Titus 1—3: Great Expectations
GREAT EXPECTATIONS IS the well-known title of a novel by Charles Dickens. It is the story of a young man's early experiences out in the "real world" as he seeks to gain the fortune he has inherited. Similarly, the book of Titus tells of Paul's expectations for Titus during his first ministry experience on his own. Paul's promise to Titus is that he will become an heir of eternity.
Warming Up to God
Think of a person in your life who expects great things from you. How do you feel about that person's expectations? Are they realistic?
Read Titus 1—3. »
Discovering the Word
- Note all you can from the book about the social situation (family, public and private morality).
- What do you learn about the economic situation (work, wealth and poverty)?
- What is revealed about the religious situation (spirituality, doctrine, church life)?
- Paul expected enormous things of Titus. And he wanted Titus to meet him in Nicopolis (3:12) in about eight months. When it comes to what others expect of us, our first response is often to question whether they are fair. How fair do you think Paul's expectations of Titus were?
- Paul's expectations were built not only on his knowledge of Titus, but on solid theological grounds as well. What were they (see 1:1-3; 2:11-14; 3:3-7)?
- Do you think Paul's expectations helped Titus to accomplish his mission? Why or why not?
Applying the Word
- Do your own Christian leaders expect too much or too little of you?
- What effect does that have on your own walk with Jesus Christ?
- At work, home, school or church, whether you are a follower or a leader, you have a responsibility to communicate your expectations. Name one step you could take to do this more effectively.
Responding in Prayer
What expectations are you wrestling with? Ask God for insight to know which come from him and which do not.
For Further Study
1 & 2 Timothy & Titus: Do What You Have Heard by Pete Sommer