What is the meaning of Titus 1:13? This testimony is true • Paul has just cited one of Crete’s own poets: “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). By adding, “This testimony is true,” he affirms that the description accurately matches the false teachers troubling the churches. • Because every word of Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), Paul’s confirmation carries divine authority. The apostle is not indulging in slander; he is acknowledging a real spiritual problem that must be addressed (John 17:17). • Similar acknowledgments of sin’s reality appear elsewhere: Jesus calls the Pharisees “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27), and Peter exposes Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit (Acts 5:3-4). Scripture never glosses over what endangers the flock. • Recognizing the truth about error is the first step toward protecting and purifying Christ’s people (Ephesians 5:11-13). Therefore rebuke them sternly • Because the assessment is true, decisive action follows: “rebuke them sternly” (Titus 1:13). Godly leadership must confront error, not merely observe it. • Stern rebuke is commanded elsewhere: – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2). – “Those who sin should be rebuked in the presence of all, so that the rest also will stand in fear” (1 Timothy 5:20). – Jesus Himself rebukes wayward disciples (Luke 9:55) and even entire churches (Revelation 3:19). • Practical shape of a stern rebuke: – Clear identification of the error (Galatians 2:14). – Compassion for the sinner but zero tolerance for the sin (Proverbs 27:6). – Aim for public benefit when the error is public (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). • The authority to rebuke rests in Christ’s charge to shepherds to guard the flock from wolves (Acts 20:28-31). so that they will be sound in the faith • The goal is restorative, not punitive: “so that they will be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). Godly rebuke seeks to heal doctrine and character. • “Sound” means healthy, free from corruption—echoing 1 Timothy 1:10, “sound doctrine.” Corrective truth functions like medicine (Psalm 107:20). • Other passages stress restoring the erring: – “Correct opponents with gentleness. God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him” (Galatians 6:1). – Church discipline aims that “his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5). • When rebuke achieves its purpose, the church enjoys: – Doctrinal solidity (Ephesians 4:14-15). – Relational harmony (Colossians 3:14). – Missional credibility (Philippians 2:15-16). summary Titus 1:13 upholds both the truthfulness of Scripture’s diagnosis of sin and the loving necessity of firm correction. The apostle commands Titus to confront error directly, with the redemptive aim of restoring believers to robust, healthy faith. Sound doctrine and holy living flourish when shepherds courageously expose falsehood and guide the flock back to Christ’s saving truth. |
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