Titus 1:8-16

Last night our Bible study group worked through the 2nd half of Titus 1. Verse 7 speaks of what an elder, or shepherd of the Church should not be. Verse 8 speaks of qualities they need to have. Verse 9 speaks of the importance of sound doctrine, and of rebuking those who oppose it. We looked at three levels of admonishment, exhortation (encouragement),reproof,and rebuke. Rebuke is the most severe, not to be regularly practiced, but used particularly with regard to "salvation" doctrines. An example is found in Galatians 2 where Paul rebuked Peter publicly. Verses 10 thru 16 shows Paul refuting a major heresy in the early church against those (Judaizers) who insisted that Gentile believers keep the law of Moses including circumcision.