On Tuesday evening we had the first session from Alistair Begg who is to take us through the Book of Titus. This first session was on the opening chapter. Obviously not every verse could be covered but we had an excellent survey with lots of useful things in it.
He began by saying that the book, written at a critical moment in church history when Paul was about to die, is a personal letter but not a private one. It was meant to be read by the congregations. Even today churches need to have things straightened out. Once we straighten out one thing there will soon be something else to deal with. He spoke on
1. The greeting
The long greeting (only the one in Romans is longer) is not intended to inform Titus but to remind the congregations of important truths. When we teach Scripture we are in part telling the people what to expect from us. He also spoke of the way older men can be such a help to younger ministers.
2. Leadership
It is noteworthy that Paul starts here. We need to see how important this is. He protested against the feminisation of the Church of Scotland and spoke of the great help that good elders can be - like those who defend the quarter back in American football. He then went through the various qualifications negative and positive.
3. The empty deceivers
He closed by warning against these who elders must be able to deal with.
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