Topical Bible: Diligence: Titus

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Diligence is a key theme in the pastoral epistles, particularly in the letter to Titus. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of diligence in the life and ministry of Titus, a young pastor entrusted with the care of the churches in Crete. This entry explores the concept of diligence as presented in the Epistle to Titus, highlighting its significance in Christian leadership and daily living.

Biblical Context

The Epistle to Titus is one of the three pastoral letters written by the Apostle Paul, providing guidance on church leadership, sound doctrine, and Christian living. Titus, a trusted companion of Paul, was left in Crete to "set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town" (Titus 1:5). The letter underscores the need for diligence in fulfilling these responsibilities.

Diligence in Leadership

Paul instructs Titus to be diligent in appointing qualified leaders within the church. In Titus 1:7-9, Paul outlines the qualifications for elders, emphasizing the need for blamelessness, self-control, and a firm grasp of sound doctrine. Diligence is required to ensure that those appointed are capable of teaching and refuting false doctrine, thereby safeguarding the church's integrity.

Diligence in Teaching Sound Doctrine

A significant aspect of diligence in Titus is the commitment to teaching sound doctrine. Paul exhorts Titus to "speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). This involves a diligent effort to instruct various groups within the church, including older men, older women, young men, and slaves, in godly behavior and attitudes. The emphasis on sound teaching reflects the need for perseverance and careful attention to the truth of the Gospel.

Diligence in Good Works

Paul repeatedly stresses the importance of good works as evidence of genuine faith. In Titus 2:14, he describes believers as a people "zealous for good deeds." This zeal, or diligence, is a hallmark of the Christian life, demonstrating the transformative power of grace. In Titus 3:8, Paul reiterates that those who have believed in God should "be careful to devote themselves to good works," highlighting the necessity of intentional and persistent effort in living out one's faith.

Diligence in Avoiding Distractions

Paul warns Titus to avoid distractions that could hinder his ministry. In Titus 3:9, he advises, "But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." Diligence involves focusing on what is edifying and beneficial for the church, rather than being sidetracked by divisive and unproductive debates.

Diligence in Personal Conduct

Titus is also called to be an example of diligence in his personal conduct. In Titus 2:7-8, Paul instructs him, "In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned." This personal diligence serves as a model for others and reinforces the credibility of his ministry.

Conclusion

The Epistle to Titus presents diligence as an essential quality for effective Christian leadership and living. Through diligent leadership, teaching, good works, focus, and personal conduct, believers are called to reflect the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives and communities.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 8:22
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, on the great confidence which I have in you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

2 Cor. vii. 2, 3
... and we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the ... 6. "Nevertheless
He that comforteth the lowly comforted us by [765] the coming of Titus.". ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiv 2 cor vii.htm

On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God ...
... and unto us by the will of God, insomuch, that we desired Titus, that as ... in every
thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 17 on account then.htm

How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ...
... one may well be astonished at the generosity of Vespasian and Titus, that after ...
Wherefore Antiochus thought it but just to requite the Jews' diligence and zeal ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the kings.htm

The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ...
... the son of Alexander the Jew, hath demonstrated his fidelity and diligence about
our ... and Caius Marcellus were consuls, in the presence of Titus Appius Balgus ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 the honors that.htm

2 Cor. viii. 16
... off by those things with which he had also set off Titus, namely, his ... perceived things
sooner than those of acute vision, by means of diligence and attention. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xviii 2 cor viii.htm

The Avenging of the Saviour.
... Titus answered him: The Jews sold our Lord for thirty pieces of silver: now let
us ... Then they made a search with great diligence to seek the portrait of the Lord ...
/.../unknown/the avenging of the saviour/the avenging of the saviour.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... helps," and "governments." The evangelists, such as Timothy, [230:3] Titus, and
Philip ... let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and to live righteously, soberly, and godly,
Titus 2:11 ... Seek it with that diligence and earnest study, as if ye were to be ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.htm

The Hope of the Redeemer's Return
... great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13). And unto the Hebrews he
said, "And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter two the hope of.htm

How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots ...
... which he hath shed upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour," Titus
3:5, 6 ... that this may move them to seek with greater care and diligence, to have ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter ix how to make.htm