Obedience
Titus 1-3
1. Read Titus 1:1–5 and the Bible Dictionary entry for “Titus” (pp. 785–86). Write a paragraph about who Titus was and what responsibility he had toward the Saints living in Crete.
Titus was converted to the Gospel by Paul. He was at the conference about circumcision in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:1), probably went with Paul on his third missionary journey and was sent to Corinth to deliver Paul's Epistles to the Corinthians. For 8 years he is not mentioned, but then we know he rejoined Paul at Ephesus and then Crete, where Titus remained to "set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city" as Paul appointed him to do. (Titus 1:5)
One thing I love about Titus is that he was a convert and yet he went on to do great things. He reminds me of my Home Teacher, Bro. B. Let me explain - I'm an adult convert, too and sometimes I look at members whose families crossed the plains and I think "Oh, those are the people who will be General Authorities and hold leadership positions, not me." But Brother B., our faithful Home Teacher, has completely dispelled that underachieving myth for me. Bro. B. is also an adult convert who just happens to have been a Bishop, a Patriarch and the President of the Dallas Temple. Even though he is a "first generation" member, the Lord has not had any problem with using him for great things! In fact, two cool connections with Bro. B - first, he gave me and my husband our Patriarchal blessings after we joined the Church. He also sealed us in the Dallas Temple on October 15, 1994. Just like Titus, he is a wonderful example of obedience and consecrating his life to the Lord.
2. List the attributes of a bishop found in Titus 1:6–9; 1 Timothy 3:1–7
Bishops should be: blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children who are not unruly, be a steward of God, not self willed, sow to anger, a teetotaler, not obsessed with worldly wealth, hospitable, a lover of good me, sober, just, holy, temperate, faithful to the word of God, able to exhort and convince others of the truth through sound doctrine. (Titus 6-9) He should be patient, not covetous, a good and righteous leader in his home, experienced and humble. (1 Tim. 3:1-7)
3. Read Titus 1:10–16 and the institute student manual commentary for Titus 1:12, “The Nature and Character of the Cretans” (p. 373). Make a list of the problems Paul identified that existed among the Saints in Crete.
The Cretans who taught false teachings into the Church are: vain talkers, deceivers who subvert whole families by teaching things they shouldn't, just for the love of "filthy lucre." Paul said they were "liars, evil beasts, slow bellies (gluttons) (Titus 1:10-12) and that their minds and consciences were "defiled". They say they know God, but their works show they deny him. They are "abominable and disobedient" and generally just "unfit and worthless" according to the footnote for verse 16.
4. Read Titus 2–3. Then write your answers to the following questions:
o In Titus 2:1, what did Paul encourage Titus to speak of? Paul encouraged Titus to teach "sound doctrine."
o What impact did Paul say sound doctrine would have upon the aged? Sound doctrine will help the aged be "sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience, holy, not false accusers, not imbibers and teachers of good things." (Titus 2:1-3)
o How could that also apply to the young? True doctrine can also help young people gain wisdom and understanding that can help them withstand the tides of immorality and misinformation that is out there. It can strengthen them and help them not be deceived.
o How can the counsel given in Titus 3:2–5 help us be patient with new members of the Church?
I LOVE THESE VERSES!! What an awesome reminder! Paul teaches us that we need to be gentle and meek towards everyone, especially new members, who are in the process of making huge life changes. We need to not forget that we aren't perfect either. We have sinned and fallen short and have weaknesses, too. At some point, we have all been disobedient. Joining the Church is a HUGE life changing experience and some aspects of the Gospel are harder to live than others, especially when we have years of "practice" doing the wrong things. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ can help us all change for the better, through His grace.
o What role does the Lord’s grace play in our salvation? Read Titus 3:5–7; 2 Nephi 2:6–8; 10:24; Moroni 6:4; 10:32–33; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5. Grace is defined as "the enabling power from God that allows us to obtain blessings in this life and gain eternal life and exaltation in the life to come. It can change our sinful nature and turn our weaknesses into strength. This divine help is given through mercy and love of God to those who exercise faith, repent and earnestly strive to keep the Commandment." Through the Lord's grace we are "justified" and "made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 7) We need to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit and when we do, our sins are forgiven us through his grace and truth. (2 Nephi 2:6-8)When we "reconcile ourselves" to the will of God, we are saved through Christ's grace. (2 Nephi 10:24).
5. Read Titus 3:9 and the institute student manual commentary for Titus 3:9, “Why ‘Avoid Foolish Questions, and Genealogies, and Contentions, and Strivings About the Law’?” (p. 374). Write a definition for what is meant by foolish questions and genealogies. Write a paragraph about how you could stay grounded in “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1) and “avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law.” When I think of "foolish questions" I think of those questions that we may be curious about but that have no bearing on our eternal progression. For instance - where is Kolob? or How old is the earth really? Or "did the Big Bang happen?" Interesting to think about - not necessary for exaltation.
When we focus instead on the Basic Doctrines of the Church (which are, in case you're interested:)
1. The Godhead
2. The Plan of Salvation
3. Creation and Fall
4. Atonement of Jesus Christ
5. Dispensation, Apostasy & Restoration
6. Prophets
7. Priesthood
8. First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel
9. Ordinances and Covenants
10. Commandments
11. Marriage and Family
(https://seminary.lds.org/bc/content/seminary/materials/english/teacher-resources/seminary-basic-doctrineseng.pdf)
We are going to strengthen our testimonies, deepen our conversion and be protected from every wind of dissent and controversy that people may throw at us.
The important thing to remember about genealogy isn't who our famous ancestors are, or whether we come from a royal line or not, but rather the obligation we have to our ancestors to do the temple work for them so they have the opportunity to accept the Gospel.
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