Titus: Instructions for the Church

Transcript Search
Scripture's Post Cards  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  46:24
0 ratings
· 221 views
Files
Notes
Transcript
Handout
We are looking at another letter this week. This letter has been classified in a particular group of letters known as the “Pastoral Letters”. Instructions from God to those who lead the church and what should be taught in His Church. Paul is by training a man who is skilled in the art of communication and debate as a pharisee. His thought process is that of OUTLINE form. In order to teach this letter along with teaching study of God’s Word, I am going to lay out the outline form that Paul presents in this letter.
Titus is going to be teaching and applying what is in this letter to a specific geographical region. As we have the Grand Valley and Parachute specifically, Titus has been commissioned to the Island of Crete:

The Island of Crete

Is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
The island spans 160 miles from east to west, is 37 miles at its widest point
Crete is mountainous, and is defined by a high mountain range crossing from west to east, formed by six different groups of mountains: the highest one reaching 8,058 ft
These mountains lavish Crete with valleys, fertile plateaus, caves, such as Idaion (the birthplace of the ancient Greek god Zeus); and multiple gorges, rivers and lakes.
Titus 1:1-4 gives us the introduction...
Titus 1:1–4 NASB95
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior, To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Introduction

This Letter is From Paul

Paul gives us his title and authority
He also gives us a beautiful description of his MISSION!
This MISSION of proclamation has been entrusted to Paul by God

This Letter is to Titus

No doubt one who Paul himself lead to salvation in Christ Jesus
Grace and Peace are extended not only from Paul but from this amazing God we serve
Titus 1:5-9 covers the purpose of Paul’s writing this letter...
Titus 1:5–9 NASB95
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

Purpose For Letter

Set in order what remains

God is a God of order, He has an intended purpose and intent for how you and I should live and function while we are in this world!
Paul has discussed this with Titus before… and now Titus is to complete this work

Appoint Elders

This is part of the order God has established
Paul lays out the qualifications and attributes Titus must look for in these leaders of God’s Church
Elder leadership is part of the established order in God’s Church
You see this list of character qualities and it is in stark contrast with what Paul states next...
Titus 1:10-16 states “here is why you need elders… FALSE TEACHERS!”
Titus 1:10–16 NASB95
For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

Why You Need Elders… False Teachers

These are empty talkers/ Deceivers!!! (Judaizers / Gnosticism )
These are to be rebuked (they must be silenced)
These must be reproved (for the purpose of sound doctrine)
There is a real need… even more so today than ever for the protection and boldness for TRUTH!
Verses 15-16 give such a sad and scary description and warning concerning “THESE INDIVIDUALS” They are LOST! and taking others with them.
Titus 2:1-10 gives us some sound doctrine and healthy teaching for the order which God desires in His Church...
Titus 2:1–10 NASB95
But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

Sound Doctrine / Healthy Teaching

Healthy teaching in God’s church should produce healthy living when applied appropriately in ones life
Part of the “ORDER” Paul is speaking to is the teaching of “Roles and Responsibilities” within the body of Christ...
Older Men… sound doctrine and teaching is exhibited in certain behavior… Paul lays out RIGHT BEHAVIOR for older men!
Older women… same thing the RIGHT BEHAVIOR is presented for older women and Paul gives the reason in verse 4...
SO THAT” these older women may encourage the younger women… in right behavior (this is healthy teaching)
Paul states “LIKEWISE” for these young men to live out what is exampled in the older men (living out sound doctrine)
Paul wraps up this older younger teaching order in verse 8… “SO THAT” … our actions/works will put the opponents to shame and they have nothing bad to say!!!!
Bond-slaves… those who were in the position of serving others.
Sound doctrine and healthy teaching states this… if you are in a position of serving someone… live this way!
Obey them, submit to their authority
Try hard to please them
Don’t argue or talk back
Don’t steal from them (monetarily or time)
Show you can be trusted
Why would I do this??? “so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” your life declares Christ . Look at 1 Peter 2:18-21
1 Peter 2:18–21 NASB95
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
Well I just don’t know about this…
Paul goes on to teach and solidify his point and argument for this in Titus 2:11-15
Titus 2:11–15 NASB95
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

God’s Grace is for ALL People

Our Works Declare Christ!

God is calling us to good works

Zealous =one who is deeply committed to something and therefore zealous—‘enthusiast
Now pastor don’t get too carried away with this… Look at verse 15… I HAVE TO!!!
Titus 3:1-11 Paul declares some controversial teaching that he urges Titus to teach in boldness and confidently...
Titus 3:1–11 NASB95
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Grace is the motivation for Godly Living

GRACE For All Authorities

Paul lays out how we are to respond and engage with those in authority
Paul delivers a convincing argument for this CONTRAST in living

GRACE Contrast How We Live

Verse 3 We also once were” Paul includes himself (Sin filled lives)
Verse 4-7 “REMEMBER THIS CHURCH” Paul lays out salvation by Grace!!!
I love that statement “poured out on us richly
Remember His grace, maybe authorities don’t deserve it, but Paul is stating non of us deserved God’s grace either… YET GOD poured out grace on us
Are we going to live as we did in the past before Christ or act like those who believe in God & engage in good deeds!!!

Behavior Inconsistent with GRACE

Avoid this behavior
Warn those that exhibit this behavior… if that does not work avoid them
This is not healthy behavior/false doctrine
Recognize these individuals for who they are… some very stern words
Titus 3:12-15 gives us a very personal farewell, yet one final charge to this man Titus as to the importance of this message from the Lord...
Titus 3:12–15 NASB95
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Closing

We are not alone in this life we live for Christ as His church
These things are important for us to learn
Beyond head knowledge
Engage in good deeds
Church we must not be unfruitful… God’s GRACE be with you as you adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in your lives this week! God bless.
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more