The Titus Touch Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, April 19, 2015 Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts © Copyright 2015 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

II Corinthians 7: When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

II Corinthians 7: By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me.

II Corinthians 7: But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.

II Corinthians 8: 16-17, 23 Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative As for Titus, he is my partner and co- worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.

Titus 1: 1-4 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness — in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

Titus 1: 1-4 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

The Titus Touch But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. II Corinthians 7: 6-7

Demas Luke Mark Silas Timothy Titus Trophimus Tychicus

Titus: Fact Sheet Younger Greek Well-to-do family Relative of Luke? possible brother?

Titus: Fact Sheet Younger Greek Well-to-do family Relative of Luke? possible brother? Converted before pre-missionary journeys During Paul and Barnabas’ ministry out of 44/45 A.D. Part of team for 20 years

Titus: Fact Sheet Appreciated by Paul My brother -II Cor. 2:13 My partner and fellow worker -II Cor. 8:23 My true son in our common faith -Titus 1:4

Titus: Fact Sheet Appreciated by Paul People Person My brother -II Cor. 2:13 My partner and fellow worker -II Cor. 8:23 My true son in our common faith -Titus 1:4 His affection for you -II Cor. 7:25 I thank God who put into Titus the same concern I have for you -II Cor. 8: 6 Titus did not exploit you - II Cor. 12:27

Titus: Fact Sheet Accepted Challenging Assignments  Corinth with “severe letter”  The Great Collection  Crete Big island off southern coast of Greece Not-so-easy-to-love believers …and others

Gerald Hawthorne - ISBE Heart of a pastor Willing to serve conscientiously in the shadow of more prominent people Earnest devotion to Jesus’ church Strong loyalty to friends and leaders  Great source of comfort to a distressed and depressed Apostle

Let’s Pray

Depression “The common cold of the mind”

Situation - A.D. 55 WORN OUT When we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest…

Situation - A.D. 55 WORN OUT When we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest… STRESSED OUT We were harassed at every turn— conflicts on the outside…

Situation - A.D. 55 WORN OUT When we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest… STRESSED OUT We were harassed at every turn— conflicts on the outside… INNER FEARS …fears within. II Corinthians 7: 5

Situational Depression - A.D. 55 But God, who comforts the downcast, II Corinthians 7: 6-7

I Corinthians 10: 13 No temptation [ a ] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted [ b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, [ c] He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Footnotes [a-c]: The Greek for temptation and tempted can also mean testing and tested.

Titus & The Titus Touch But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. II Corinthians 7: 6-7

Care-givers Have Needs

The Titus Touch Warm Embrace

The Titus Touch Warm Embrace Listening

The Titus Touch Warm Embrace Listening Affirmation

The Titus Touch Warm Embrace Listening Affirmation Empathy

The Titus Touch Warm Embrace Listening Affirmation Empathy Prayer

The Titus Touch Warm Embrace Listening Affirmation Empathy Prayer Talk

Pastors need Peer Friends

Mentoring Timothy to Paul(s)

Mentoring Timothy to Paul(s) Paul to Timothy(s)

Pastors Also Need “Titus” Friends INTERVENTION ENCOURAGEMENT

Pastors Also Need “Titus” Friends Coming Soon to DECC Pastoral Relations Team

DECC’s New Pastor and Family Timothy to Paul(s) Paul to Timothy(s) Pastor friendships

DECC’s New Pastor and Family Timothy to Paul(s) Paul to Timothy(s) Pastor friendships Titus Encouraging DECC’s Pastoral Relations Team

Everyone Needs “Titus” Friends Depression Happens

The Titus Touch Warm Embrace Listening Affirmation Empathy Prayer Talk

The Titus Touch But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. II Corinthians 7: 6-7