Titus 1:1-4 One-week Study Guide - Calvary Bible Church

titus 

Inductive bible study guide 

Titus 1:1-4 

One-week Study Guide 

This material is designed to help you achieve correct interpretation and life-changing application. 

The study chart on the last page of this booklet outlines the entire inductive method. 

Calvary Bible Church, Wednesday night small group ministry 

Tim & Melinda Inman 

2012

Scripture quotations marked (NIV ® ) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL 

VERSION ® . NIV ® . Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.. Used by permission. All 

rights reserved worldwide. 

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV ® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard 

Version ® ), copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used 

by permission. All rights reserved. 

Bibliography: 

Barker, Kenneth L. and John R. Kohlenberger III, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Abridged 

Edition, New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1994. 

Chan, Francis. Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. Colorado 

Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009. 

ESV ® Study Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ® ), copyright ©2008 by Crossway, 

a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

Hendricks, Howard G. and William D. Hendricks. Living by the Book. Chicago: Moody 

Publishers, 2007. 

Liefeld, Walter L. The New Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus. Grand Rapids, 

Michigan, Zondervan, 1999. 

Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed). 

Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000, via Logos. 

©Melinda Viergever Inman/Titus Inductive Bible Study Guide/ShowKnowGrow.com 

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Digging in: Observing, Interpreting & Applying Titus 1:1-4 

What do I see? What does it mean? How does it change me? 

“Start with God’s Word; pray that the Spirit gives you clarity; then study to see what the text 

actually says. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible, so who better to help us as we 

seek to understand it? Scripture tells us that the Spirit not only inspired the Bible, but also 

illumines it for us today (1 Cor. 2:12-16 and 2 Tim. 3:16)… 

If we were to start with Scripture and allow it to dictate our actions, how would we live?” 1 

Study Options 

Everyone studies in their own unique way. Therefore, there are several study options: 

(1) If you prefer to work from one marked copy for the entire book, use the Titus 

working copy, place it in a three-ring binder, and use it for our entire study. Then 

follow the guidelines in this material, applying them to the working copy. 

(2) If you don’t like the above option, the text is printed within this material; therefore, 

you can use each inductive bible study guide alone. Additionally, the entire book of 

Titus is printed at the back to help you keep this section in context within the book. 

(3) If you prefer to use your own bible, simply refer to this material for study suggestions 

and use it to record your observations. 

The importance of careful, thorough Observation: “The more time you spend in observation, 

the less time you will need to spend in interpretation, and the more accurate will be your 

results. The less time you spend in observation, the more time you will need to spend in 

interpretation, and the less accurate will be your results.” 2 

Observation: How? 

� To observe the text thoroughly ask who, what, when, where, why, and how. 

� Always look for the obvious. 

� Slow down to see what is actually there, not what you think is there. 

� Repeated, significant words and phrases are always important. They are crucial to 

understanding the text. A key word or phrase is one that is vital to what the author is 

attempting to communicate. These essential words unlock the meaning of the text. 

� Look for words or phrases significant to this particular section. In addition to key words 

for the entire book, seek to discover key words specific to each chapter or section. 

Develop your own unique study skills. Use any study suggestions that help you. 

Skip or adapt to your own preferences those that don’t. This is a 6-day study. 

Turn the page. Your initial observations of Titus 1:1-4 begin on pages 4-5. 

1 Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit, (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009), pg. 23-24. 

2 Howard G. & William D. Hendricks, Living by the Book, (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007), 43. 


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Day One, Focus on this: What do I see (Observation)? We’ll learn what it means later. 

Contemplate the text in at least two translations. Observe the details. 

Titus 1:1-4 (NIV®) 

1 Paul, 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— 2 in the 

hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning 

of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through 

the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, 

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God 

the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 

Titus’ charges: 1) Put the church in order; 2) Appoint elders to help him with these tasks: teaching and 

encouraging the church; refuting false teachers; 3) Remind the church of what God has done for them 

First Steps: 

� Read Titus 1:1-4 above and on the facing page. Reading a text in more than one translation 

gives us new insight. Read like you’ve never read it before. Compare the wording. This 

might seem like a small section to begin with, but this passage is theologically packed. 

� Write down initial observations and questions so you can investigate them later. 

� Read through all of Titus to set this passage in context (pg. 24-25). As you read, notice how 

frequently Paul writes about the truths related to salvation. Rich theological matters are 

sprinkled throughout the epistle. Circle or bracket these in the copy at the back. This letter 

contains more than just marching orders for Titus concerning church order and discipline. 

� Remember what you observed in the Overview about the main charges Paul gives to Titus 

in this letter (summarized by the scroll). In Titus 1:1-4, what will help Titus with his tasks? 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

� What is significant about the opening in light of Paul’s reason for leaving Titus in Crete? 

“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” (Titus 1:5 NIV). 

� Notice words or ideas you want to study in greater detail and make a note in the margin. 

� Make an outline of the text, if it will help you in your study (See pg. 9 and 19 for ideas.) 


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Titus 1:1-4 (ESV®) 

1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the 

faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with 

godliness, 2in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before 

the ages began 3and at the proper time manifested in his word through the 

preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 

4To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the 

Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 

What do you see? Look at the text. In this step, we will observe, not interpret. 

1) How does Paul describe himself in v. 1a? 

_________________________________ and ______________________________________ 

2) The second half of v. 1 tells us why he had this appointment? For what purpose? 

to further (for the sake of, ESV)_________________________________________________ 

and _______________________________________________________________________ 

3) How are true believers described in this verse? ____________________________________ 

4) What do the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth lead to, according to the 

end of v. 1? _________________________________________________________________ 

5) In v. 2a, what is the other result? _______________________________________________ 

6) When did God promise eternal life? _____________________________________________ 

7) What is said and implied about God’s character and nature in v. 2? ____________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

8) What does v. 3 tell us God did about his promise? __________________________________ 

9) When did he do this? _________________________________________________________ 

10) What vehicle did he use? ______________________________________________________ 

11) How is God described in v. 3? __________________________________________________ 

12) What is implied about his character in v. 3? _______________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

13) How is Titus described in v. 4? __________________________________________________ 

14) What do Paul and Titus have in common? ________________________________________ 

15) As a result, what blessings flow from that faith? ________________ and _______________ 

16) From whom does Titus (and us) receive grace and peace? ___________________________ 

and _______________________________________________________________________ 

17) Combined, what do v. 3 and v. 4 tell us about the Godhead and the deity of Christ? _______ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________ 


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Day Two, Key words: What does the text show me (Observation)? 

1. Read through Titus 1:1-4 thoughtfully one more time. Determine the key words and 

phrases for this particular section. A key word or phrase is one that is crucial to 

understanding the meaning of the text. 

2. So what other words are crucial? Consider the questions you answered and meditated on 

from pg. 4-5. What words are crucial for comprehension? What words, if you removed 

them from the text, would remove the meaning or intent of the passage? What words tie 

this passage to Paul’s overarching purpose and focus in this letter? 

3. Mark the words you now understand to be crucial—the words that have definitions you 

must know in order to understand the text. 

HOW: Use color or pencil or ink, whichever you prefer. Mark each key word with a unique mark for 

that particular word (a different color for each key word, or a different way of circling it, or drawing a 

box around it, or any other creative mark you want to use for each particular word). The purpose of 

marking is to help us see what’s there. (1) If you are using the working copy you used to complete your 

Overview, you will see that some of these words are marked already—words that are significant for the 

entire letter. (2) If you’re not using the working copy, use the text on the facing page (pg. 7), or (3) 

complete this exercise in your own bible. Or do any combination of the three; it’s entirely up to you. 

Mark these words with unique markings for each one: 

� God, Christ Jesus, Holy Spirit 

� Author (including pronouns [I, me, my, our], Paul) 

� Recipients (including pronouns [you, your, our], Titus) 

� Other people (including pronouns [their], God’s elect) 

� Key/Significant Words observed and marked during the Overview: “grace,” “justified,” “mercy,” 

“hope,” “faith,” “godliness,” “salvation/saved/Savior,” “self-controlled,” “doing what is good.” 

� Other Significant Words which are crucial for understanding Titus 1:1-4: “knowledge,” “eternal 

life,” “promised,” “appointed season,” “brought to light,” words that signify Paul’s calling and 

his relationship with Titus. 

Mark any words that are crucial for determining the meaning. 

Make written observations. What is written about each? What does the text say? Ask who, 

what, where, when, who, and how? Use this space to unpack the passage. 

Paul Titus 


6









Record what you learn about: 

Benefits to God’s elect God Jesus 


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Day Three: What do I see (observation)? What does it mean (interpretation)? 

Mark Grammatical Phrases: This exercise will help you see the main ideas. On pg. 9, the verses are 

spaced in a way that provides a simple structural analysis to assist you in unpacking this dense passage. 

Take a moment to consider the passage. What did God say and do, and how does it affect us? 

How does Paul’s calling help the elect? 

Mark the following in the working copy or in the copy of Titus 1:1-4 on the next page. 

� Words of contrast and words of comparison are the first grammatical clues to observe in a 

passage. Neither of these are recorded in these first four verses. 

� Draw a little clock face (or another mark you choose) above words showing expressions of 

time (eternal, beginning of time, appointed season, etc.). Why are these important? What do 

they show us about God? 

� Mark with an “x” words that show conclusion, end result, or channel of operation (therefore, so 

that, for this reason, (and) which, because, through, to further, by, etc.) and draw arrows to 

connect the linked ideas. What is the author trying to show or prove? What is the conclusion 

or result that he is emphasizing? For example: 

X 

…the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth THAT leads to godliness… 

X 

the hope of eternal life, WHICH God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning… 

� Commands require action and clarify the purpose of the letter. They should always be observed 

and applied, if they’re not particular to the recipients. There are no commands in Titus 1:1-4. 

� The New Testament was written in Koine Greek. Due to Greek word formation and syntax, 

some things are obvious in the original Greek that are not obvious in English. 

o In the Greek, the word “promised” indicates that God acted upon himself when he 

made the promise. God promised to himself and he himself carried out the promise. 

As you completed this exercise, what was revealed about the passage? Write down anything you 

discovered that you hadn’t seen in the text before. Continue tomorrow. 


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1 Paul, 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— 

2 in the hope of eternal life, 

which God, 

who does not lie, 

promised before the beginning of time, 

3 and which now 

at his appointed season 

he has brought to light 

through the preaching 

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: 

Grace and peace 

from God the Father 

and Christ Jesus our Savior. 

entrusted to me 

by the command of God our Savior, 


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Days Four-Five: 

What does it mean (interpretation)? How does this change me (application)? 

Focus now on comprehending the text. Use the following steps. Divide your study into 2 days. 

Make it a practice to try new techniques. Come at the text from as many angles as possible. 

PRAY FIRST! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you comprehend. 

1. What words or phrases do you need to investigate in order to comprehend the text? Question 

the text (see box below). Commands and instructions are always significant. 

2. Read the word and its surrounding text in another translation. If the meaning is still unclear, look 

up word definitions in the concordance. How? 

� Page 16 details “how to use a concordance,” or ask your group leader. 

� For additional help, use your concordance to find other places these same key words are used 

(called finding the “cross references”). Consult page 16 for “how to find a cross reference.” 

� A few cross references and related questions are given on pg. 12-16, including assistance with: 

the effect of faith… and knowledge of the truth on the life of a true believer, God who does not 

lie, promised before the beginning of time, God our Savior (v.3) and Christ Jesus our Savior (v. 4). 

� There is additional study help for Titus 1:1-4 on the Help pages, pg. 17-19. These assist with 

God our Savior (v.3) and Christ Jesus our Savior (v. 4), God’s elect, knowledge, godliness, and the 

gospel in Cretan society. A list of free online study sites is also given. 

3. Next re-examine each sentence or verse and paraphrase it using the definition. On the next page, 

(pg. 11), write the passage out in your own words to be sure you understand. 

4. Then move on to the next word you want to examine. 

5. Final option: Examine the notes at the bottom of your study bible or in one of the listed 

commentaries (pg. 20), after you’ve completed the above steps. 

AS YOU’RE DOING THIS: Question the text: ask who, what, when, where, why, and how. 

“If you want to understand a biblical text, you’ve got to bombard it with questions. The Bible is never embarrassed 

to be asked questions. That doesn’t mean it will answer all of them. But you still need to ask to determine if they 

can be answered. Obviously, if you’re going to ask questions, you’ve also got to look for the answers. Where will 

you find them? In the text. Observation will give you the basic building blocks out of which you will construct the 

meaning of a passage. The answers to your questions will come directly from your observation process.” 3 

EXAMPLE: How do Paul’s roles of servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ further the faith of God’s 

elect? What did he do, according to vs. 3? How did his preaching affect God’s elect, 1b? What does true 

godliness look like? What causes it, according to vs. 1? How do faith and knowledge lead to godliness? 

What type of knowledge and faith must be present for this type of fruit to result? What if no change or 

fruit is present? What does that mean about one’s faith or lack of knowledge? Have you evaluated this 

in your own life? To whom did God make a promise before the beginning of time? What did that look 

like, according to Eph.1:3-14 and 2 Tim. 1:7-10 (pg. 12)? What vehicle did he use to bring his promise to 

light, Titus1:3? Does that define good preaching? How was this task entrusted to Paul? What did this 

command look like (Acts 22:1-21)? According to Rom. 1:1-6, 16-20 (pg. 14), had God already laid the 

groundwork for the revelation of the promise he had made? How do God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit 

work together to save us, according to Eph. 1:3-14 (again, different emphasis), Phil. 2:1-11, Col. 1:11-14 

(pg. 14-15)? Do we see that same unity in this passage? 

3 Howard G. & William D. Hendricks, Living by the Book, (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2007), 43. 


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Use this page to write down definitions and to put verses into your own words: 


11

Investigate the promise of salvation and the unity of the Godhead 

GOD’S PROMISE; GOD, WHO DOES NOT LIE: 

2 Timothy 1:7-10 (NIV) 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline. 

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in 

suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of 

anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before 

the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has 

destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 

When did God give us his grace in Christ Jesus, according to 2 Tim. 1:9? __________________________________ 

How did he reveal his grace?______________________________________________________________________ 

What did Jesus do?_____________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the 

heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to 

be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in 

accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One 

he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of 

God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of 

his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach 

their fulfillment —to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, 

having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the 

purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his 

glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. 

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing 

our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 

How was the promise carried out, according to Eph. 1:3-14? When was it made? When/How was it carried out? 

REGARDING GOD’S PROMISE TO ABRAHAM, GIVEN IN GENESIS 15 (READ TEXT ON PG. 23) 

Hebrews 6:13-20 (ESV) 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to 

swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having 

patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their 

disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the 

promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two 

unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong 

encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a 

hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our 

behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 

NOTE: Heb. 6:17–18 “The two unchangeable things are God’s promise/purpose and his oath. The character of 

God is holy, and he does not lie. Thus his announcement of his promise is sure, and doubly sure when combined 

with his oath. This encourages one to hold fast (see 4:14) to the hope (3:6; 6:11; 7:19; 10:23) of God’s promises.” 4 

4 ESV Study Bible, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008), s.v. “Hebrews 6:17-18.” 


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Romans 4:13-25 (NIV) 13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he 

would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the 

law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there 

is no law there is no transgression. 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may 

be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the 

faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is 

our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things 

that were not. 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it 

had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body 

was as good as dead —since he was about a hundred years old —and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he 

did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory 

to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited 

to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for 

us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the 

dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. 

Galatians 3:16-22 (NIV) 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to 

seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: 

The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do 

away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the 

promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. 19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It 

was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given 

through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. 

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could 

impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything 

under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to 

those who believe. 

Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV) 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy 

Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and 

since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full 

assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our 

bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is 

faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up 

meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see 

the Day approaching. 

Who are the inheritors of the promise? Through whom do we gain the promise? How? 

What did you learn about God’s promise and character? 


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UNITY OF THE GODHEAD IN ACHIEVING OUR SALVATION: 

Rom. 1:1-6, 16-20 (NIV), foretelling his promise and making it plain to all of mankind: 

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — 2 the gospel he 

promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly 

life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in 

power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship 

to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those 

Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ… 

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone 

who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed —a 

righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” 18 The wrath of 

God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth 

by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to 

them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have 

been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. [Reminder: 

Christ Jesus is the Creator, John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20] 

According to Rom. 1:1-6, 16-20, in what two ways had God already laid the groundwork for the revelation of the 

promise he had made before the beginning of time? 

Phil. 2:1-11 (NIV): 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his 

love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being 

like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain 

conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to 

the interests of the others. 

5 

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 

6 

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own 

advantage; 

7 

rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

8 

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — 

even death on a cross! 

9 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 

10 

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

11 

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

What did you learn about the unity of the Godhead in revealing and achieving our salvation and sanctification? 


14

Col. 1:9-14 (NIV) 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We 

continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the 

Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good 

work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so 

that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified 

you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the 

dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the 

forgiveness of sins. 


Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the 

heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to 

be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in 

accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One 

he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of 

God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his 

will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their 

fulfillment —to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having 

been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his 

will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you 

also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you 

believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our 

inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 



15

RESULT OF TRUE FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER 

2 Peter 1:1-11 (NIV) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of 

our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be yours in 

abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who 

called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious 

promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the 

world caused by evil desires. 

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and 

to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, 

mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will 

keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does 

not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you 

do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord 

and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Is your calling and election sure? What is the evidence? 

What is the result of truth faith and knowledge in the life of a believer? 

GOD’S PROMISE BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME: Expositor’s Commentary 

“Christian truth has a moral aspect; it ‘leads to godliness.’ Conduct must be evaluated by the demands of 

godliness, that reverential attitude that leads to conduct pleasing to God. Those gripped by God’s truth walk in 

harmony with such demands. There is an intimate connection between a vital possession of truth and genuine 

godliness—a lesson the Cretan church needed to learn…As with all of God’s elect, Paul’s life and service were 

firmly rooted in ‘hope’ (GK 1828), which eagerly and confidently awaits the realization of ‘eternal life’—life not 

only endless but having an eternal quality. Believers already possess eternal life (John 5:24), but its full and perfect 

realization awaits the return of the Prince of Life. This hope is not a vague, pious aspiration but is sure because it is 

grounded in the absolute trustworthiness of God. That character of God ‘who does not lie’ (GK 950) assures the 

fulfillment of his promise. This characterization places God in contrast with the notorious deceptiveness of the 

Cretans (1:12). God promised this eternal life before the ages of time, begun at creation, started to roll (cf. 2 

Timothy 1:9). This promise existed within the Godhead before he created the world. In other words, it is rooted in 

God’s eternal purpose for humankind.” 5 

5 Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Abridged Edition, New Testament, Zondervan, Grand 

Rapids, Michigan, 1994, pg. 921. 


16

HELP PAGES, pg 17-19 How to use a Concordance and find a Cross Reference: 

Complete Word Studies: The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew (some Aramaic). The New Testament 

was originally written in Koine Greek. Use an exhaustive concordance for a basic definition, or a lexicon or bible 

dictionary for expanded definitions. 

How to use a Concordance: 

1. Look up the word in the alphabetized front section of the concordance. (Remember: If you’re using a 

Strong’s concordance, you have to find how the word was translated into English in the KJV. “Knowledge,” 

vs. 1 in the NIV, is translated “the acknowledging of” in the KJV, for instance; so you look up 

“acknowledging” in the Strong’s concordance). 

2. Under the word, look for the verse reference where that specific word is used. 

3. Look for the number on the right. Each number corresponds to a Greek or Hebrew word. 

4. Turn to the appropriate dictionary or lexicon in the back of the concordance (Hebrew for the Old Testament 

and Greek for the New Testament). 

5. Look up the number for the definition. 

6. Find the definition of the word. On pg. 11, write down the Greek word’s transliteration (in English 

alphabet); and write the definition down next to your key, essential word. 

How to Find a Cross References: Using the concordance, compare references in the Bible which use any word or 

quoted passage of scripture that you determine needs further study—you won’t do this with every word, just the 

HELP PAGES How to use a Concordance: 

ones you feel need additional investigation. 

Since the result of God’s promise is true faith and life-changing knowledge that results in godliness in the 

lives of believers, it is important that we understand what godliness is. Do we see growth in godliness in our own 

lives? After looking up the definition (given below), how do you investigate more about godliness? Look in the 

concordance at the list of all the references given for “godliness” [or for any other word you choose to investigate 

more thoroughly]. Find the same Greek reference number that is given for the Greek or Hebrew word you are 

examining here. (For instance, “godliness” is Strong’s #2150 or GK (NIV) #2354). Examine several other verses or all 

the verses that use the same number given, so you can compare the usage of the word. Also look at OT usages— 

these are Hebrew words, so the numbers will be different and the definitions will be in the Hebrew portion of the 

concordance dictionary. When the same word is studied in more than one account it is understood more fully. 

On pages 12-16, important cross references about God’s promise, its timing, and how it was carried out by the 

Godhead were given for your consideration. Examining them deepens your understanding. 

Try these online sources: mystudybible.com, biblos.com, biblestudytools.com/, esvstudybible.org/, 

blueletterbible.org, biblegateway.com, and crosswalk.com. Try them and find which you like best. They all have 

online concordances, help with Greek and Hebrew studies, and commentaries. 

GODLINESS, #2150. εὐσέβεια eusébeia; gen. eusebeías, fem. noun from eusebḗs (2152), devout, godly…The word 

eusébeia literally means well–directed reverence... It is actually an externalized piety…Therefore, eusébeia, the 

demonstration of a good and worshipful attitude toward God when spoken of the Christian, is the proper attitude 

of reverence toward God akin to hagiótēs (41), holiness, sanctity…When eusébeia is applied to the Christian life, it 

denotes a life that is acceptable to Christ, indicating the proper attitude of the believer toward Christ who has 

saved him. It is both an attitude and a manner of life… In Titus 1:1, we are encouraged to have epígnōsin (1922), 

acknowledgment or knowledge of the truth, equivalent to revelation, which, however, does not make us proud, 

but “according to godliness” (a.t.). This means that it should lead us to a holy life of submission with proper respect 

and reverence to God. In 1 Tim. 3:16, we are told that eusébeia is a mystery. This refers to a holy life resulting from 

God’s incarnation in the person of Jesus Christ when that incarnation and all that it entails is truly believed. This is 

eusébeia, a holiness initiated in the life of the believer by Christ Himself through the Holy Spirit. 6 


17 

(Continued next page…) 

6 Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.), (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).

GOD OUR SAVIOR (Titus 1:3) and CHRIST JESUS OUR SAVIOR (Titus 1:4): 

#4990. σωτήρ sōtḗr; gen. sōtḗros, masc. noun from sṓzō (4982), to save. A savior, deliverer, preserver, one who 

saves from danger or destruction and brings into a state of prosperity and happiness (Sept.: Judg. 3:9, 15)… 

(I) Of God as Savior (Luke 1:47; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4; Jude 1:25; Sept.: Is. 12:2; 17:10; 

45:15, 21; Hab. 3:18). 

(II) Of Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior of men, who saves His people from the guilt and power of sin and 

from eternal death, from punishment and misery as the consequence of sin, and gives them eternal life and 

blessedness in His kingdom (Luke 2:11; Acts 5:31; 13:23; Phil. 3:20; 2 Pet. 1:1, 11; 2:20; 3:2, 18); our Savior (2 Tim. 

1:10; Titus 1:4; 2:13; 3:6); Savior of the body the Church (Eph. 5:23); Savior of the world (John 4:42; 1 John 4:14). 7 

GOD OUR SAVIOR: 2 Timothy 1:8-12 (ESV) 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor 

of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to [a] a 

holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ 

Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ 

Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was 

appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know 

whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 

NOTE: 2 Tim. 1:8–10, These verses summarize the gospel for which God’s servants suffer. They are a reminder of 

the power of God on whom Christians rely. Paul’s exalted language suggests he is also arguing that such a glorious 

message is worthy of their suffering. Paul contrasts works, which do not save, with God’s purpose and grace, 

which brings life. God, who saved us … our Savior Christ Jesus. In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul often describes both 

God the Father and God the Son as Saviors of their people (cf. 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10;Titus 1:3–4; 2:10; 

2:13[and note]; 3:4, 6).” 8 

“ELECT,” 1588. ἐκλεκτός eklektós; fem., from eklégō (1586), to choose, select. Chosen, select. In the group of 

three important biblical words, eklektós, eklégō, and eklogḗ (1589), choice or election, selection involves 

thoughtful and deliberate consideration. (II) By implication meaning chosen, with the accessory idea of 

kindness, favor, love, equivalent to cherished, beloved… In the pl. hoi eklektoí, the elect, are those chosen of God 

unto salvation and who therefore enjoy His favor and lead a holy life in communion with Him. They are also 

called saints (Rom. 1:7; 15:31); Christians (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). The word is used to differentiate those 

who believe in Christ from those who do not. They are Christians because God chose them from among the lost 

world to become His followers. Referring to those who are effectively called unto salvation generally (Matt. 20:16; 

22:14; Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; 2 Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1). 9 

“KNOWLEDGE,” 1922. ἐπίγνωσις epígnōsis; fem. noun from epiginṓskō (1921), to recognize. It is more intensive 

than gnṓsis (1108), knowledge, because it expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge 

on the part of the learner. In the NT, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of 

religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement. When used as an obj. (Eph. 1:17; 4:13; Col. 1:9, 10; 

2:2; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:25; 3:7; Titus 1:1; Heb. 10:26; 2 Pet. 1:2, 3), it shows the relationship of the learner to the 

object of his knowledge (2 Pet. 1:8). It increases spiritual blessings upon the believer (Eph. 1:17; 2 Pet. 1:2, 3) and 

determines the manifestations of the religious life (2 Pet. 2:20). 10 

THE GOSPEL IN CRETAN SOCIETY: 

“The opening of Titus takes on particular significance when we reflect on the society in which Titus is ministering. 

The social commentary on the people of Crete in Titus 1:12 is well known: ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy 

gluttons.’ With Titus involved in the church situated in a society like that, there is a pressing need for a strong, 

unambiguous gospel. The opening of Paul’s letter achieves just that. God’s people are his ‘elect’ (1:1), who can 

7 

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.), (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000). 

8 

ESV Study Bible, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008), s.v. “2 Timothy 1:8-10.” 

9 


10 



18

have a sense of security as the object of God’s purpose in even the most depraved and hostile society. Their faith is 

coupled with ‘knowledge’ and its basis is ‘the hope of eternal life’ (1:2). As in other Pauline literature, hope is not a 

subjective feeling but a certainty (see esp. Romans 5:1-11; 8:18-39). In contrast to the mendacious Cretans, 

‘God…does not lie’ (Titus 1:2), and therefore the eternal life ‘promised before the beginning of time’ is a firm 

object of the Christian’s hope. God is working according to his schedule, ‘his appointed season’ (1:3), and so at the 

right time he ‘brought his word to light’ (we might say into open view) through the proclamation he ‘entrusted’ to 

Paul. This ‘open view’ is a characteristic of the Pastoral Letters….The faith that Paul wants strengthened in the 

church in Crete is not some pliant subjective feeling but the faith of God’s ‘elect,’ who stand on the tradition of the 

Old Testament people of God. The word ‘elect’ is not intended here to emphasize predestination but rather to 

indentify these people as God’s own (Ps. 105:42-45, esp. v. 43; Isa. 65:9; cf. Romans 8:33). ‘Knowledge of the truth’ 

is important in Titus, just as it is in 1 and 2 Timothy (cf. 1 Timothy 2:4, 7; 3:15; 4:3; 6:5; 2 Timothy 2:15, 18, 25; 3:7- 

8; 4:4; see also v. 14 in the present chapter). The false teachings at Ephesus and Crete can only be corrected when 

truth is understood, but the same emphasis that characterizes 1 Timothy—namely, the blending of sound 

doctrine with godly living—is important here in Titus and is expressed already in Titus 1:1.” 11 

OPTIONAL: Make an Outline 

Consider making an outline of the section or the entire book: Some people find that making an outline 

opens the text up for them. Make a simple outline if this is something you find beneficial. The text is 

provided online in a Word document on the church website to help you. Skip it if this doesn’t help you. 

� Complete a traditional word-for-word outline. 

Theme of the book: Paul sends Titus specific instructions for straightening out the mess in Crete through instruction in 

sound doctrine and godly living by all groups 

I. Titus 1:1-4, Greeting & Commission 

A. 1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ 

1. to further the faith of God’s elect 

2. and their knowledge of the truth 

a) that leads to godliness— 

3. 2 in the hope of eternal life, 

a) which God, who does not lie, 

(1) promised before the beginning of time, 

b) 3 and which now at his appointed season 

(1) he has brought to light 

(a) through the preaching entrusted to me 

(i) by the command of God our Savior, 

� Word-for-word structural analysis: Experiment with outline forms or simply breaking down the text in a 

way that makes grammatical structure more obvious to see if this helps you with comprehension. 

Example: Titus 1:1-4 (NIV®) 

1 Paul, 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— 

2 in the hope of eternal life, 

which God, 

who does not lie, 

promised before the beginning of time, 

3 and which now 

at his appointed season 

he has brought to light 

through the preaching 

entrusted to me 

by the command of God our Savior 

11 Walter L. Liefeld, The New Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Zondervan, (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999), 318. 


19

Day Six: What does it mean (interpretation)? How does this change me (application)? 

After completing your word studies with the concordance, integrate all the 

information you discovered. Pull it all back together. 

Identify themes within this section, then define the entire section: 

As we worked through Titus 1:1-4, we meditated on the meaning of all we discovered by 

observing and questioning the text, completing the word studies, and examining any cross 

references that were helpful. Therefore, we should now be able to construct a theme for each 

smaller paragraph that summarizes the content within this section. 

Why do this? Just as paraphrasing helped us to ponder on the text and to see if we really 

comprehended the verse clearly, so stating the theme allows us to pull together the basic ideas 

of this section. It also helps us retain what is in each section when we walk away from the text 

and go about our daily lives. 

This step aids our meditation on scripture by organizing in our minds what’s here. 

See if you can write a concise sentence that summarizes the theme of each paragraph. 


Theme of v. 1-3: _______________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________ 






Theme of v. 4: _______________________________________________________________ 



Theme of v. 1-4: _______________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________ 


20

Next, check your conclusions: 

Save final interpretation until you’ve finished studying the entire book and can contemplate the 

whole. This takes time and thought. Be patient. 

Don’t consult a commentary until you are at this point in your study. Use the commentary to 

verify your own findings and to double-check what you have discovered. If you consult 

commentaries before beginning they will influence your own study. Now is the time to check 

your conclusions. You’ll gain from someone else’s study by doing this; but remember, 

commentary notes aren’t scripture. Commentators aren’t infallible. Opinions will vary. 

Good commentaries to use (hard copies are available in the church library): 

� The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, by Walter L. Liefeld, Zondervan. 

� The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Abridged Edition, Barker & Kohlenberger III, 

Zondervan. 

Check the online sources to see what commentaries they have and what they say. Usually 

these are older commentaries because they’re beyond copyright law regulation. They’re all 

free. For instance, you’ll always find The Matthew Henry Commentary, a highly-respected, 

reformed commentary from the 1700s. It’s always worth reading. Check out: biblos.com, 

mystudybible.com, biblestudytools.com, esvstudybible.org, blueletterbible.org, 

biblegateway.com, or crosswalk.com. Investigate their commentary section. 

Now what? Begin to do it. Begin to implement the specific portions which the Holy Spirit has 

moved you to observe and notice as areas of growth necessary for your own life. As you 

studied, periodically we asked you questions to help you consider how the text might relate to 

you. Consider the following questions to contemplate even further application. 

Application: What do I now know? How can this change me? 

Consider these personal questions: 

1. In coming to the text, what did I find to be the most significant statements? Why? 

2. How can these statements affect my life and change it? 

3. What specifically does this section tell me the Triune God does for me and in me? 

4. Is there an example here for me to follow? What model does Paul’s life provide? How do I 

bring to light God’s word for the watching world to see? Do I explain the glorious truth of the 

gospel in a clear and succinct way that allow others to understand what God has done? 

5. What positive motivations do I find in the passage that convince me to lead a godly life? Is 

there evidence that I have been born again? In my own life, what is the fruit of life-changing 

knowledge and faith in Christ Jesus? 

6. Do any portions of Titus 1:1-4 produce a sense of conviction within me? 

7. Is there a prayer to repeat or am I drawn into prayer by this passage? Does this motivate me 

to pray for others? 


21

8. Do any parts of this section cause me to want to live differently? What solid steps am I taking 

in that direction? 

9. Practically, how am I living out my faith and knowledge of God? Am I mindful of the grace and 

peace I have from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior? How do these qualities 

evidence in my life? Am I growing in personal holiness? 

10. Is there a verse or verses to memorize? 

Paul begins this short book with some heavy theological truths: election, God’s eternal plan, and 

God’s sovereignty. Therefore, we took an extra day to dig into this. Our study each week will usually only 

contain five days of material. But these theological topics warranted extra time. 

Did you learn something here that changes the way you view your salvation? Did the passage 

cause you to overflow with gratitude to a Savior who promised before the beginning of time to redeem 

you and then relentlessly carried out his plan to make you his own and to impart godliness, grace, and 

peace to you as a result? 

With the theological groundwork of an unflinching, purposeful gospel laid down in this first 

section, in the next section Paul turns to the first instructions to Titus about putting the church in Crete 

in order. Undergirded by the gospel and God’s amazing grace in carrying out of the salvation of his elect, 

Titus’ first order of business is to appoint elders to help him with this task. What type of men does Titus 

need to help him manage this church and its problem with false teachers? The next section tells us. 

In moving forward, don’t make these mistakes: 

1. Don’t substitute interpretation for application and do nothing. 

2. Don’t substitute superficial obedience for substantive life-change. 

3. Don’t substitute rationalization for repentance. 

4. Don’t substitute an emotional experience for a volitional decision to change. 

5. Don’t substitute communication for transformation and merely talk about what you’ve 

learned. 12 

12 Some of these application ideas are from Living By the Book, Howard G. Hendricks and William D. Hendricks, 

Moody Press Publishers, Chicago, 2007. 


22

Genesis 15 (NIV®), God’s promise to Abraham 

1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: 

“Do not be afraid, Abram. 

I am your shield, [a] 

your very great reward. [b] ” 

2 But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will 

inherit [c] my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a 

servant in my household will be my heir.” 

4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own 

flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the 

stars —if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring [d] be.” 

6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. 

7 He also said to him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land 

to take possession of it.” 

8 But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?” 

9 So the LORD said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove 

and a young pigeon.” [This is the making of a covenant, 15:9-20, initiated here by God (author’s note).] 

10 Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the 

birds, however, he did not cut in half. 11 Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram 

drove them away. 

12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over 

him. 13 Then the LORD said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will 

be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. 14 But I 

will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great 

possessions. 15 You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. 16 In 

the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet 

reached its full measure.” 

17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and 

passed between the pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your 

descendants I give this land, from the Wadi [e] of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates — 19 the land of 

the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, 

Girgashites and Jebusites.” 

Footnotes: 

a. Genesis 15:1, Or sovereign 

b. Genesis 15:1, Or shield; / your reward will be very great 

c. Genesis 15:2, The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. 

d. Genesis 15:5, Or seed 

e. Genesis 15:18, Or river 


23

Book of Titus (NIV®) 

Titus 1 

1 Paul, 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— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which 

God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed 

season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our 

Savior, 

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and 

Christ Jesus our Savior. 

5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished 

and appoint[a] elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to 

his wife, a man whose children believe[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and 

disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not 

overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest 

gain. 8Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, 

upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been 

taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 

10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, 

especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are 

disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of 

dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, 

lazy gluttons.”[c] 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be 

sound in the faith 14and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human 

commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are 

corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are 

corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, 

disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. 

Footnotes: 

a. Titus 1:5 Or ordain 

b. Titus 1:6 Or children are trustworthy 

c. Titus 1:12 From the Cretan philosopher Epimenides 


1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men 

to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be 

slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger 

women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, 

to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an 

example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of 

speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they 

have nothing bad to say about us. 

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to 

talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so 

that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 


24

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us 

to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly 

lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of 

our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all 

wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 

15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. 

Do not let anyone despise you. 


1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to 

do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be 

gentle toward everyone. 

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of 

passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But 

when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous 

things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and 

renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our 

Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of 

eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those 

who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These 

things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the 

law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn 

them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such 

people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. 

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at 

Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the 

lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people 

must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and 

not live unproductive lives. 

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be 

with you all. 


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The Inductive Bible Study Method 

OBSERVATION 

What does the text show me? What does it say? 

Overview 

Establish context by determining historical background. 

Where does this book fit in the Bible timeline? 

Question the text. Ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? 

Make simple observations of people, places, and events mentioned in the text. Write these down. 

Make simple observations of key words used throughout the entire book. Write these down. 

Determine book, chapter, and section/paragraph themes. What’s your hunch? 

Write down your questions. Return to them as you study. Solve quandaries then. 

Chapter/Section/Paragraph Studies 

Work your way through the book, one section at a time. 

Question the text. Ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? 

Make thorough lists and observations of people, places, and events in this section. 

Make thorough lists of what you observe about key words in this section. 

Ignore chapter divisions when the theme is carried forward. 

Mark contrasts, comparisons, expressions of time, terms of conclusion. 

Beginning of Interpretation: Tie this all together by working verse by verse through the text. 

Outline or complete structural analysis to break down difficult portions of the text. 

Examine meanings of key words as you study verse by verse. 

Meditate on the text to determine the section or paragraph theme. 

INTERPRETATION 

What do I now know? What does the text mean? 

Ask: What does the text mean within correct context? 

What principles do I see that tie to other passages of Scripture? Complete cross references. 

Complete examination of key words: meaning, tense, voice. 

Examine definitions of verbs and adjectives. Note commands and warnings. 

Solve the quandaries. Finalize section/chapter theme. Summarize section/chapter. 

After drawing conclusions, consult commentaries for this section alone to double-check. 

APPLICATION 

How does this change me? In what ways must I now grow? 

Based on correct interpretation of the text: How do I apply this to my life? 

How has the Holy Spirit convicted me as I’ve studied this section? 

How does this better knowledge of God change me? How must I now obey? 

Meditate on Scripture. Memorize key applicable portions of the passage. Memorize promises. 


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Titus 1:1-4 One-week Study Guide - Calvary Bible Church

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