Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   Paul continues his instructions to Titus for the church at Crete. In verses 1-3, what does he remind them of? In verse 3, what does Paul admit?

3. 3

   In verses 4-7, Paul continues his thought from verse 3, where he states he was once disobedient. What caused the change and growth in Paul? What does not save us, and what does save us? How do we become heirs? Ponder: why did Paul include verse 3? Think about the people Titus was ministering to; they were Cretans, surrounded by the lying, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons. I would guess some of this lifestyle may have been embraced by the new believers. How would it encourage the new believers to know that Paul and Titus had also struggled with foolishness and disobedience? How might verses 4-7 encourage the baby believers who may still struggle with some of the Cretan ways?

4. 4

   According to verse 8, what should those who have believed in God devote themselves to? Why should we do this?

5. 5

   In verses 9-11, Paul gives more instructions for how to live and deal with divisions in the church that disrupt unity. What are we to avoid? How is the one causing division and refusing to change described?

6. 6

   In verses 12-15, Paul closes his letter to Titus. What are the people to learn to do?

7. 7

   Ponder: Three times in the chapter, Paul calls believers to be ready for every good work. He clearly states in verses 5-7 that we are not saved by our works, but that as believers we should engage in them. Good works display the evidence that we are not like the world (Crete), but have been saved by the grace of God. Paul also states that they are "excellent and profitable for people." Living the way God has called us to live and designed us to live provides protection for our lives. It is good for us! How has the Lord used the book of Titus in your life? Is the Lord convicting you of an area of your life that needs growth? What motivates you to good works? How does this lead you to pray?