'But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.'

'Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.'

When the Saviour, on the cross, said, 'It is finished' He probably referred firstly to His earthly ministry (here are seven major accomplishments) but chiefly to His redeeming work on Calvary. Here is a glimpse of the depth of His atonement, and its eternal efforts.

We learn that apparent believers enter churches bringing unbiblical activities. Some may be reformable, but their ideas must be refuted, or Christians will be damaged. Here is the authority of Scripture. Here also is the shamefulness of those who make money out of the faith.

Paul unfolds the assignment of Titus in Crete, the ordering of churches with a non-hierarchical leadership, each one having its own elders. Here are their qualifications, some relating to the preaching of the Word, and some intended also for all believers.

Titus, a Gentile convert of Paul, and over the years a trusted and effective prototype pastor in different postings, receives in Crete a letter for churches throughout time on the conduct of personal and church life. A truly pastoral epistle to lift and advance the spiritual life.

The closing words of the epistle are rich in promised strength from the Lord. Here we expound the peace and mercy of believers, the 'Israel of God', how we bear the marks of Christ, and consciously keeping our spirit or soul.

The supreme love of believers (enshrining total trust, dependance, dedication and delight) is vested in the cross - the redemptive love of Christ. Here are some of the glories of the cross by which the world dies to us, and we to the world.

'But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.'

Following 'Walk in the Spirit', Paul turns to well-doing, or beautiful deeds, the practical outcome of unselfishness and humility. Here is mutual correction, and burden-sharing which fulfils Christ's law of love. Paul presents these as the great tests of true Christian progress.