So this week, I studied Titus 1-3 the Epistle of Obedience. Titus was born to Greek parents and coverted to the Gospel by Paul who took him under his wing. Titus labored with Paul to help spread the Gospel and organize the church. He was left in charge of  leading the branch in Crete in the face of much opposition and was given the responsibility to call new bishops to the island.

While there, Titus receives a letter from Paul instructing and strengthening him in his assignment. The men he calls to be bishops must have certain characteristics in order to qualify for this leadership position in the church. Here is a list I complied from my reading in Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7: blameless, only having one wife, have faithful children who are obedient and not riotous or unruly, a steward of God, not self willed or arrogant, quick tempered or angry, not one who drinks or is drunken, no striker or a bully or violent person, no filthiness,obtaining money through dishonest means hospitable, lover of goodness, sober, vigilant, of good behavior, apt to teach, not greedy, patient, not a brawler, not covetous, just, holy, temperate or self-controlled, one that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection (meaning being a good father and husband and taking care of his responsibilities in the home towards them)otherwise how well can he rule in the church? Also, not a novice in the Gospel ( not a new convert) that he won't be lifted up with pride and fall into condemnation of the devil, holding fast to the faithful word he has been taught so he will be able to exhort and teach to convince the gainsayers and those that deny the truth of the doctrine.  Well, that is one tall order to become a bishop! I think the only way to have those qualifications is with time and faithfulness to the teachings of the true Gospel principles.
There were many problems that existed among the Saints in Crete. The Cretians had gained a reputation of being greedy liars who  were dishonest and lazy, gluttonuos people. The saints had been lead to believe in some Jewish teachings that certain things ( rituals) were either pure or unpure and had to be corrected in knowing that if they were pure, they would remain spiritually pure no matter what they touched. 
In Titus 2:1,Paul encouraged Titus to speak of and teach things of true and sound doctrine and that this will help guide the behavior of the saints. It will help the "aged" men and women have a desire to be true followers of Christ and set an example to the young men and women in the church who will then also follow Christ and His teachings. the teachings of true doctrine, understood,  can change many  behaviors such as: being sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, charity, and patience. It can also help them become holy, not false accusers, teachers of good things, to love their spouses and children, to be discreet, chaste, for womento be keepers at home, good, obedient, havinga pattern of good works, uncorruptness, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned. Sharing a favorite quote from  President Boyd K. Packer further illustrates the power of teaching through the spirit the true doctrine of the Gospel: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.

“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

When new members of the church do or say things that may be contrary to the teachings of the doctrine, we can be patient with them and remember that we were once in their shoes and "babes in the Gospel" not knowing or fully understanding the teachings and doctrine and help them through our faith and diligence and examples. 

Through studying Titus 3:5-7; 2 Nephi 2:6-8; 10:24; Moroni 6:4; 10:32-33, and D&C 45: 3-5 I learned that the Role that the Lord's grace plays in our lives is that he is our advocate to our Father, pleading our case before Him as long as we have faith in Him who is mighty to save and repent and show our humble obedience and good works. it is only through and by Him and His merits and mercy that we will be saved.

In Titus 3:9, it talks about "foolish questions, genealogies, and contentions. I think this means that we need to avoid those that would oppose our believes and want to stir us up and cause contention. We need to not revile against them and keep the peace, not getting into disputes about doctrine we don't fully understand and just have faith.

I can stay grounded in sound doctrine and avoid "foolish questions" by staying close to the Lord and following His example. I will listen to the prophet and use the leaders of the church as my guides to teach me sound doctrine and go to the scriptures and kneel in humble prayer for answers to my questions allowing the influence of the spirit to guide me to truth and not any other.