How to Study the Bible

Getting the “Big Picture” The Message of Titus

Knowledge of the Truth Leads to Godly Living The Message of Titus Knowledge of the Truth Leads to Godly Living

Paul’s Charge to Titus: 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, (1:5)

Titus 1 Their COMMISSION 1:5,7a Their CHARACTER 1:6-9 Their At home In public But Not Rather Their COUNTERFEITS 1:10-16 Titus 1

Godly leadership is essential not optional! What counts is who and what they are, not how many there are!

A high calling demands high qualifications! For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, Titus 1:7

Qualifications of elders: if any man is, -above reproach, -the husband of one wife, -having children who believe, -not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

Their Character Vices they avoid Virtues they exhibit: “not: -self-willed, -quick-tempered, -addicted to wine, -pugnacious, -fond of dishonest gain” Virtues they exhibit: “Rather he must be; -hospitable, -loving what is good -sensible -just, -devout -self-controlled .”

Their Convictions count! 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. (1:9)

Why their character and convictions matter so much! For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, (1:10)

Counterfeits must be silenced! who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. (1:11)

The Counterfeits Their character: Their conduct: -rebellious -deceivers, -defiled -detestable, -disobedient, -worthless for any good deed Their conduct: -empty talkers -teaching things they should not, -upsetting families, -liars, beasts, -lazy gluttons, -turn from truth

Cretans have a bad reputation! 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 … (1:12-13)

Reason and goal of rebuke! 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. (1:13-14)

Cretans’ Flawed Character To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, for both their mind and their conscience are defiled. (1:15)

Cretans’ False Confession They profess that they know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. (1:16)

to make a difference in today’s world WANTED: Godly men and women to make a difference in today’s world

WANTED: The church needs godly leaders! You and I can grow in godliness. The church needs you, me, all of us!

Building godly members in the church Older men 2:2 Young men 2:6-8 Older women 2:3 You must teach what is in keeping with sound doctrine Slaves2 :9-10 Younger women 2:4-5 GRACE the master teacher 2:11-14 To say “No!” To look for... To live godly lives Titus 2

Living godly lives outside the church Our Mission 3:1-2, To be ready to do whatever is good What we were- 3:3 Our Motivation 3:3-8 What God did for us- 3:4-6 What we have become- 3:7 What we ought to be doing- 3:8 What we ought to avoid 3:9-11 Titus 3

Conclusion 3:12-15 Request to join Paul 3:12 Request to assist messengers 3:13 Repeating Paul’s purpose 3:14 Personal greetings 3:15

We will break for Christmas! Class will resume in January

Journey through the Bible You are invited to join the expedition as we Journey through the Bible Sunday, January 13 Wednesday, January 16 Have a blessed Christmas!