Lesson 2,Part 6 (Notes follow for the hearing impaired.)
Titus 2:15 KJVS
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Titus 2:15 NLT
[15] You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
This final verse of Titus 2 has a very important concept in it that needs to be addressed. That concept is the concept of authority. The Greek word used in the KJVS for authority in this passage is “epitagē” and means an injunction or decree. It implies possessing authority. The NLT word definition is to command, to have the power or right to direct, make decisions or enforce obedience.
Paul is indicating to his young protégé that his responsibilities as the one who Paul left in Crete to complete the work there and appoint elders in the congregations include the power to make the necessary decisions and to give commands that should be followed. Titus had the authority to teach spiritual matters and to direct the physical behavior that stemmed from that spiritual instruction.
We are living in an era in which the subject of authority, both spiritual and physical, is a source of intense debate. Authorities in both realms are coming under serious scrutiny as people question the motives and agendas of the people placed in leadership roles. Let’s try to maintain an objective approach when we become involved in any debate over the authority of individuals who exercise any power to command us spiritually or physically.
All authority exists through the will of God and what He has decided to allow to exist. Physical authorities are supposed to punish evil doers and reward those who do good. Spiritual authorities are supposed to instruct in the wisdom of God and encourage and strengthen the faith of believers. When they fulfill those expectations, people should obey them and follow their leading.
Titus had been trained in the gospel by leaders who has passed on to him the wisdom of God. He had been placed in a position of authority as a spiritual leader by Paul, who had received his authority directly from Jesus. Paul is encouraging Titus to do and say what is necessary with the knowledge that he does have the authority to back up his words and actions because of that authority.
As modern day Christians, we are to recognize and accept the authority of our leaders, whether they are spiritual or physical leaders. In the case of spiritual leaders, we should respect and obey them, unless it is apparent that they are in error and cannot scripturally support their decisions. The same holds true for physical leaders. We should obey and follow their examples, unless they are leading in a manner that is destructive to our society. It’s my opinion that if leaders in either realm stray from Biblical principles, we should point out their error in love and attempt to get them to correct the misuse of their authority.
This concludes Lesson 2 of our study on the book of Titus. We’ll continue next week as we begin Chapter 3.