• Titus 1:1 - Introduction:
  • We know Titus was Greek (Galatians 2:3).
  • He may have been converted after hearing Paul’s preaching (Titus 1:4).
  • Paul speaks highly of Titus (II Corinthians 8:23).
  • Titus appears to have been instrumental in handling the tense situation in Corinth (II Corinthians 7:6-7,13-14; 12:18).
  • Crete was reputed to be an island of sin, so Titus would have had his hands full preaching there (Titus 1:12-13).
• Titus 1:2 – God cannot lie. See II Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 6:18; Numbers 23:19.
• Titus 1:5 – This seems to imply that a church is not fully formed until it is functioning with qualified elders. This should not be taken to mean that Titus had all the authority to select the men and the local church would just have to live with the decision (see Acts 6:3). Most likely, Titus would go and teach people what the qualifications were and help them through the process of appointing elders. Also note that elders here and everywhere else in the New Testament are always mentioned in plural. We never read of a single elder overseeing the flock by himself. Several words are used to refer to the same position: elders, bishops, overseers, pastors, and shepherds (see Acts 14:23; 1:20; I Timothy 4:14; 3:1-2; I Peter 5:1-3; Ephesians 4:11).

• I Peter 4:1-5
• Sensuality is pleasing the body to the detriment of the soul.
• Repent of sensuality!
  • II Corinthians 12:20-21
  • Ephesians 4:17-24
  • II Corinthians 11:3
  • Genesis 3:6
  • Jude 1:4
  • Do this: After reading the Scriptures about sensuality, decide you want to bring these passions into check and be pure, then pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:22).
• Replace the fleshly mind with the spiritual mind.
  • Mark 7:20-23
  • Galatians 5:16-25
  • Romans 13:12-14
  • Colossians 3:1-5
  • Do this: Routinely set aside a few minutes for spiritual devotion, thought, meditation, prayer, singing, and reading.
• In worship, be passionate about spiritual truths, not just the externals.
  • Exodus 32:3-6,19
  • Numbers 25:1-2
  • Amos 2:7-8
  • II Peter 2:1-19
  • I Corinthians 11:23-34
  • Colossians 3:16
  • Ephesians 5:19
  • Do this: When you worship, look for meaning and emotion in the spiritual truths involved, not external gimmicks.
• Enjoy the pleasures that are right to enjoy!
  • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; 11:9-12:1
  • Hebrews 13:14
  • Song of Solomon 7:6
  • Proverbs 5:18
  • Do this: Find and enjoy the temporary blessings God has given us!

• Hebrews 6:7-7:11
• Hebrews 6:7-8 – See Luke 8:14-15.
• Hebrews 6:16 – Christians should not have to be bound by oaths to confirm their works. People of this world expect oaths to confirm promises, so God provided one to show the immutability of His promise.
• Hebrews 6:19 – Our hope of salvation is what keeps us anchored to Jesus.
• Hebrews 7:4-7 – The priesthood of Melchizedek was greater than the priesthood of Aaron, just like the priesthood of Jesus is superior to the Levitical priesthood. Melchizedek is greater than Abraham, thus Jesus is also greater than Abraham.

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• II Timothy 4:1-22
• II Timothy 4:6 – Paul’s death was not long after this epistle was written. This was probably the last epistle he wrote. Paul was ready to be spent in service to God.
• II Timothy 4:7-8 – See Philippians 3:4-8.
• II Timothy 4:9-22 – Paul continues to show concern for the brethren. He deferred judgment to God for those that had wronged him.
• Highlights of II Timothy:
  • Strong relationships with faithful people helped Timothy serve the Lord in a rough world. I Timothy 1:2,15; II Timothy 1:5
  • There would be a constant struggle between truth and error. I Timothy 4:1,6; II Timothy 1:13; I Timothy 1:3-4; II Timothy 3:5
  • Timothy needed to practice what he preached. I Timothy 4:12,15-16; 6:11,14

• Mark 10:35-40
• Some who asked
  • Mark 10:35-37 – James and John asked for position.
  • Acts 3:2 – The lame man asked for alms.
  • Luke 12:13 – Man asked for inheritance.
  • Luke 18:18 – Certain ruler asked for eternal life.
  • II Corinthians 12:7-10 – Paul asked for improved health.
  • Luke 11:1-13 – Jesus instructs His disciples in how to pray. We should ask God persistently for things that we need.
    • The “Holy Spirit” here is used to mean spiritual blessings.
  • James 1:2-5 – We are to ask God for wisdom.
  • I Kings 3:5-13 – Solomon asks God for wisdom.
• Notice what those who asked did receive:

Person

Asked

Received

James

Position

Beheaded

John

Position

Long life of service

Lame man

Money

Walked

Certain man

Inheritance

Lesson on covetousness

Certain ruler

Eternal life

Spiritual poverty

Paul

Health

Weakness that ended in strength