The Apostle emphasises the duty of looking for Christ's return, and here is how this should be done. He then provides aspects of Christ's work to reflect on, urges a sacrificial attitude with fervour for good works, and summarises the work of pastors toward believers.

Titus is to be a model of right conduct (speech, actions, possessions, dress) and never accommodate in teaching error, irreverence or entertainment. Words such as gravity (dignity) and sincerity stand out. Here is the believers' deportment.

While possessing much great potential, energy and capacity to learn, young men are vulnerable to many wrong steps. Here is biblical counsel, including treatment of so-called 'intentionality' in courtship - so contrary to major principles of Scripture and potentially deeply harmful.

Here are behavioural goals for older women. First, deportment in dress, speech and actions, the things to avoid. Also, they must show the young women by example and advice safe-minding, love for family, self-control, purity, home management, kindness and honouring of their husbands' role.

'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.