In chapter 1, verse 16 of the letter to Titus, we see the apostle Paul mention the mission entrusted to Titus through the word of the Lord. Therefore, from the beginning of the chapter, Paul makes clear the mission and duty that Titus, a man steadfast in the faith of the Lord, was to follow.
In this letter, we can see the apostle Paul’s recommendation to Titus: to instruct and select bishops and elders who are upright in the word of the Lord, who lead a clean life, and who submit to the mission of walking under divine direction.
We cannot turn a blind eye to these situations that so concerned Paul. Therefore, he suggests certain requirements to Titus. Many claimed to know the Lord, but by their actions they denied him. Isn’t the same thing happening to some people among us today?
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 1:16
Undoubtedly, such people may also exist in our congregations: people who claim to know God, but whose actions and misconduct completely contradict their confession.
We, on the other hand, must act and live differently. Let us profess God not only with our mouths, but also with our hearts, displaying good conduct before Him. Let our actions speak for themselves before our mighty God and before other human beings.
Let us be different in our conduct and actions. May our lives reflect fidelity to the Lord, and may we daily make known the great mission entrusted to us.
The words of the apostle Paul are strong, but they are necessary. Paul was not writing merely to criticize or condemn, but to preserve the purity of the church and the testimony of believers before the world. A confession of faith that is not accompanied by obedience and good works becomes an empty declaration, lacking the power to transform lives.
Throughout Scripture, we see that God places great value on integrity. From the Old Testament to the New, the Lord calls His people to walk uprightly, not only in public but also in private. The problem Paul addresses in Titus is not ignorance of doctrine, but hypocrisy of life. These individuals knew the truth, yet their behavior openly contradicted it.
This warning remains relevant today. In many places, Christianity can become a label rather than a way of life. It is easy to say the right words, attend religious gatherings, or appear righteous before others. However, God examines the heart and the daily conduct of every believer. Our faith must be evident in humility, obedience, love, and good works.
Paul’s concern was especially directed toward leadership within the church. Leaders are called to be examples, not only in teaching but also in character. When those who guide others live in contradiction to the gospel, the damage extends beyond themselves and affects the entire community of faith.
For this reason, Titus was instructed to appoint leaders who were blameless and faithful. Their lives were to reflect the truth they proclaimed. This principle applies not only to pastors or elders, but to every believer, because each Christian represents Christ in their family, workplace, and society.
To profess that we know God means more than intellectual agreement or verbal confession. It means surrendering our will to His authority and allowing His word to shape our behavior. Obedience becomes the visible evidence of a genuine relationship with Him.
When our works align with our confession, the gospel shines with clarity. Others can see the difference that God makes in a life transformed by grace. This is how the church fulfills its mission: not merely by words, but by lives that reflect the holiness, mercy, and truth of God.
May we examine ourselves honestly in light of Paul’s words. Let us ask the Lord to correct us where our actions do not align with our faith. May our profession of knowing God be confirmed by lives devoted to good works, obedience, and sincere devotion to Him.