B. In the Church (2:1–15)
their pagan neighbors, who had been characterized by one of their own famous natives as liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons (1:12). In order to gain a hearing for the gospel among such people, the believers' primary preparation for evangelization was to live among themselves with the unarguable testimony of righteous, loving, selfless, and godly lives (2:2–14) in marked contrast to the debauched lives of the false teachers (1:10–16). How they behaved with reference to governmental authorities and unbelievers was also crucial to their testimony (3:1–8).
Several major themes repeat themselves throughout Titus. They include: work(s) (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 5, 8, 14); soundness in faith and doctrine (1:4, 9, 13; 2:1–2, 7–8, 10; 3:15); and salvation (1:3–4; 2:10, 13; 3:4, 6).
Interpretive Challenges
The letter to Titus presents itself in a straightforward manner that should be taken at face value. The few interpretive challenges include: What is the "blessed hope" of 2:13?
Outline
I. Salutation (1:1–4) II. Essentials for Effective Evangelism (1:5–3:11)
A. Among Leaders (1:5–16)
1. Recognition of elders (1:5–9) 2. Rebuke of false teachers (1:10–16) B. In the Church (2:1–15)
1. Holy living (2:1–10) 2. Sound doctrine (2:11–15) C. In the World (3:1–11)
1. Holy living (3:1–4) 2. Sound doctrine (3:5–11) III. Conclusion (3:12–14) IV. Benediction (3:15)