Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect… I. THE DOCTRINE OF THE GOSPEL IS THE TRUTH ITSELF — 1. Because the Author of it is truth itself, and cannot lie, it being a part of His Word, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. 2. Because the penmen of it were inspired by the Holy Ghost, and spake and wrote as they were moved by Him, who is called "the Spirit of Truth" (John 14:17). 3. Because it is a doctrine of Christ, and aimeth at Him who is the Truth principally, as well as the Way of our salvation. II. THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS TRUTH IS THE GROUND OF FAITH. 1. Then slight is the faith of most, whatsoever men profess. 2. Waverers in religion and unsettled persons in their profession may hence be informed to judge of themselves and their present estate. We hear more than a few uttering such voices as these: "There is such difference of opinion among teachers that I know not what to hold or whom to believe; but is not this openly to proclaim the want of faith, which is not only assuredly persuaded of, but certainly knoweth the truth of that it apprehendeth?" 3. If the elect are brought to the faith by the acknowledging of the truth, then, after long teaching and much means, to be still blind and not to see the things of our peace is a most heavy judgment of God; for here is a forfeit of faith and salvation. III. WHOSOEVER IN TRUTH ENTERTAIN THE DOCTRINE OF THE GOSPEL, THE HEARTS OF SUCH ARE FRAMED UNTO GODLINESS. 1. If this be the preeminence of the Word, to frame the soul to true godliness, then it is a matter above the reach of all human learning; and therefore the folly of those men is hence discovered who devote and bury themselves in profane studies, of what kind soever they be, thinking therein to obtain more wisdom than in the study of the Scriptures. 2. Every hearer of the truth must examine whether by it his heart be thus framed unto godliness, for else it is not rightly learned; for as this grace "hath appeared to this purpose, to teach men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly and justly and godly in this present world," so it is not then learned when men can only discourse of the death of Christ, of His resurrection, of His ascension, except withal there be some experience of the virtue of His death in themselves. (T. Taylor, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; |
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