Titus 1 

Paul is writing to Titus in Crete, to encourage him and instruct him in the work he was appointed to do.. putting in order the leadership of the churches there.  Paul says in verse 1 that he is a "servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness - in the hope of eternal life.. " (NIV)  This is the goal of every pastor and teacher.. or at least it should be.. to "further the faith" of those they minister to.. and to increase the "knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.."   This is God's appointment for every spiritual leader.. it is the "command of God our Savior". (v2-3) 

God entrusted Paul to do this.. and Paul dedicated the rest of his life to this purpose.  Paul entrusted Titus in this work of furthering faith and knowledge of the truth.. and he gave Titus the task of appointing the right men to lead in this same way in the churches in Crete.   Men who were "blameless, faithful... not over-bearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined..."  ( v6-9)  He must be someone trustworthy to preach the truth. 

The problem in Crete was the same problem everywhere... people who preached falsehoods.. people who preached for the purpose of making money.. people who didn't care how they corrupted others. 

Verse 16 " They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him."  Here is a powerful test of every leader and teacher that we need to use.. to evaluate whether or not we should listen to their teaching:    Do their actions deny God?  Are their deeds in line with the truth? Are they helping to further the faith of those they teach.. or are they just seeking money?  Do they teach the truth that leads to godliness?  Are they giving their listeners what they need to know so that they have "hope in eternal life"?

Father in heaven,  we pray for many more godly leaders in our world today...  who will teach the truth and live it out. We are thankful for those who have stepped up, like Paul, committing their lives to teaching the truth, to furthering our faith, and increasing our knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord.  May we live in accordance with Your Word, that our lives .. our actions.. will also reflect You.. to the glory of Your Name. Amen.