Titus 1
Rooted in Truth: Reflections on Titus 1
We have a nephew named Titus—though everyone calls him “Tidy.” It’s one of those nicknames that just sticks, and honestly, we’re not sure our kids even remember that his name is actually Titus! But as we opened the Book of Titus together, we couldn’t help but smile at that thought. Because while our Tidy might one day be out on a wrestling mat somewhere in Nebraska, the Titus we read about in Scripture was a young leader learning to wrestle with something much bigger—how to faithfully build the church.
Servants Before Titles
Right from the beginning of Titus 1, Paul introduces himself in a way that grounds us: “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Christ Jesus.” What a way to start! He doesn’t open with credentials, achievements, or authority. He starts with humility.
Paul reminds us that our purpose isn’t to pursue our own will, but to submit to God’s. He says he’s here “to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.” That’s a powerful statement. True godliness doesn’t begin with what we do—it starts with what we believe.
We’re reminded that transformation begins not in striving or religious performance but in resting in what Jesus has already done. Christ has lived perfectly, died sacrificially, and been raised victoriously—and His righteousness is applied to us through faith. That truth, not self-effort, is what changes hearts.
The Eternal Promise
Paul goes on to speak about “the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” Just sit in that for a moment. Before creation itself, before the first breath of humanity, God already had a plan for eternal life.
This isn’t just a far-off idea of floating on clouds someday. Eternal life begins now in relationship with God. It’s not “life, then death, then life again”—it’s life to life. Because we’re in Christ, that relationship never breaks.
We’re reminded that this eternal plan has always been unfolding on God’s timeline. When Jesus came into the world, the timing made sense—the Roman roads, the spread of language and culture, the ability to travel—all of it allowed the gospel to spread quickly. Even the challenges of persecution became part of how the message of Jesus reached the nations.
God’s plans aren’t random; they are perfectly timed and purposefully good.
Character Over Charisma
As Paul turns his attention to Titus, he gets practical. Titus is tasked with putting the young church in order and appointing elders in every town. And Paul’s instructions here are so countercultural: look for men of character, not charisma.
Paul describes leaders who are faithful in their homes, self-controlled, hospitable, upright, holy, and disciplined. There’s no mention of charm, status, or success—just godliness and integrity.
This is such an important reminder for us. The church isn’t built on talent or personality; it’s built on people who are the same on Friday night as they are on Sunday morning. We need leaders—and believers—whose lives are rooted in Christ, not in applause.
When character comes before giftedness, the church thrives. When the order is reversed, people get hurt. That’s why Paul emphasizes that elders must hold firmly to the trustworthy message they’ve been taught. We’re all called to live under the Word before we ever try to lead with it.
Guarding the Gospel
Paul closes the chapter with a strong word. He warns Titus about people who are “full of meaningless talk and deception.” These were folks inside the faith who claimed to know God but denied Him by their actions.
That’s a sobering thought. It’s easy to look pure on the outside while our motives or desires drift from God. But true purity isn’t about behavior modification—it’s about the heart. It’s about letting the Spirit purify our motives and align our desires with God’s.
We’re called to hold fast to truth, to live lives of integrity, and to guard the church from anything that distorts the gospel. Because at the end of the day, Paul’s words to Titus aren’t just for church leaders—they’re for all of us. How are we living at home, at work, and in private? What idols are we clinging to that need to be surrendered?
Living the Truth
Titus 1 reminds us that the church is not built on flashy personalities or impressive credentials but on humble servants who cling to the truth. We’re invited to live lives rooted in grace, to reflect godly character, and to hold fast to the Word that transforms us.
As we continue through the Book of Titus, we’re reminded that this isn’t just about doctrine—it’s about devotion. May we, like Paul and Titus, be found faithful—servants of God, living the truth that leads to godliness.
