Titus: Do What God SaysSample

Be the Church

What should we expect from the church? In his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul gives us a compelling answer. Writing to strengthen young churches on the island of Crete, Paul urges Titus to establish clear leadership, guard against false teaching, and remind believers how the church should live and function. His words are just as relevant today.

Paul’s first focus is leadership. A healthy church is properly governed for teaching, guidance, and accountability—led by elders who are spiritually mature, self-controlled, and rooted in the truth of the gospel (verses 5–9). These leaders are not perfect, but they are people of integrity. They guide the church with wisdom and faithfulness. Their lives reflect the very gospel they teach.

Churches should have godly leaders who lead, guide, and provide accountability for the congregation.

Next, Paul emphasizes that a healthy church rebukes false teaching. In Crete, deceptive voices were gaining influence, spreading lies that undermined the gospel. Paul tells Titus not to tolerate them—these voices must be corrected. Not ignored. Not excused. Rebuked. This may feel countercultural, but Scripture is clear: lovingly confronting falsehood is part of being faithful to Jesus and protecting the church.

And this call is true for all believers, not just church leaders. We shouldn't ignore sin or evil; we should have the courage to name it for what it is. The challenge is to do so with love and the right motivation, but believers are called to do it.

Third, Paul reminds us that a healthy church believes and teaches the gospel. The truth of who Jesus is and what He has done should be front and center. We are made pure by His grace, not by religious rules or cultural approval. Right doctrine is not just about head knowledge; it leads to right living.

Notice that Paul’s qualifications for elders focus more on character and behavior than on theological training. We should believe the right things about God, yes, but then we should live in accordance with that truth.

Finally, Paul closes with a sobering warning: a healthy church does not deny God by its works. Some people claim to know God but live in ways that completely contradict Him. A church that preaches the truth must also live it. Our actions should affirm our beliefs, not betray them. We don’t truly know God if we don’t follow and obey Him.

Being the church isn’t passive—it’s intentional. We follow Jesus by holding fast to the gospel, living lives of integrity, confronting what’s false, and walking in truth. If you’re a follower of Jesus, this is your calling too.

Know this: the Bible is not against effort, it’s against earning. Being the church and following Jesus takes effort. But we don’t do it to earn salvation or His love; we do it in response to the grace He has already given us in Jesus.

Reflection Question: Are you living in a way that reflects what you say you believe about Jesus? In what area of your life do your actions need to better align with the gospel, not to earn God’s love, but to reflect the love He has already given you?

Prayer: God, thank you for making me part of your church. Help me live with integrity, hold tightly to your Word, and walk in the truth of the gospel. Give me courage to speak truth in love, and humility to repent when I fall short. Help me be more like Jesus.