Set in Order

Paul writes to Titus, his true child in their shared faith. Paul serves in the hope of eternal life, which God, who can't lie, promised before time began. In His own time God revealed His word through the message Paul was trusted to preach.

Paul writes: I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city. Each elder must be blameless, with believing children who are well behaved. Paul says an overseer is God's steward. He must not be self-pleasing, easily angered, a drinker, violent, or greedy. Instead he must welcome guests, love what is good, and be sensible, fair, holy, and self-controlled.

An elder must hold firmly to the faithful word, so he can encourage others with sound teaching and correct those who argue against it. Paul warns about many false teachers who were upsetting whole families for money. Titus should correct them so they become sound in faith. Paul says they claim to know God, but their actions show they do not follow Him.