The Truth That Leads to Godliness: A Study of the Themes of Titus
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The Truth That Leads To Godliness: A Study of the Themes of Titus
Introduction
The epistle of Titus, while minuscule
in size, is not lacking when it comes to its message and relevancy. Titus was relevant not only for the period in which it was written, but also is an invaluable tool for todays Christians.
Many topics run throughout Titus. These topics include the requirements of elders and bishops, the importance of sound doctrine and good works. Throughout the former topics, two major themes are emphasized. These themes are acknowledgement of the truth, and godliness. The following is a study that will trace these two themes throughout the epistle as well as discuss how these two themes intersect.
The Acknowledging of the Truth
“The acknowledging of the truth” is first mentioned in Tit 1:1, which is the salutation of the epistle. The only other time this phrase is mentioned in the Bible is in chapter 2 verse 25 of this same book. Although it is not mentioned in those exact words again in Titus, its meaning is prevalent throughout.
In order to trace this theme throughout Titus, it is necessary to establish what exactly truth is. Gordon Fee has this to say about the truth. “In the PE the truth regularly recurs as a designation of the gospel; here it refers to the cognitive side of faith.” So that being the case, Paul wants believers to come to an understanding of the gospel, the gospel being the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
John Gill has this to say about this passage:
And the acknowledging of the truth by which is meant the Gospel, often called the truth, and the word of truth; in distinction from that which was shadowy, the ceremonies of the law; and in opposition to that which is false, it being from the God of truth, concerning Christ, who is the truth; and containing nothing but truth, and what is led into by the Spirit of truth. Now to preach, spread, and defend this, was the apostle constituted in his office as such; and which he did preach with all clearness and faithfulness, to bring souls to a spiritual and experimental knowledge of it, and so to an acknowledgment, a public owning and professing of it.
John Gill is saying that acknowledging the truth includes not only knowing it, but it also includes a public claiming and proclaiming of it. When one comes to the knowledge of truth, it seems only natural to want to share it.
When one comes to acknowledge the truth (gospel), it opens one up to all the grace and love of God that will save our souls. This truth is available to all. Paul says as much when he wrote that the grace of God has appeared to all men (Tit. 2:11) this grace is available to anyone who comes to the full knowledge of the truth. This knowledge will then bring about salvation.
Now that the definition of acknowledging the truth has been established, it would be prudent to trace this theme through the epistle.
The first place in Titus that emphasizes having knowledge of the truth is Titus 1:10-14. Paul was stating that the Christians in Crete should guard themselves against the influences of Judaizing teachers. These Jews were teaching and arguing in favour of the Mosaic Law. To counteract this problem it was necessary to appoint ministers in the important places there. It was imperative that these ministers be qualified for the task that was at hand, thus the stringent moral requirements recorded throughout the first chapter. These ministers were necessary in order to help people come to knowledge of the truth, not the Mosaic Law, which had long served its purpose.
The second occurrence of this theme comes later in the epistle when Paul is no longer instructing Titus on the qualification of the ministers he is to appoint. Rather he has begun to write about the things that Titus should be teaching. Paul writes that he should tell the people about the grace of God and the salvation that it brings. This grace is available to all. With this knowledge, they should not give into worldly lust, but rather look forward to the coming of Christ, who died so that they might be redeemed. (Tit. 2:11-14).
Godliness
The second major theme that is pervasive throughout Titus is the area godliness. The exact meaning of godliness varies from one believer to another. Some think that in order to reach or achieve “godliness” one must participate in a long list of rules and regulations. These lists of standards are often unintentionally