Setting Things In Order

INTRODUCTION

Outline

1. The Evangelist's Charge: "Set Things in Order"

2. The Eldership's Charge: "Hold Things in Order"

3. The Evil Teacher's Charge: "Get Things in Order"

Introductory Remarks

1. Paul's work in Crete needed to be completed before he had to leave. He empowered the evangelist Titus to remain behind in Crete and "set in order the things that were wanting." Titus was Paul's son in the gospel, like Timothy. Titus would be instrumental to Paul in this ministry. Crete was an opportunity for Titus to demonstrate his leadership as an evangelist. Paul had great confidence in this young preacher.

2. The evangelist’s work is to "set things in order - things that are found to be wanting." The one thing that was not yet in order was the church's organization, which was to include elders and deacons. He charged him to: "make the best out of a mess." He was to identify, qualify and appoint them to this most solemn work as overseers and managers over the flock of God.

3. The elder's job, once appointed, was to "hold fast the faithful word which they had been taught" when Paul and Titus were no longer with them. In other words - "hold things in order, or keep it together." Once established - keep it together! Ensure that the teaching is sound, the members are faithful, and the church's business is appropriately managed to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Finally, he charged the evil teachers and seducers to: "get their things in order." Notice why: "Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." Herein is the danger; it turns the church away from the truth. Like King Hezekiah, they are being admonished to "set their house in order," 2 Kings 20:1. The evil teachers should be charged in every city and church to get their house in order.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE EVANGELIST'S CHARGE: "SET THINGS IN ORDER"

A. To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: "Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour," Titus 1:4. "The common faith" – is "the faith of God's elect," Titus 1:1. Paul gives the same warning to Timothy, "my son in the faith…As I besought thee…that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine," 1 Timothy 1:1-3. Paul calls this "the truth which is after godliness." Notice it was:

1. First, it was conceived: "In the hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began,” Titus 1:1-2. God’s plan for the elect was promised before the world began. Its purpose was to the "hope of eternal life." We can confidently believe this promise: "for God doth not lie." He will keep His promise unto the saints if they remain: "faithful in making their calling and election sure," 2 Peter 1:10. Paul continues God’s plan,

2. Further, it was commissioned: “Hath in due times to manifested His word through preaching,” Titus 1:3a. It was God's eternal plan to make known His will in our election through the preaching of the gospel of Christ. Through preaching, God's plan for the elect was revealed in the fulness of times. He concludes that God's plan,

3. Finally, was committed: "Unto me (Paul) according to the commandment of God our Saviour," Titus 1:3b. God committed this message unto Paul, Peter, and other holy apostles and prophets of Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3:1-7. This message was Paul's solemn trust and commitment.

a. To Timothy, he wrote: “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust,” 1 Timothy 1:11-16.

b. And again: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war (fight) a good warfare," 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:1-2.

c. Paul now commits this message and plan to Titus, his beloved son in the gospel, Titus 1:4.

4. He closes his salutation, declaring the “deity” of Christ. “From God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour,” Titus 1:4; Titus 2:11-13; Titus 3:4. He continued,

B. For this cause left I thee in Crete, “That thou shouldest set-in order the things that are wanting (lacking), and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed (ordered) thee,” Titus 1:5.

1. Left in Crete to "set things right." In Gr., it is “epidiorthose,” a medical term. Like the doctor "sets a broken bone in place." Notice:

a. To establish or set a thing in place (one must know it is not in order).

b. Proceed to correct or set a thing in order.

c. It is broken; it must be fixed. It must be mended.