Book: The Way of the Word: Study Guide: Chapter 56: Titus: Adorning the Doctrine
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 24 hours ago
- 8 min read
The island of Crete in the first century was not exactly a breeding ground for Christian virtue. In fact, it was quite the opposite. To the ancient world, "to act like a Cretan" was a slang term for lying. It was a culture defined by dishonesty, unrestrained appetite, and a "me-first" philosophy that made the Gospel of Jesus Christ look like a foreign language. It is into this spiritual and cultural "lion’s den" that Paul sends Titus.
The Book of Titus is often called a "Pastoral Epistle," grouped alongside 1 and 2 Timothy. But while Timothy was dealing with the sophisticated (if misguided) intellectualism and temple-influence of Ephesus, Titus was dealing with raw, unrefined chaos. Paul’s letter to him is a masterclass in how to build a healthy church in a sick society. It is a guide for how the people of God can "adorn the doctrine", not just by talking about the truth, but by making the truth look beautiful through the way they live.
In this study guide, we are going to dive deep into the heart of Titus. We will explore the radical concept of "grace that trains," the miracle of the "washing of regeneration," and the practical necessity of good works that flow from a heart captured by the mercy of God.
The Cretan Challenge: Setting Things in Order
Paul wasted no time in establishing the stakes. In Titus 1:5, he writes, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you."
The phrase "set in order" is a medical term in the Greek (epidiorthoō), used for setting a broken bone or straightening a crooked limb. The church in Crete was "fractured." It had believers, but it lacked structure, leadership, and a clear distinction from the surrounding culture. Paul knew that if the church was to survive, let alone thrive, it needed leaders who were "above reproach."
The qualifications Paul lists for elders in Titus 1 are strikingly similar to those in 1 Timothy, but with a specific edge given the Cretan context. An elder must not be self-willed, not quick-tempered, and not greedy for money. Why? Because the Cretan culture was defined by self-will, temper, and greed. The church cannot change the culture if the church looks just like the culture.
The first step in "adorning the doctrine" is leadership that embodies the doctrine. If the leaders are Cretan in their character, the Gospel becomes invisible. But if the leaders are disciplined, holy, and hospitable, the Gospel starts to gain a foothold. This is a vital lesson for us today: the credibility of our message is inextricably linked to the character of our messengers.
Protecting the Soundness of Faith
Paul warns Titus about "insubordinate" people, "idle talkers," and "deceivers," especially those of the "circumcision" group (Titus 1:10). These were individuals trying to blend the Gospel with Jewish legalism and "Jewish fables."
In Crete, the problem wasn't just overt sin; it was religious confusion. Paul tells Titus to "rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith." The word "sound" here is hygiainō, from which we get the word "hygiene." Paul is concerned with the spiritual health and cleanliness of the church. False teaching is like a virus; it infects the mind and eventually paralyzes the mission.
The famous quote Paul uses in verse 12, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons", was actually from one of their own prophets (Epimenides). Paul uses their own cultural self-awareness to make a point: the Gospel is the only thing that can break this cycle. You cannot "self-help" your way out of a "lazy glutton" identity. You need a radical transformation of the heart.
Adorning the Doctrine: The Power of Every Generation
In Chapter 2, Paul shifts from the leaders to the pews. He addresses older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and servants. His message is consistent: your behavior should "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:10).
The word "adorn" comes from the Greek kosmeō, which refers to arranging something to make it attractive. It’s where we get the word "cosmetics." When we live according to the Word of God, we are putting "spiritual makeup" on the Gospel. We aren't changing the truth of the Gospel, the Gospel is perfect as it is, but we are making it attractive to those who are watching.
Older Men: They are to be sober, reverent, and temperate. In a culture that prized wine and loud revelry, a sober, dignified older man was a walking miracle.
Older Women: They are to be "reverent in behavior" and "teachers of good things." They carry the weight of the church’s legacy.
Younger Women: Paul emphasizes the home and the family. In a society where family structures were often disregarded, a young woman who loved her husband and children was a powerful testimony.
Younger Men: Paul tells Titus to exhort them to be "sober-minded." For young men in any age, the greatest challenge is often self-control.
Servants (Bondservants): They are called to be obedient and well-pleasing, not "answering back" or pilfering.
Think about the impact of this. If a master in Crete saw his servant, who used to be a liar and a thief, suddenly become honest, hard-working, and respectful, the master would have to ask: "What happened to you?" The answer was the Gospel. That servant’s life "adorned" the doctrine.
Key Verse: The Grace That Trains (Titus 2:11-14)
At the heart of the book lies one of the most powerful summaries of the Christian life in the entire New Testament.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14)
This passage destroys the idea that grace is just a "get out of hell free" card. Paul says that grace is a teacher. The Greek word is paideuō, which refers to the training and disciplining of a child.
Grace doesn't just save us from the penalty of sin; it trains us out of the patterns of sin.
It teaches us what to say "No" to: Ungodliness and worldly lusts.
It teaches us how to live now: Soberly (inwardly), righteously (outwardly), and godly (upwardly).
It teaches us what to look for: The return of Jesus Christ.
Notice the motivation. We don't live holy lives to "earn" grace. We live holy lives because grace has already appeared and is currently "schooling" us. We are "purified" to be "zealous for good works." A Christian who isn't interested in good works is like a bird that isn't interested in flying, it’s a contradiction of their very nature.
The Washing of Regeneration and the Holy Spirit
In Chapter 3, Paul moves to the believer's relationship with the world. He reminds Titus that we were once just like the Cretans, foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy.
Then comes the "But": "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us..." (Titus 3:4-5).
This is the core of Assemblies of God theology and biblical truth: Salvation is entirely a work of God's mercy. Paul uses a specific phrase: "the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."
The word "regeneration" (palingenesia) means "new birth" or "rebirth." It’s the "born again" experience Jesus spoke of in John 3. It is a supernatural bath. The Holy Spirit doesn't just "clean up" our old self; He gives us a new nature. He washes away the Cretan "liar" and "beast" and replaces it with a "new man" created in righteousness and true holiness.
This washing is "poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior." Because we are justified by His grace, we become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is the "Sound Doctrine" that Paul is so desperate for Titus to protect.
Good Works as a Witness
Paul concludes the letter by urging Titus to avoid "foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law." These things are "unprofitable and useless."
Instead, he wants the people to "learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful" (Titus 3:14).
The theology of Titus is beautifully balanced. It is 100% Grace (the washing of regeneration) and 100% Response (the zeal for good works). We aren't saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. In a culture of "lazy gluttons," a community of people who are "meeting urgent needs" and being "fruitful" is the most revolutionary thing on the planet.
Applying Titus to Your Life
Living in a modern culture can often feel like living in ancient Crete. We are surrounded by dishonesty, self-indulgence, and a rejection of sound doctrine. The temptation is to either hide away or to blend in. Paul offers a third way: Adorn the Doctrine.
Make the Gospel look good. If you are a boss, lead with integrity that shocks your employees. If you are an employee, work with a diligence that confuses your coworkers. If you are a parent, love with a patience that the world can't explain.
Let the "grace that trains" be your daily instructor. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to deny a worldly lust, listen. When He prompts you to live soberly, obey. You are a "special person," purified for the King, and your life is the billboard for His kingdom.
Reflection Questions
Leadership and Integrity: Titus 1 emphasizes that leaders must be "above reproach." How does the character of a leader (whether in the church, home, or workplace) affect the credibility of the Gospel message?
Adorning the Doctrine: Paul uses the word kosmeō (to adorn or make attractive). In what specific area of your life, work, family, or social circles, could you more intentionally "adorn" the Gospel this week?
The School of Grace: Titus 2:11-12 says grace "teaches" us to deny ungodliness. Can you identify a time when God’s grace specifically "schooled" you or disciplined you to turn away from a particular sin or habit?
The New Nature: How does the concept of "the washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5) change how you view your past mistakes and your current identity in Christ?
Meeting Urgent Needs: Paul concludes by saying we should "learn to maintain good works" to meet urgent needs. What is an "urgent need" in your community or circle right now that you feel called to help address?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the richness of Your Word. We thank You that even in a culture like Crete, and even in our culture today, Your grace is sufficient to save and to transform. Holy Spirit, we ask for the "washing of regeneration" to be fresh in our lives today. Renew us, strengthen us, and teach us. Help us to deny ungodliness and to live soberly and righteously in this present age. May our lives be a beautiful adornment to the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Let the world see our good works and glorify You. We look forward with hope to the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.
About the Author: Layne McDonald, Ph.D.
Dr. Layne McDonald is a dedicated author, scholar, and minister with a passion for grounding believers in the timeless truths of Scripture. With a focus on biblical commentary and practical discipleship, Dr. McDonald's work seeks to bridge the gap between deep theological study and everyday Christian living. His mission is to provide resources that help the Church understand the Word of God, navigate modern culture with wisdom, and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
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Is your life making the Gospel look attractive to the people who don't yet believe?
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