Words Are Serious - Titus 1 (Rhys Bezzant)

September 21, 2025·26 min·2 clips

Paul exposes Cretan false teachers as religious mercenaries using words for financial gain, rooted in a culture synonymous with lying.

The episode begins with a prayer and reading of Titus 1:1-16, setting the stage for a discussion on words' significance. The speaker, Rhys Bezzant, opens by reflecting on a personal moment of prayer before preaching. He introduces the theme by contrasting the modern devaluation of words in propaganda with their enduring power in contexts like sports and scripture. Bezzant notes that the Bible portrays words as cosmic portals through which God interacts with the world. In Titus 1, Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders who hold firmly to trustworthy messages to encourage sound doctrine and refute opposition. The sermon then delves into verses 10-16, where Paul describes rebellious people in Crete who engage in meaningless talk and deception, particularly from the circumcision group. These false teachers disrupt households and seek dishonest gain, exploiting cultural stereotypes about Cretans as liars. Bezzant explains that they taught Jewish myths and human commands, focusing on external purity rules rather than inner transformation. He highlights Paul's sharp rebuke, noting that these individuals claim to know God but deny Him through their actions. The speaker emphasizes that such false teaching often arises from within the church, citing examples from 2 Thessalonians and Revelation, as well as modern sects like Shinjeonji in Melbourne. Bezzant outlines Paul's instructions for Titus: to silence and rebuke the false teachers, helping them understand why their views are harmful. He contrasts this with other biblical passages where avoidance is recommended, noting that in Titus, they are expected to remain in the church under conditions. The sermon connects this to pastoral challenges, describing the balance between protecting the flock and shepherding the disobedient. Bezzant then discusses how Ridley College prepares students for such ministry through sermons, history classes, and theology studies that expose them to case studies of false teachers. He advocates for a positive approach by multiplying good teachers, as John Stott suggested, rather than merely combating false ones. The episode concludes with a call for students to develop deep confidence in God's word and their leadership roles, enabling them to teach and rebuke with authority.

As heard by us

A careful reading of Titus 1 that ties truth, leadership, and purity together.

Titus 1 is read as a serious argument about speech, leadership, and church order, with Pauls greeting leading into the work of appointing elders in Crete.

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Why you'd press play

You want Titus 1 unpacked with pastoral seriousness, centered on Pauls charge to Titus to put Crete in order, appoint elders, and hold to the truth that leads to godliness.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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