DISCOVERY: Paul’s Letters to Titus and Philemon
Paul’s Letters to Titus and Philemon
Titus 1:1 through 3:15 and Philemon 1:1-25
KEY VERSE: “For the grace of God that bringeth
salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world.” (Titus 2:11-12)Titus 1:6-9 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Blameless – Conscience without fault toward God and man; of good reputation and character.
Qualifications:
Leaders: Opportunities with responsibilities
Intellectual knowledge: Theology - Letters
- All (Same faith, same spirit, same requirements, same end – Heaven)
“Church leadership qualifications in Scripture were never meant to be a private club standard but they’re a model of mature Christian living for everyone.”
Leadership standards are visible Christianity — what all believers are growing toward.
Holiness isn’t a leadership badge; it’s a family trait.
Blamelessness isn’t only for pastors; it’s the witness of every child of God.
Leadership lists describe what spiritual maturity looks like — and maturity is the destination of every saint.
Not just leaders — older men, older women, young men, young women — everyone is told to model godliness.
Character over credentials:
Look out for: Integrity, teachability, and self-control when choosing or evaluating leaders, not just theological knowledge or public speaking ability.
Family life: Healthy home family governance precludes mentoring where needed.
Identify one attribute from the above, daily and exemplify it in your conversations
Document a brief daily practice that reinforces the chosen attribute.
Titus 1:10-16 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Not to listen to fables or commandments of men that conflict with the truth.
We are to measure all teaching by the Word of God. In such honest seeking, His Spirit will guide us.
He promised there would be a voice behind us if we turned to the right or to the left from the straight path of truth (Isaiah 30:21).
Warnings: Privileged advance self-security information to avoid potential dangers and problem
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20
“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11
“When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” 1 John 4:1
“There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them.” 2 Peter 2:1
“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” 2 Peter 2:3
“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18
“Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:30
“The Bible is the touchstone of error and the foundation of truth.”
“If it’s new, it’s not true; if it’s true, it’s not new.”
“Truth is not determined by majority vote.”
“Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
“A half-truth masquerading as the whole truth becomes a complete untruth.”
“The first step toward heresy is selecting a truth and isolating it from the rest.”
“False teaching does not announce itself as false.”
“Error does not become truth because it is widely accepted, nor does truth become error because it is widely rejected.”
A Guiding Principle:
False teaching thrives where believers are:
Biblically uninformed
Spiritually careless
Attracted to novelty
Following personalities instead of Christ
Rooted in Scripture
Led by the Spirit
Focused on Christ
Living in obedience
What are the ways we unknowingly or indirectly supporting or aiding false teachings?
What are the strategies that can be used to counter false teachings from thriving?
Titus 2:2-8 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
God placed a high responsibility and value on older men and women.
He indicated that they were to teach the younger people.
What a wonderful asset the testimonies of seniors are to a Gospel meeting!
The older saints are a valuable resource to encourage the young.
Because of their years of experience, they can teach the younger ones to be temperate, to be sound in faith and charity, to show holy behavior, to have patience, to be loving and respectful spouses, and many other good things.
Young people should get acquainted with some of the elderly saints.
Many of the seniors have wonderful stories to tell.
-Children, new converts, the unsaved… look up to us in some ways.
We all need each other in this Gospel!
Sound doctrine: Bible truths
1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 3:14–15
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
“No one is too small to make a difference.”
“Your life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.”
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
“What you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.”
“What you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.”
“Young people are not just the church of tomorrow — they are the church of today.”
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
“A holy life will make the deepest impression.”
The value of senior saints as mentors:
They bring credibility, patience, and a long-range perspective that online trends can’t replace.
Apply the wisdom and experience of older believers to model faithfulness for younger generations.
Intergenerational mentoring and teaching:
Create intentional spaces where seasoned believers teach, coach, and correct younger ones.
The universal call to be a good example at any age:
Every believer, regardless of age, is to be a consistent example of Christ-like character.
A positive example - marked by self-control, hospitality, diligence, and faithful living - leads others toward Christ and away from false doctrines and worldly practices.
What are practical applications of these virtues?
Choose one area to model (e.g., patience in conflict, generosity in giving…)
Pair with an older mentor or a younger believer who can observe and provide feedback weekly.
Keep a brief, reflective journal: note where your example encourages others, where you stumble, and how Gospel-centered habits are shaping your daily life.
Titus 3:5, 8 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
It is true that nothing “good” we can do will make us worthy of Heaven.
Only our surrender to Christ and the receiving of His righteousness will bring salvation. That godly righteousness within us will then motivate us to do good works.
We are admonished to be careful to continue these good works, as it could be easy to become lazy or distracted by the cares of life.
Good deeds:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done,”
“but according to his mercy he saved us”
“be careful to maintain good works.”
Statements fit together:
Ephesians 2:8–10 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Romans 3:28 “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
James 2:14–17 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
Galatians 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”
1 John 3:17–18 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Salvation by mercy, not by works:
God saves us “not because of works” but according to his mercy.
Human merit cannot earn heaven; salvation is a gift received through faith.
Are you resting in grace for your standing before God?
Let mercy and grace shape your daily reliance on Christ, not confidence in your own deeds.
Good works as evidence of new life, not means of salvation:
Works don’t save, they follow true saving faith.
Good deeds testify to a transformed heart and a living relationship with Christ.
Good works motivate and shape godly living:
Good deeds cultivate a healthy church, a helpful neighbor, and a clear witness.
Faith and works harmonized in habit:
The repeatable pattern of life matters.
If grace saves us, a sustained pattern of good works demonstrates the reality of that grace over time.
Evaluate your life for visible fruit of the spirit: acts of love, mercy, honesty, service -rather than counting on rituals or moralism to justify you.
Proactively seek opportunities to do good - care for the vulnerable, engage in hospitality, contribute time and resources to worthy causes.
Build steady spiritual disciplines (regular Bible reading, prayer, accountability, service routines) that produce consistent good works across seasons of life.
Name some of the good works the Lord would have us do.
-feed a brother who is hungry, help someone who is in need, visit the sick, be faithful in our church duties, write a note of encouragement to the lonely, reach out to a lost world with the hope of the Gospel.
There is so much to do and the laborers are so few!
In our relationships with other people, a soft touch usually has more influence than a demanding, overbearing manner.
God wanted a friend, not a robot.
God loves the sacrifices of obedience from a willing heart.
Paul was wise to give Philemon the choice of how to deal with his slave.
A sacrifice from a willing heart is so much more valuable to God than one that is coerced.
Authority & Meekness:
- strength under control—the ability to act with power but choosing gentleness, humility
Effective communication:
-Knowing what to say
-Knowing when to say it
-Knowing how to say it
The power of right use of words
Good interpersonal relationship: Desire it, practice it, be consistent
Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:23 “A man’s mouth maketh glad his heart: and words please the heart.”
Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Proverbs 12:18 “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Hosea 6:6 “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Proverbs 21:3 “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
Words fitly spoken over commands promote unity and dignity:
Paul invites Philemon to participate in reconciliation rather than coerce.
This preserves the offender’s dignity and established genuine transformation rather than mere compliance.
Appeals rooted in the gospel relationship:
Paul grounds his appeal in brotherhood in Christ (Onesimus as a brother).
Reconciliation is based on gospel principle
Leadership with humility and trust:
Effective leadership creates space for others to respond to grace.
Paul demonstrates humility, trusting Philemon’s Christian maturity and agency to choose rightly.
Restoration over punishment:
The goal is restoration of a relationship and a shared mission in Christ, not controversial interests.
Restoration strengthens the church’s witness and unity.
“Done as unto God” – For Christ’s sake and for heaven sake
Think of the things you have given to the Lord, such as money, time, talents, an act of forgiveness, etc.
Have these offerings been given with a willing and cheerful heart?
It may not always be easy to forgive. However, it will help us to remember how much Jesus forgave us.
We may have to spend time in prayer, asking God to help us see the matter from His perspective.
As we pray and surrender the hurt to God, we will find a release.
This is a form of consecration, of submitting our will to God. As we do this, we will grow stronger in grace.
We must then remember not to pick up the burden of unforgiveness at a later time.
We must keep the matter consecrated to God.
Offenses hurt:
Forgiveness is a Christian virtue
Forgiveness is imparted
Forgiveness is a game changer
Forgiveness is non-discriminative (Applicable to everyone and situations)
Forgiveness is a spiritual law
Forgiveness transforms and restores
Forgiveness is not natural
True forgiveness is not naturally easy
Forgiveness is a spiritual battle – Pray it through
Matthew 6:14–15 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 18:21–22 “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Mark 11:25 “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."
Romans 12:19–21 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
2 Corinthians 2:10–11 “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
“Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
“He who cannot forgive others destroys the bridge over which he himself must pass.”
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
“Resentment is like setting yourself on fire and hoping the other person dies of smoke inhalation.”
“Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different.”
Forgiveness is costly but commanded:
Paul’s appeal acknowledges real hurt and loss, yet forgiveness is urged as part of Christian responsibility, even when it costs us personally.
Accept that forgiveness may require sacrifice, boundaries, or reset expectations, but remains a core path to obedience and reconciliation.
Forgiveness as a path to reconciliation:
Forgiveness aims to restore relationship within the body of Christ, not just relieve one’s own hurt.
Seek ways to rebuild trust and pursue mutual relationship with the person forgiven, when safe and appropriate.
Identity in Christ shapes our response to offenses:
Receiving or accepting someone as a brother or sister redefines spiritual relationship - glorifying Christ
Let your response be grounded in who you are in Christ (a forgiven, reconciling member) rather than who wronged you.
Practical steps and boundaries help sustain forgiveness:
Forgiveness often requires practical steps (conversations, accountability, boundaries) to ensure ongoing safety, trust, and spiritual health.
Develop a plan that includes time, accountability, and explicit boundaries to protect both parties and the church community while pursuing restoration.
Share times in which the offering of forgiveness was difficult but brought peace.
We must always remember the Golden Rule.
If we try to put ourselves in the place of others, we will have insight on how to act. Others usually desire to be treated with fairness, with no importance given to the differences between them and us.
People of different income, education, gender, age, appearance, race, or ability can experience wonderful love and fellowship.
Christian conduct: An imparted culture. Corrective culture. Level playing culture
Christians – Christ-like in dealings
Unintended disrespects & how to deal with it: Apply the golden rule
Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Leviticus 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:34 “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself, for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
Romans 13:7 “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 3:11 “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”
1 Peter 2:17 “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”
Luke 6:31 “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
“A Christian reveals true humility by showing respect to all people, regardless of their position.”
“We cannot truly love God while failing to love those made in His image.”
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
“People may forget your words, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of being.”
The Gospel elevates dignity for all:
The gospel redefines worth based on being made in God’s image, not on social status, gender, or ethnicity.
This calls believers to honor every person as precious to God.
Show respect across differences:
Respect can be shown through listening, valuing diverse perspectives, and treating others with courtesy even when you disagree.
Practice active listening; ask questions to understand, not to win an argument; use inclusive language; seek collaboration across differences in church and community settings.
Self-awareness to avoid unintentional disrespect:
People may be unaware of how their words or actions come across.
Intentionality matters, but impact can still be harmful.
Reflect on language, humor, and assumptions; pause before making judgments
Invite feedback from those who are different from you; apologize and adjust when you realize you’ve missed the mark.
Humility in everyday interactions:
Practice honor toward others, regardless of status.
Humility creates trust and openness to learn from others.
Elevate marginalized voices in discussions; give credit where it’s due; serve without seeking status; welcome critiques as opportunities for growth.
Treat every encounter as an opportunity to affirm inherent worth, not to confirm social hierarchies.
Godly love to all should be our guideline.
Paul’s letters to Titus and Philemon now serve as admonitions to us. Let us take heed and use these words as encouragement in our Christian walks.
@AFM DISCOVERY Bible Study
God bless you abundantly. This notes explains very well and simple to understand the topic.to God be the glory
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