In Titus Chapter 2, verse 15, God breathes unto Paul these words to tell Titus, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” This would likewise apply to all faithful Gospel preachers and all faithful Gospel teachers. There are five points from this verse that I want us to consider.
The Content. Notice that at the very beginning of this verse the content of that which Titus is to use in speaking, exhorting, and rebuking is focused upon, as “these things” are mentioned. The phrase “these things” that is mentioned here refers back to what Paul has previously stated in the Epistle to Titus along with all of the whole Gospel. The content of what we must preach and teach is the Gospel (Romans 1:16).
Action #1: The first action mentioned in Titus 2:15 is to “speak.” The church is the pillar and the ground of the Truth (I Timothy 3:15). It is up to the members of the church to make known the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10). The “Great Commission” has been committed to each disciple to spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20).
Action #2: The second action mentioned in Titus 2:15 is to “exhort.” This involves addressing, speaking, comforting, and encouraging. The same word is used as “beseech” in Romans 12:1. There we are begged to present our bodies a living sacrifice unto God, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service. We all need this kind of encouragement.
Action #3: The third action mentioned in Titus 2:15 is to “rebuke.” This means to “convict, refute, and confute.” We must “expose” wrongs by the light of the Gospel, so that we will not be led astray.
The Manner. The way in which to complete the three actions using the content specified is with “all authority.” There is only one Lawgiver and that is God (James 4:12). We have been given the authority by the Head of the church, Christ Himself, to declare the Gospel with all authority (Ephesians 5:23). We must speak it without any addition or subtraction. We must allow no one to stop us from declaring the Gospel in its entirety (Acts 20:27).
-Jason Gann
