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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)