CHARACTER STUDY OF TITUS

CHARACTER STUDY OF TITUS – CHURCH LEADER AND RECIPIENT OF PAUL’S LETTER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Titus 1:4-5
"To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour. The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you."

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 7:6-7, 2 Corinthians 8:16-17, Galatians 2:1-3, Titus 2:7-8

INTRODUCTION
Titus was a trusted companion of Paul, a church leader, and a recipient of the Epistle to Titus. He played a key role in organising the church in Crete, appointing leaders, and ensuring sound doctrine. Unlike Timothy, Titus was a Gentile, yet Paul entrusted him with significant responsibilities in ministry. His life teaches us about leadership, discipleship, and the importance of upholding biblical truth in the church.

1. TITUS AS A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF PAUL

a) He was a spiritual son to Paul (Titus 1:4)
Paul addressed Titus as his "true son in the faith," showing their deep spiritual relationship.

b) He was an uncircumcised Gentile (Galatians 2:3)
Titus, unlike Timothy, was not circumcised, yet Paul defended his position as a believer in Christ without requiring him to adopt Jewish customs.

c) He was an example of God’s grace to the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Titus demonstrated that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or traditions.

d) He was trained and mentored by Paul (2 Corinthians 8:23)
Paul referred to Titus as his "partner and fellow worker," highlighting his importance in ministry.

e) Biblical Example: Elisha following Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-14)
Like Elisha, Titus was a faithful follower of his spiritual mentor and later became a great leader himself.

2. TITUS AS A TRUSTED MESSENGER AND PROBLEM-SOLVER

a) He was sent to Corinth to resolve issues (2 Corinthians 7:6-7)
Titus comforted and encouraged the Corinthian church after they repented of their mistakes.

b) He successfully handled financial matters (2 Corinthians 8:6-7, 16-17)
Paul entrusted Titus with collecting an offering for the saints, showing his integrity.

c) He was known for his dedication (2 Corinthians 8:16-17)
Titus willingly took on difficult tasks and served the churches with a sincere heart.

d) He represented Paul’s authority (2 Corinthians 7:13-15)
Titus carried out Paul’s instructions with diligence and faithfulness, acting as Paul’s representative.

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah handling opposition (Nehemiah 2:17-20)
Like Titus, Nehemiah was given a difficult mission but succeeded through wisdom and faithfulness.

3. TITUS AS A CHURCH LEADER IN CRETE

a) He was assigned to organise the church (Titus 1:5)
Paul left Titus in Crete to establish order and appoint elders in every town.

b) He was responsible for teaching sound doctrine (Titus 2:1)
Titus was instructed to ensure that the church followed healthy, biblical teachings.

c) He was to be an example to the believers (Titus 2:7-8)
Paul told Titus to demonstrate integrity, seriousness, and sound speech in all things.

d) He was to train different groups in the church (Titus 2:2-6)
Titus was responsible for guiding older men, older women, young men, and even servants in godly living.

e) Biblical Example: Joshua leading Israel (Joshua 1:1-9)
Like Joshua, Titus had to step up as a leader and take responsibility for an entire community.

4. TITUS’ CHARACTER AND QUALITIES

a) He was faithful and trustworthy (Titus 1:5-9)
Paul entrusted him with great responsibilities because of his integrity.

b) He was a peacemaker (2 Corinthians 7:6-7)
Titus helped restore peace and unity in the Corinthian church.

c) He was a man of courage (Titus 2:15)
Paul encouraged him to teach boldly and not let anyone despise him.

d) He was a promoter of sound doctrine (Titus 2:1-10)
Titus was committed to teaching the truth and combating false teachings.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel standing for righteousness (Daniel 1:8)
Like Daniel, Titus upheld godly values in the face of opposition.

STRENGTHS OF TITUS

a) He was a strong church organiser (Titus 1:5)
Titus helped structure and lead the church effectively.

b) He was trustworthy with finances (2 Corinthians 8:16-17)
Paul relied on him to handle offerings and resources with integrity.

c) He was a bridge between Paul and the churches (2 Corinthians 7:6-7)
He mediated and strengthened churches on Paul’s behalf.

d) He was an effective teacher (Titus 2:1-10)
Titus trained different groups in the church with sound doctrine.

e) He had strong leadership qualities (Titus 2:15)
Titus led with boldness and authority.

WEAKNESSES OF TITUS

a) He faced opposition in ministry (Titus 1:10-11)
Paul warned him about false teachers who would challenge his leadership.

b) He needed encouragement to be bold (Titus 2:15)
Paul reminded him not to let anyone despise him, indicating he may have faced discouragement.

c) He had to handle difficult people (Titus 1:12-14)
Paul instructed him on how to deal with the Cretans, who were known for being difficult.

d) He had the challenge of upholding order (Titus 1:5)
Crete was disorganised, and Titus had the heavy responsibility of setting things in order.

e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah facing resistance (Jeremiah 1:6-8)
Like Titus, Jeremiah had to overcome fear and opposition to fulfil his calling.

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM TITUS

a) God uses those who are faithful and dependable (Titus 1:5)
Titus was chosen because of his integrity and reliability.

b) Leadership requires courage and boldness (Titus 2:15)
Titus had to stand firm against opposition and false teachers.

c) Sound doctrine is essential for a strong church (Titus 2:1)
Titus ensured that believers were grounded in biblical truth.

d) Servants of God must be examples to others (Titus 2:7-8)
Paul instructed Titus to lead by example in all things.

e) Church leadership involves both teaching and administration (Titus 1:5, 2:1)
Titus was responsible for both spiritual and organisational aspects of the church.

CONCLUSION
Titus was a faithful disciple, a trusted leader, and a promoter of sound doctrine. His life teaches us the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and bold leadership in the church. He handled difficult situations with wisdom and courage, making a lasting impact on the early church.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Lord, make me a faithful servant in Your vineyard.

2.  Father, help me to stand firm in sound doctrine.

3.  Lord, grant me the wisdom to lead with integrity.

4.  Father, strengthen me to overcome challenges in ministry.

5.  Lord, use me to bring order and structure to Your church.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  You shall be a pillar of strength in God’s house!

2.  The wisdom to lead effectively shall rest upon you!

3.  No opposition shall overthrow your calling in Christ!

4.  You will handle every assignment with excellence and integrity!

5.  Your leadership shall bring glory to God and transformation to lives!