Crete, where Titus was working, was a difficult place. A Cretan prophet, a heathen writer, had said of his own people, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Interesting, is it not, that Paul was acquainted with and could use even the writings of the unsaved men of this world. Writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul says, “This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply.”

God, who knows all our hearts, has inspired this to be written. Can we claim to be better today? Has mankind changed? No, God tells us that the flesh, the corrupt, fallen nature we were born with, remains in every one of us, lusting against the Spirit who indwells us ever since we were saved. Galatians 5:16–26 shows us the tremendous contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Let us by all means walk in the Spirit!

Elders, those who are entrusted with carrying responsibility in assemblies of God’s people, should be sound as to what the Bible teaches. They should recognize and be both able and ready to refute any “who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain” (v. 11). Unfortunately, there are many such men—and even women—today in churches, on the radio and television, and on social media. May the Lord help us to recognize them for what they are, and not be influenced by their teachings or send them the money they so often beg us to send them! Let us thank the Lord for godly leaders who “watch out for [our] souls, as those who must give account” (Heb. 13:17).