Message: “Study of Titus” from Joe Summers

Short Study on the Book of Titus Lesson Objective To understand the principles in the Book of Titus regarding Godly leadership, sound doctrine, and Christian living, examining how these lessons are timeless for guiding both individuals and communities in faith. Primary Scripture Titus 2:11-12 - "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age." I. Context and Overview of Titus - Authorship and Purpose: Written by the Apostle Paul to Titus, a Greek convert and his close co-worker (Galatians 2:1-3). Titus had been left in Crete to organize and strengthen the church amidst local challenges. - The Context of Crete: Known for moral laxity and deception, as Paul notes in Titus 1:12 (citing Epimenides: "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons"). - Purpose of the Letter: To instruct Titus on appointing elders, promoting sound teaching, and encouraging godly conduct. - Discussion Point: Why might Paul’s letter to Titus, written to an individual, still be relevant to the whole church? What does this say about the universal nature of these teachings? II. The Qualities of Church Leaders (Titus 1:5-9) - Qualifications for Elders and Bishops: Leaders are to be “blameless,” “faithful,” “self-controlled,” and “upright” (Titus 1:5-9). They must hold firmly to sound doctrine and be able to encourage and refute those who oppose it. - Why Character Matters: These qualities emphasize that church leaders are not just managers but examples of Christ-like living (1 Timothy 4:12). - Related Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (Paul’s instructions to Timothy on elder qualifications) and 1 Peter 5:1-4 (exhortation to shepherd the flock willingly). - Discussion Questions: - Why does Paul emphasize these character traits for leaders? How might this relate to the church's reputation in society? - Which of these qualities are most challenging to maintain consistently, and why? - Application: Reflect on whether these qualities extend to all believers as models of godly living, not just those in leadership. III. Teaching Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1-10) - Importance of Sound Doctrine: Paul instructs Titus to teach what is “appropriate to sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1) for each demographic in the church—older men, older women, young men, and even slaves. - Practical Holiness: Paul encourages older men to be “temperate,” older women to “teach what is good,” young men to be “self-controlled,” and slaves to be “fully trustworthy” (Titus 2:1-10). - Related Scripture: - 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” - Matthew 28:20: Jesus’s Great Commission to teach his disciples to obey all He commanded. - Discussion Questions: - How do Paul’s teachings encourage a community to reflect the gospel in everyday actions? - In what ways can the church today address each group—young, old, mentors, workers—to help build a strong community? - Application: Encourage participants to think about how they can embody sound doctrine in practical ways within their daily routines. IV. Living by God’s Grace (Titus 2:11-15) - The Role of Grace: God’s grace teaches believers to renounce ungodliness and pursue self-controlled, godly lives. This grace is transformative, enabling believers to reject worldly passions. - A Model of Christian Living: Paul’s use of “grace” here is expansive—it's both the unmerited favor of God and an active force that empowers believers to live righteously. - Related Scripture: - Romans 6:1-2: “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!”—highlighting that grace calls us to transformation. - Ephesians 4:22-24: Instruction to “put off the old self” and embrace the new life in righteousness and holiness. - Discussion Questions: - How does the concept of grace both comfort and challenge us? - How can we practically say “No” to ungodliness and live by grace daily? - Application: Reflect on specific areas in life where God’s grace has brought transformation and where it might still be needed. V. Avoiding Division and Promoting Unity (Titus 3:1-11) - Obedience and Unity: Titus is urged to remind believers to respect authority and avoid “foolish controversies” (Titus 3:1-2, 3:9). Paul emphasizes kindness, humility, and love. - Warnings Against Division: Paul warns against divisive people, stating they should be avoided after multiple warnings, for they are “warped and sinful” (Titus 3:10-11). - Related Scripture: - Romans 16:17-18: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.” - James 3:17-18: James describes the wisdom from heaven as “peace-loving” and “full of mercy.” - Discussion Questions: - Why does Paul see division as such a serious issue in the church? - How can we practice peace and unity within our own communities, especially when disagreements arise? - Application: Identify ways to build bridges within our church communities and extend grace in conflicts. VI. Conclusion and Practical Application - Review of Key Points: Summarize the three themes—leadership integrity, sound doctrine, and the power of grace to transform lives. - Reflection: Encourage us to think of ways we can apply one principle from Titus this week, whether in our families, workplaces, or church. - Challenge: Challenge each of us to identify an area of life where they want to “say no” to ungodliness or worldly passions this week.

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