Set in Order the Things That Are Wanting — Titus 1-3

Wade Webster

            The young evangelist Titus was a man of unique abilities. He was often sent by the Apostle Paul to handle difficult situations. It was Titus who was sent to the troubled Corinthian congregation to restore peace (2Corinthians 2:13), to collect funds (2Corinthians 8:16-17), and to encourage repentance (2Corinthians 7:6-7, 13-15). Of all of the congregations among whom an evangelist could work in the first century, Corinth had to be one of the most difficult. Yet, Titus with the help of the Apostle Paul accomplished great things among these brethren. When Paul needed someone to go to Crete and “sent in order the things” that were “wanting” (Titus 1:5), he naturally thought of Titus. He had the utmost confidence that Titus could bring about the same kind of success in Crete that he had brought about in Corinth. It should be pointed out that Paul did not send Titus to Crete without any help. He sent this inspired letter to help Titus in his work. In this letter, Paul pointed out three things which went hand in hand with setting in order the things that were wanting.

The Men Who Were to be Ordained

Titus 1

            Paul makes clear in this letter that part of Titus’ job in Crete was to ordain elders. He wrote, “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5). It is interesting to note that Paul connected ordaining elders with setting “in order” the things that are wanting. He understood that the right kind of men were essential to gaining and maintaining order among the Christians in Crete. In this first chapter, Paul gives Titus specific qualifications which men must possess in order to be shepherds over God’s clock (Titus 1:6-11). No doubt, Paul knew the “disorder” which would result from the selection and appointment of the wrong men. He wanted to make sure that Titus selected the right men for the job. Today, we must carefully follow God’s directions regarding “the men who are to be ordained.” If the proper men are appointed as elders, order can be gained and maintained among God’s people. However, if the wrong men are appointed, “disorder” rather than “order” may rule among God’s people.

The Message which was to be Proclaimed

Titus 2

            As an evangelist, Titus was to proclaim “sound words” to the Christians at Crete. Paul wrote, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). As this second chapter closed, Paul again instructed Titus concerning the “message which was to be proclaimed.” He wrote, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15). Clearly, Paul understood that the proper message had to be preached if Titus was going to be successful in setting things in order. He understood that order comes from doing things the way that Cod has instructed that they be done (1Corinthians 14:40). In this chapter, Paul pointed out what the aged men (Titus 2:2), aged women (Titus 2:3-4), young women (Titus 2:4-5), and young men needed to hear (Titus 2:6). Likewise, he gave Titus the message that he needed to be preached to himself (Titus 2:7-8), to slaves (Titus 2:9-10), and to all men (Titus 2:11-14). Today, we must understand that if things are going to be set in order, the pure unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached. The weak watered-down social gospel that is heard in many places today will not gain or maintain order.

The Manner of Life which was to be Maintained

Titus 3

            Two times in this chapter, he encouraged the Christians to “maintain good works.” In verse eight, he wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men” (Titus 3:8). In verse 14 he wrote, “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” (Titus 3:14). Paul understood that if things were going to be set in order in Crete, good works had to be maintained. No doubt, he understood how easy it would be for these Christians to slip back into the manner of life which had been characteristic of them before their conversion (Titus 3:1-3). He knew that order could only be maintained by godly living. Today, we must understand how important it is that we maintain the proper manner of life. It is virtually impossible to gain or maintain order when Christians fail to live as God as told them to live.