Titus 3
The health and strength of each and every local church is Paul’s number one priority in his letters to Timothy and Titus. In Acts, we see Paul’s concern to preach the gospel and make disciples all around the Roman Empire. But his ministry doesn’t end there — he moves to gather new disciples into churches, to establish local leadership, and to commission each church to continue making disciples in their context. As he established these churches, he wanted them to have clear gospel doctrine and gracious gospel culture, so that they could be faithful witnesses to the gospel. In the final chapter of his letter to Titus, Paul tells him to ‘remind’ the church of the importance of how they interact with a hostile world, committing themselves to good and gracious service to all people at all times and in all ways. As people who’ve been rescued graciously by Jesus and given the gift of his Spirit, disciples of Jesus live a humble and courageous life of kindness toward all people.
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION
1. How would you summarize Paul's instructions in v.1-2? What should characterize Christians in the world?
2. What does Paul appeal to as the basis for his instructions in v.1-2? Why is this significant?
3. Reflect on how you handled the challenges of 2020. Where did you fail to live up to Paul's directives here?
June 20, 2021 - Steve Hart