As King and Shepherd over his church, Jesus Christ raises up elders to lead and govern his people. Here in Titus, Paul outlines the characteristics that churches should look for in these elders. Rather than fall for the temptation of what the world values, churches must value faithful, gospel-centered men. In our text, Paul shows us these men will be identified by faithful home, faithful character, and faithful teaching.

Paul’s letter to Titus provides us with instructions to his mentee who is planting churches on the island of Crete. The letter provides us with the mission of the church, and in our opening verses of this letter we see both (1) the grounds for the church’s mission and (II) the means for the her mission.

We are delivered safely into the heavenly kingdom by Jesus who is present now with us in the church family and individually as King of his kingdom.

Amid the trials and uncertainties of life, Christians have an anchor that holds them firm, which is the hope of resurrection through Christ Jesus. Since Christ’s victory transcends all our difficulties, we must keep the faith. We do so by (1) fulfilling our earthly calling, and (II) cherishing our heavenly hope.

The preaching of God’s Word is central to the life of the church because God works through His Word to accomplish His purposes in His people. Yet faithful preaching will often be met with resistance, distraction, and rejection. Therefore, ministers must faithfully proclaim God’s Word with sober-minded endurance, trusting that the Lord will use His appointed means in His appointed time for His glory and the good of His people.

We live amid a sea of voices telling us how we should live our lives. In our text this morning, Paul shares his main aim in life (i.e., his purpose), and from it we see our purpose as well. God calls us to endure in following Christ, but to do this we must know the goal, be aware of the obstacles, and cling to the guide.

Since the coming of Jesus Christ, the church has lived and ministered in what the Bible calls “the last days.” Paul reminds Timothy and us that these will be dangerous times for the church. In our passage, he calls us to recognize the danger, avoid its influence, and rest in the hope of Jesus’ final victory.

Because God's mission does not depend on any one human leader, His people can face seasons of transition with confidence rather than fear.

Because God has graciously set us apart in Christ, we are called to be vessels fit for His honorable use. This happens as we pursue the right priorities, reflect the right attitudes, and aim for the right goal.

A disciplined deep reading of the Word of truth requires hard work, produces discernment, and protects against the spiritual ruin from false teachers.