Titus: Message Received

October 1- November 12, 2023

We are no Cretans, but we can still learn from Pauls' instructions for Titus and the Church of Crete. Titus had a terrific congregation of new believers on the island of Crete yet he needed some guidance. Under God's inspiration, Paul wrote instructions to Titus on how to maintain a healthy church.

So let's align ourselves with the 2,000 year old prescription for health and soak in Paul's words so that we can honestly say "message received".

Week 1: Shaped Like Paul, Titus 1:1-4

From what I have heard, I would not want to physically look like the apostle Paul, however, when it comes to character and leadership, most definitely. As Paul began his message to Titus about the local church, (specifically about maintaining good works - theme verse is 3:8) he revealed a little bit about himself.

Let's celebrate our similarity to Paul and also find some ways to make us even more like Paul.

Week 2: Put Things in Order, Titus 1:5-9

Although the community of Crete (where Titus was when Paul wrote this letter to him) was comprised of less than honorable people (1:12), Titus was charged with putting their church in order (1:5).

Here are three specific traits that make for a healthy Christian leader (which we are all are one way or another). Let's take a look at this passage and hopefully end up a little more "in order" in our own lives as Paul intended for the church at Crete.

Week 3: Grace-filled Confrontation, Titus 1:10-16

Today’s text speaks to an elder’s responsibility to set straight the rebellious within the church body. The principles in today's passage can apply to all confrontation that we experience throughout our lives. From families, to our work environment and even at school there will always be the rebellious or the “mere talkers”. Here is a grace-filled response .

Week 4: Generational Grace, Titus 2:1-10

Today's passage reveals a wonderful movement of generational discipling.

There is a refreshing path for truth to be passed on from person to person. Truth begins in inspiration to Paul, from Paul to Titus, from Titus to the people, and then.... people to people. Let's make more effort in carrying love and encouragement into the lives of others.

Week 5: Grace Lessons, Titus 2:11-15

Let’s move slowly this morning. These few verses have been called the highlight of Paul’s letter to Titus. Let’s also pray that these verses become a highlight in our own lives.

More than anything let’s keep God’s grace flowing through us into the lives of people around us.

Week 6: Grace Played Out, Titus 3:1-7

Now that we know that it is by grace alone that we are brought into a relationship with God and that it is grace that teaches us to say no to ungodliness and that grace teaches us to say yes to an upright and godly life; let's play it out.

If indeed we are grace filled, then grace will show itself in these three ways.

Week 7: Here's Your Sign, Titus 3:12-15

Paul wrapped up his little letter to Titus perfectly exemplifying God's grace. After all this "grace-talk", certainly Paul was full of grace himself, and he showed it. Paul closed his letter to Titus and in so doing revealed four signs of a grace filled life.