Character Study Of Titus Series

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)