Introduction Whether you have never before interacted with the or you have been faithfully studying it for years, this study is for YOU! We will strategically explore the book of Titus using two methods: Observation, Interpretation, Application (OIA) and the Hermeneutical Bridge. You may be thinking, I have NO idea what either of those mean! And you are not alone. Many of us own and just don’t really know where to begin. Our prayer and hope for this study is that you would learn how to take ownership of your precious Bible and appreciate it for what it truly is — a story by God about God describing how He relates to our past, our present and our future.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, of joints and of marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV

“I hope you have an appreciation for the Scripture, I hope you have an appreciation for it not as a fetish but because it is the greatest treasure, apart from God Himself, that we have. It is His very Word, His very self-revelation… the words of God revealed to us from Him. And I would not second-guess the necessity of those words being then presented, taught and understood by all of us.” John MacArthur, Fundamentals of the Faith

1 Why Valor? The word valor invokes an image of a warrior who fights every battle with noble character and courage, a warrior who is brave and fearless, even in the face of danger.

She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:23 ESV

As women, we tend to allow ourselves to be victimized or defined by our circumstances. The problem is that kind of attitude is not reflected in Scripture. In the Bible, we see courageous women, boldly trusting God in their circumstances. Take these women for example:

Rahab: A woman of great faith, trusting that God was sovereign by saving the spies and her family. (Joshua 2) Deborah: A woman of great zeal for the Lord, believed God’s Word and acted according to what He had spoken. (Judges 4) Jael: A woman of great courage, did not hesitate and ignored the fear that could have easily consumed her. (Judges 4) Mary, mother of Jesus: A woman of great obedience, knowing the sacrifice her son would make for the world. (Luke 1) The Bleeding Woman: A woman of great endurance, trusting that she could be healed by Jesus. (Luke 8) Priscilla: A woman of great devotion, giving up her life for the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Acts 18)

These women weren’t seeking another impulse buy, ignoring the email inbox filled with bills they need to pay. They weren’t hitting the snooze button on their alarm clocks because they needed just 10 more minutes of sleep. They weren’t swiffering, wiping, fluffing and scrubbing the house all day every day. They weren’t worrying about their what their social media image looks like, adding a blur effect to make life look less wrinkled. They weren’t complaining about their work, their kids, their bodies day in and day out.

They were bolding living for God, trusting Him in their darkest of hours, seeking truth, being courageous for the Glory of God. That is valor.

So, we have to ask ourselves: How do we study and approach God's Word? Through this study, we want to equip and empower you to explore your Bible with the noble character and courage of a seasoned warrior - to own the Word of God with valor!

A word of caution: Do not rush this process! Tear each daily passage apart to understand what is there. Marinate in the beauty and truth of God’s words through Paul’s writing.

2 Main Passage: Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:1-4 ESV

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3 Week 1 OBSERVATION

This portion of our Bible Study is all about observing what is happening in the passage. What is observation? Noticing, perceiving, regarding attentively. This is not a casual glance, but more of an intense, scientific observation. Imagine a doctor attempting to diagnose a disease he has never been seen before or a biologist classifying a new species.

The goal of observing the text is to determine what is happening in the deepest and most specific ways, as well as within the meta narrative of Scripture. It is essential to remain objective, and not subjective, as we approach the text.

The main question to answer here is: What do I see?

To grow in our comprehension of Scripture, we must become first class observers. Everything else depends on it! We can only go as deep into Scripture as we are willing to push through and dissect the text to see what is waiting to be discovered.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 ESV

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 ESV

During your study time this week, observe the English composition and literary study, keywords, phrases, verb tense usage, commands, questions, warnings, transitions, prepositional phrases and punctuation. Read each passage of Titus with the Bible only and consider these questions as a guide for journaling:

WHO is speaking? Who are the main characters? WHAT do you learn about the people, event, or teaching? What historical time frame is this being spoken in? What type of literature is being written here (historical narrative, poetic, prophetic, allegorical, wisdom literature)? WHEN do/will the events occur or did/will something happen to someone? WHERE did or will this happen? Where was it said? WHY is something being said or mentioned? Why would/will this happen? Why at that time and/or to this person/people? HOW will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated?

4 Main Passage: Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:1-4 ESV

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5 Day 1: Titus 1:5-16

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Day 2: Titus 2:1-6

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6 Day 3: Titus 2:7-10

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Day 4: Titus 2:11-15

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7 Day 5: Titus 3:1-11

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Day 6: Titus 3:12-15

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8 Week 2 INTERPRETATION Observation, Interpretation, Application (OIA)

During Weeks 2 and 3 of this study we will explore two different methods of study that teach us how to interpret what we have previously observed in the Bible. This week, we will use the study questions from the Observation, Interpretation, Application method. So, what is interpretation? By definition, interpretation is explaining the meaning of something.

Here we are asking the main question: What does it mean?

We are building on top of what we observed last week in order to discover what the passage means. This is why the observation portion of the study is so crucial: you cannot interpret deeper than you observed. This task may seem overwhelmingly daunting. So, how are we to approach such a daunting task? With the help of the Holy Spirit that indwells each of us as believers in Jesus. We must pray and ask the Holy Spirit for help and rely on His power.

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie— just as it has taught you, abide in him. 1 John 2:27

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

Remember, the passages you are studying daily are excerpts of the book of Titus which fits within the meta narrative of Scripture. One thing we can know for certain is that Scripture will never contradict itself. Therefore, interpret based off of the context and what the author intends. Be intentional and aware that you do not bring meaning to the text, but derive meaning from the text!

This week as you interpret the daily passages from Titus, ask yourself questions like:

WHY is the author writing this particular passage? WHAT is important about what you observed in the passage last week? What is the meaning of the keywords and phrases? What sinful, broken or fallen condition is being addressed? What deeper sin or heart issues are being exposed or corrected? HOW does this passage point to God’s character and Glory? How do we see God’s redemptive plan (gospel) being worked out in the people’s lives? WHY was this written? Why were these words chosen? Why in this tense? Why was it structured this way?

9 Main Passage: Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:1-4 ESV

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10 Day 1: Titus 1:5-16

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Day 2: Titus 2:1-6

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11 Day 3: Titus 2:7-10

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Day 4: Titus 2:11-15

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12 Day 5: Titus 3:1-11

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Day 6: Titus 3:12-15

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13 Week 3 INTERPRETATION Hermeneutical Bridge

This week we are going to be adding another layer on to our interpretation of what the text means as we utilize another method, the Hermeneutical Bridge.

Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation, especially of the scriptures. For many of us reading the Bible and making sense of it can be intimidating. I mean can anyone really know what it means? Does it even apply to us today? Our culture is nothing like that of Biblical times so can it apply to us today? The answer to these questions are yes, yes and of course.

We need to understand that God, through the author had a specific intention with what he was teaching His people at the time that applies to all time periods and cultures. God is outside of time and is eternal so his Word is as well.

We will study the passages from Titus hermeneutically to bridge the gap from original intent to current application for our lives. We will continue to ask the question: What does it mean? But we will delve further and seek to discover the author’s original intent.

As you study the passages this week, here are some questions to guide you in your journaling.

WHAT is the human authors original intent? WHAT is God trying to teach about himself to the hearers at the time? WHAT did it mean to the original hearers? WHAT are the differences and similarities between the biblical audience and us today? WHAT point in the redemptive timeline* is the passage taking place? WHAT literary genre** is being used by the author in the passage that you are reading? WHAT do we learn about God and his character in this passage? WHAT theological principal do you see in this passage? (ex. God’s sovereignty, God’s goodness, God’s power, Man’s sinful depravity, etc.)

After you ask yourself these questions, you can follow it up with the main question for the week: Why was it written?

14 Main Passage: Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:1-4 ESV

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15 Day 1: Titus 1:5-16

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Day 2: Titus 2:1-6

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16 Day 3: Titus 2:7-10

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Day 4: Titus 2:11-15

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17 Day 5: Titus 3:1-11

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Day 6: Titus 3:12-15

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18 Week 4 APPLICATION

The final step in our Bible study process is application, where we will take what we have observed and interpreted and apply it to our everyday lives. While this step is essential, it is crucial that it comes last after we have fully understood the original intent of the passage.

This week are asking the main question: How should this affect my life?

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22-25 ESV

As we seek to be doers of the word, and not just hearers, it is imperative that we address heart beliefs as well as outward actions. It is clear from Scripture that our heart and minds transform us from the inside out.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

So, as you spend time this week applying God’s word, make sure that you focus on your heart beliefs as well as behaviors that you should change.

S- sin to repent of P- promise to believe E- example to follow C- command to obey K- knowledge about God to believe

Here are some questions to guide you in your journaling:

WHAT am I looking to find hope and fulfillment in things besides you, Lord? What do my actions suggest that I’m wrongly believing about God’s character, our relationship, and it says in His Word? What am I making my treasure (looking to for my worth, identity and joy) other than Christ? What truths about God did you learn in the passage today? What old sinful thoughts and beliefs am I trusting in and need to repent of? HOW am I seeking to earn God’s favor rather than live by grace? How will these truths shape and change how you approach your life and love people around you?

19 Main Passage: Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:1-4 ESV

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20 Day 1: Titus 1:5-16

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Day 2: Titus 2:1-6

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21 Day 3: Titus 2:7-10

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Day 4: Titus 2:11-15

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22 Day 5: Titus 3:1-11

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Day 6: Titus 3:12-15

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23 Suggested Resources

In order for you to grow in Bible literacy and your understanding and confidence in handling the Scriptures, it is essential that you grow your capability of studying them on your own. You need to marinate in them; to seek to comprehend the text and understand the author’s intent on your own. This is only accomplished by pushing through the discomfort of studying the text past what you think you are capable of doing. Therefore, please do not use any resources outside of the Bible, and the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, until your Bible literacy grows. When you are ready to incorporate other resources into your Bible study, these are some we recommend:

• ESV • MacArthur Study Bible • biblestudytools.com • Concordances • Dictionaries • Lexicons • Encyclopedias • Commentaries • DesiringGod.org • Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible • IVP’s New Bible Commentary • Baker Commentary on the Bible • Fundamentals of the Faith, John MacArthur • Women of the Word, Jen Wilkin

Redemptive Timeline

Life of Jesus Time of Establishment of the Creation & Fall Time of Patriachs and Fulfillment Mosaic Law Church and last days (Genesis 1-3) (Genesis) of the Law (Exodus-Malachi) (Acts-Revelations) (Gospels)

Literary Genre

The type of literary genre will inform how you understand the passage that you are reading and that the author is trying to convey. For instance, if you are reading a psalm (poetry) the psalmist is using different types of metaphors and similes to express the character of God and elicit an emotional response and connection to the Lord. The author is painting a picture that is true of God but every word is not meant to be taken literally. However, if you are reading a passage that is written as Narrative then we should take the words as literal and digest the passage as a historical event. Below is a chart that you can use for your reference:

The major genres of Scripture include the following: (Biblegateway.com)

24 1. Narrative: This includes books of the Bible or sections of books which simply tell the story of what happened. Exodus is an expansive, epic narrative. Ruth focusses on the story of one family. Acts tells the spectacular events of the first generation of Christians, as they were led and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Narrative tells us what happened, according to the purposes of the author. Sometimes there are spiritual lessons from events, and sometimes we are just gaining the context of the history of God’s people.

2. Poetry: This is all of Psalms and sections of other books. The power of poetry comes through the use of vivid figurative language (“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Ps. 42:1.) Also, ideas are repeated, sometimes with the same words, other times with synonyms (synonymous parallelism). The Psalms and other poetic sections of the Bible communicate ideas, but they especially express emotion. They show life in its fullness.

3. Wisdom: Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes are collections of wise sayings meant to shape the moral and ethical lives of their readers. They cover many practical topics. The book of James in the in many ways is like Proverbs in the .

4. Prophecy: The four major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel) and the 12 minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi) are all God’s word to his covenant people, warning them and bolstering them during periods of pronounced spiritual and national danger. They are mostly oracles, later written down. We gain spiritual lessons from them about the disposition of God (e.g., disappointed, indignant, sorrowful, tender, caring), and the condition of the people addressed (e.g., frightened, disobedient, humbled, arrogant). We must read Old Testament prophetic books as God’s challenge to the original audiences, and then we apply the lessons to our day.

5. Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are similar to the genres of narrative or biography, but they are more than these. The Gospels are proclamation. The people who wrote them were true believers relating first-hand accounts about the life and teachings of Jesus. And so we read the genre of Gospel as faith documents, announcing a world-changing event centered in the person of Jesus. (The teachings of Jesus we know as parables are their own genre. These unique stories communicate lessons embedded in extended similes and metaphors.)

6. Epistles: The letters of the New Testament were communications to specific individuals or groups for specific and varied purposes. The apostle Paul meant Romans to be an overarching description of Christian faith, whereas 1 Corinthians was occasioned by problems, including a list of questions they had for Paul (“now concerning the matters you wrote about,” 1 Cor. 7:1), and the letters to Timothy were to encourage and guide a younger church leader in a challenging spot. Epistles are “occasioned” texts, and so we need to get at the circumstances that led to them being written.

7. Apocalypse: The book of Revelation and parts of the book of Daniel are revelations. Like other prophecies, they proclaim urgent messages to their original audiences, in particular, warning and comfort. To a greater degree than other prophetic books, they employ much symbolic language, which can be understood by studying preceding similar expressions in Scripture.

When we sit down to study the Bible we recognize what genre we are looking at in order to gain a head start in getting at the meaning. If we don’t account for genre we will certainly misunderstand and misapply the truth of God’s word. Genres also show how God’s word is wide and varied and deep, and worthy of a lifetime of study.

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