Verses:

Titus 2:6-Titus 2:8; Titus 2:11-Titus 2:14; Titus 3:3-Titus 3:8