Titus 1:10-16
Q.1. What was Paul’s chief concern about the people Titus served? – (Tit.1:10-11)
Paul was under no illusion about the difficulties Titus faced, in establishing the churches on the island of Crete – For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision (Tit.1:10). Any new church may attract rebels, deceivers, or people who may unsettle the ministry in various ways. Such people need to be identified and resisted before they undermine the faith of converts (Tit.1:11).
Q.2. What do we learn about applying the Gospel to different cultures? – (Tit.1:12-14)
Paul’s description of the Cretans warned Titus to be astute in assessing the cultural distinctives of the people to whom he was ministering. Their reputation, described by one of their own prophets, said it all – ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons’ … For this reason, reprove them severely so they may be sound in the faith (Tit.1:12-13). All cultures have some characteristics that are more like Christ, and aspects that are contrary to His example. Here Paul actually focused more on the negative traits that could derail the testimony of the church. For example, though English, American, and Australian people all speak English, their cultures are still different. Those delivering the  truth of the Gospel should consider these differences. Paul especially warned about Jewish myths and man-made rules (Tit.1:14).
Q.3. How can a culture deceive people and distort the truth of the Gospel? – (Tit.1:15-16)
We all tend to be blind to our own faults. That is especially true if our culture accepts ungodly attitudes and behaviour. Christian leaders from all tribes and nations need to grapple with any departures from Biblical truth that misrepresent the Gospel (Tit.1:15). The task of all believers is to encourage each other to be conformed to the likeness of Christ, regardless of what the culture may encourage us to do (Rom.8:29 c.f. Rom.2:1-16). This requires courage and faithfulness (Tit.1:16).