Gilbert House Fellowship #135: 1 Timothy, Titus

CHURCH LEADERSHIP and proper behavior for Christians is the focus of Paul's letters that we study this week. Timothy had been left in charge of the church Ephesus, while Titus had been left on the island of Crete to shepherd the new church there.

Both Timothy and Titus faced challenges; Timothy was a young man charged with guiding older men and women, while Titus worked in a place notorious for its lack of moral integrity ("to Cretanize" was a term in the ancient world that meant to lie).

Paul also encouraged both men to avoid vain discussions, myths, and endless genealogies, "which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith." Our mission is to show "love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

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