False teachers and New Believers - Titus 1:10-16

Titus really had his hands full here.  Paul wanted him to stay in Crete to raise up sound leadership for the new congregations there. Paul gave Titus the responsibility to chose and prepare these leaders. There were a number of things working in the background making it difficult; not the least of which were false teachers.

The congregations were made up of new believers, members who were just hearing about Jesus Christ and learning about the salvation He provided.  New believers are susceptible to incorrect teaching.  When I was new to faith the New Age movement was prevalent.  I know when I first heard about this New Age Spiritualism or New Age cult as some call it; I was attracted to the calming, peaceful manner in which they presented their practices.  It took the wisdom of a seasoned follower to share the truth with me. 

Titus spent much of his time renouncing the deceptive teachings of  Jews who refused to believe in Jesus.  It is easy to understand how fragile a new believers' faith is.  It takes years of reading God's Word, studying scripture and living through life's ups and downs to be secure in our beliefs.  It is important that we pray for new believers, that Satan can't sway them or cause them to doubt.

There are false teachers all around us.  Imagine what a young teen struggles with daily.  Their peers on television and in the movies make their lifestyle seem attractive, when in fact it is some of the false teaching that goes on in this world today.

Read the Titus 1:10-16 text here.  Listen to the Titus 1:10-16 text here.

We all have to start somewhere - Titus 1:1-9

It is interesting to me that the Book of Titus was the first book of the Bible I ever studied.  When I attended the study for the first time, I did not know how to look up Scripture verses in the Bible and felt very awkward and even ashamed.  At the very least I was embarrassed as I stumbled through the Bible in search of the tiny little book called Titus.

You can guess that this book now has a very special place in my heart.  Do you recall where you first began your search for truth; which book was your first experience with Jesus?  About the only thing I remember about that study was that I felt good listening to others.  I knew I wanted to have the same fun they seemed to be having as they read and then discussed.

"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. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (Titus 1:7-8)

It is curious to realize the first nine verses address the desired attributes of leadership; in church and in families.  The very qualities I was reading about for the first time was everything I longed for in my own home.  As a young adult I also craved a lifestyle wrought with integrity.  Titus might be a small book but it is a powerful tool to shape a young Christians mind.

Read the text here.  Listen to the text here.