Titus Studies | 1:1-8 | 1:9-16 | 2:1-5 | 2:6-10 | 2:11-15 | 3:1-7 | 3:8-15 | PDF |


These small group studies of Titus 2:11-15 contain cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications.  Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.

Titus 2:11-15 Small Group Bible Study Guide

Outline

I. The grace of God (11)
II. Godly and expectant living (12-14)
III. Charge to Titus (15)

I. The grace of God (11-15)

Discussion Questions

• What does “the grace of God” refer to?
• Are there any hints in the text as to what the “grace of God” is? What is the biggest grace of God to us?
• Define “grace.”
• What is the relationship of these verses (11-13) to the rest of the book?

Cross-References

Romans 11:6 – But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

John 1:16 – For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. The “grace of God” – Grace is something that is unseen and intangible. But here, it says that it has “appeared” and instructs us. Therefore, I believe that this “grace of God” refers to Jesus Christ incarnate. Only Jesus has brought salvation to all men so by definition this “grace of God” can only refer to Jesus.

Jesus is, in fact, the perfect embodiment of God’s grace. Grace means “God’s favor toward the unworthy” or the “spontaneous, unmerited gift of the divine favour in the salvation of sinners.”

Grace is an undeserved gift. Jesus is the greatest gift God has ever given to man; we didn’t deserve Him. The fact that men did not deserve Jesus is made all the clearer in that after His loving and self-sacrificial service, the very people He served murdered Him.

Humankind did not deserve Him, and yet He came. In Luke, we see that God was pleased with people. That is His divine favor since men had done nothing worthy of His affections.

Luke 2:14

These verses contain the gospel’s core facts and form the central tenets of our faith. It is this grace and salvation that Paul urged Titus to teach the church (Titus 2:15). At the same time, Titus was charged with appointing elders who would safeguard this message and continue to spread it.

2. Salvation is made available to all men – Christ’s coming has made salvation available to all men when, by their own efforts, they could never have attained it without Him. It doesn’t mean that every person will be saved. But it does mean that salvation is not restricted to one group of people, such as Jews, Americans, or Westerners. Salvation is available and accessible for all, regardless of skin color, ancestry, or personal merit. There will be representatives in heaven from every group of people (Revelation 5:9, 7:9).

Application – Think about and thank God for how His grace has changed your life. Consider your worst sins and thank Him for His forgiveness. In addition to the remission of sins, in what other ways have you experienced God’s grace?

Since God has graciously forgiven us, we should do the same for others. How can you show grace to others in day-to-day life?

II. Godly and expectant living (12-14)

Discussion Questions

• What are some examples of Jesus instructing us not to be ungodly and to avoid worldly desires?
• What were some features of the present age at that time? How about now? Which is easier to serve God in? Why?
• How does one renounce ungodliness and worldly passions? Is this a one-time thing or continuous?
• Knowing that the world around us is so evil, how can we live sensibly, righteously, and godly?
• How can you train in godliness?
• What is the blessed hope?
• Why did Jesus die on the cross to redeem us?
• How did Jesus purchase you?
• What does it mean to you that you are His possession?

Cross-References

1 Timothy 4:7-8 – Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

2 Peter 3:11 – Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness.

2 Peter 1:5-8 – For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:24-25 – And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Matthew 24:44 – Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Jesus trains us – Jesus is the great teacher. He instructed hundreds of thousands of people on how they should live. His life, example, and words continue to guide us. And Jesus’ very presence is with us to help us overcome sin and live righteous lives.

2. Renounce ungodliness and worldly passions – Often in Scripture, we are given a negative thing to avoid and a positive thing to pursue. That is true here as well. We are to renounce ungodliness and worldly desires but pursue sensibility (self-control), righteousness, and godliness.

Renounce definition –

A. Formally declare one’s abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession).

B. Reject and stop using or consuming.

When a person first comes to Christ, he should renounce sin. Part of being Jesus’ disciple is recognizing evil and turning away from it, which can take the form of a formal declaration to renounce sin and worldly passions. But more than a verbal declaration, it is a change in mindset. Making Christ Lord requires removing idols. He is the priority and takes first place in our hearts. We choose Him over alcohol, money, reputation, worldly success, immoral pleasure, and everything else that the world offers.

Yet a one-time renunciation of these things is not enough. The allure of temptation may fade after salvation, but it does not disappear. The second definition for renounce includes “stop using or consuming.” Therefore, there is also a continuous aspect of daily denying the flesh and choosing to put Christ first.

Application – How can you practice renunciation of worldly desires in