Centering the Church on the Gospel of Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the final chapter of our series on the letter to Titus, focusing on the gospel centrality of the church. We began by reflecting on the importance of a gospel-centered community, contrasting it with a boundary-centered community. Using the analogy of ranching, we explored how some communities are defined by their boundaries, while others are defined by their center. The church should be like the latter, centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul's instructions to Titus in Titus 3:8-10 emphasize three key actions: insisting on the core doctrines of the gospel, avoiding foolish controversies, and having nothing to do with divisive individuals. These actions help maintain the gospel as the central focus of the church. We discussed how stressing the gospel is essential because it is excellent and profitable for everyone, while controversies and divisions are unprofitable and worthless.
We also examined why keeping the gospel central is crucial. The gospel is the only source of true transformation and sanctification. It has the power to change lives, turning sinners into saints. We used the example of a critical person to illustrate how focusing on the gospel can lead to profound personal change.
Finally, we explored how to keep the gospel central in our lives and church. The answer lies in worshiping Jesus and making Him the center of our lives. True worship involves recognizing our need for Jesus, confessing our sins, and continually turning to Him for grace and strength. We must avoid merely adopting the language of gospel centrality without living it out. Our worship should grow as we become more aware of God's holiness and our own sinfulness, leading to a deeper appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice.
### Key Takeaways
1. Insist on the Core Doctrines of the Gospel: Paul instructs Titus to stress the core doctrines of the gospel, which include the kindness of God, the appearing of Jesus, the rebirth of the Holy Spirit, justification by faith, and the hope of eternal life. These doctrines are excellent and profitable for everyone and should be the focus of our teaching and preaching. [12:17]
2. Avoid Foolish Controversies: Paul warns against getting entangled in foolish controversies, genealogies, and quarrels about the law. These arguments are unprofitable and worthless, distracting us from the central message of the gospel. We must focus on what truly matters and avoid divisive debates that do not contribute to our spiritual growth. [15:11]
3. Deal with Divisive Individuals: Paul advises Titus to warn divisive individuals once or twice and then have nothing more to do with them. These individuals are often in willful rebellion against God and can cause significant harm to the unity of the church. By avoiding them, we protect the church's focus on the gospel. [24:05]
4. The Power of the Gospel to Transform: The gospel is the only source of true transformation. It has the power to change lives, turning sinners into saints. When we focus on the gospel, we experience dynamic and ongoing change, becoming more like Christ. This transformation is the profit and benefit of keeping the gospel central. [28:28]
5. Worship as the Means to Keep the Gospel Central: Keeping the gospel central involves worshiping Jesus and making Him the center of our lives. True worship includes recognizing our need for Jesus, confessing our sins, and continually turning to Him for grace and strength. Our worship should grow as we become more aware of God's holiness and our own sinfulness. [35:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introduction to Titus 3
[01:45] - Gospel Centrality in the Church
[03:14] - Reading of Titus 3:8-15
[04:09] - Ranching Analogy
[06:15] - Bounded vs. Centered Communities
[08:42] - Church Defined by Boundaries
[10:46] - Church Defined by the Gospel
[11:46] - Keeping the Gospel Central
[12:17] - Insisting on Core Doctrines
[15:11] - Avoiding Foolish Controversies
[24:05] - Dealing with Divisive Individuals
[28:28] - The Power of the Gospel to Transform
[35:24] - Worship as the Means to Keep the Gospel Central
[41:54] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Titus 3:8-10 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key actions Paul instructs Titus to take in Titus 3:8-10? ([12:49])
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between a boundary-centered community and a gospel-centered community? ([06:15])
3. How does Paul describe the value of the core doctrines of the gospel in Titus 3:8? ([12:17])
4. What does Paul say about the person who stirs up division in Titus 3:10? ([12:49])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of avoiding foolish controversies and quarrels about the law? How do these actions affect the church's focus on the gospel? ([15:11])
2. How does the analogy of ranching help us understand the concept of a gospel-centered community versus a boundary-centered community? ([04:09])
3. What does it mean for the gospel to be the only source of true transformation and sanctification? How does this impact our daily lives? ([28:28])
4. How can worship help us keep the gospel central in our lives and church? What are some practical ways to ensure our worship is genuine and not just lip service? ([35:24])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any foolish controversies or arguments you find yourself getting entangled in? How can you avoid these to keep the gospel central? ([15:11])
2. Think about your interactions within the church. Have you ever encountered or been a divisive individual? How can you address this behavior in yourself or others to protect the unity of the church? ([24:05])
3. The sermon mentioned the power of the gospel to transform lives. Can you share a personal experience where focusing on the gospel led to a significant change in your life? ([28:28])
4. Worship is a key aspect of keeping the gospel central. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your worship and make Jesus the center of your life? ([35:24])
5. The pastor mentioned the danger of adopting the language of gospel centrality without living it out. How can you ensure that your actions align with your words when it comes to living a gospel-centered life? ([35:58])
6. How can you help foster a gospel-centered community in your small group or church? What practical actions can you take to encourage others to focus on the core doctrines of the gospel? ([12:17])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to experience the transforming power of the gospel. What steps will you take to invite Jesus into that area and seek His grace and strength? ([28:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Insisting on the Core Doctrines of the Gospel
The core doctrines of the gospel are the foundation of our faith. Paul instructs Titus to stress these doctrines, which include the kindness of God, the appearing of Jesus, the rebirth of the Holy Spirit, justification by faith, and the hope of eternal life. These doctrines are excellent and profitable for everyone and should be the focus of our teaching and preaching. By insisting on these core truths, we ensure that our faith remains grounded in the transformative power of the gospel.
When we focus on the core doctrines, we are reminded of God's immense love and grace. The kindness of God is shown through the appearing of Jesus, who came to save us from our sins. The rebirth of the Holy Spirit signifies our new life in Christ, and justification by faith assures us of our right standing with God. The hope of eternal life gives us a future to look forward to, filled with God's presence and glory. These truths are not just theological concepts but are meant to be lived out daily, transforming our hearts and minds. [12:17]
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Reflection: How can you make the core doctrines of the gospel more central in your daily life and conversations this week?
Day 2: Avoiding Foolish Controversies
Paul warns against getting entangled in foolish controversies, genealogies, and quarrels about the law. These arguments are unprofitable and worthless, distracting us from the central message of the gospel. We must focus on what truly matters and avoid divisive debates that do not contribute to our spiritual growth. By steering clear of these distractions, we can maintain our focus on the transformative power of the gospel.
Foolish controversies often arise from a desire to be right or to prove a point, but they do not lead to spiritual growth or edification. Instead, they create division and strife within the community. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue peace and unity, focusing on the gospel's message of love and grace. By avoiding these unprofitable debates, we can devote our energy to building each other up and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. [15:11]
2 Timothy 2:23-24 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil."
Reflection: Are there any ongoing debates or controversies in your life that you need to step away from to focus more on the gospel?
Day 3: Dealing with Divisive Individuals
Paul advises Titus to warn divisive individuals once or twice and then have nothing more to do with them. These individuals are often in willful rebellion against God and can cause significant harm to the unity of the church. By avoiding them, we protect the church's focus on the gospel. It is essential to address divisiveness with wisdom and grace, ensuring that the church remains a place of unity and love.
Divisive individuals can disrupt the harmony of a church community, leading to conflict and distraction from the gospel's central message. It is crucial to address such behavior promptly and firmly, following Paul's guidance to warn them and, if necessary, distance ourselves from them. This approach helps maintain the church's unity and keeps the focus on the gospel, which is the source of true transformation and growth. [24:05]
Romans 16:17-18 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who is causing division? How can you address this situation in a way that protects the unity of your community?
Day 4: The Power of the Gospel to Transform
The gospel is the only source of true transformation. It has the power to change lives, turning sinners into saints. When we focus on the gospel, we experience dynamic and ongoing change, becoming more like Christ. This transformation is the profit and benefit of keeping the gospel central. The gospel's power lies in its ability to renew our hearts and minds, leading us to live in a way that reflects Christ's love and grace.
True transformation begins with recognizing our need for Jesus and allowing the gospel to penetrate every aspect of our lives. As we grow in our understanding of God's love and grace, we are changed from the inside out. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of becoming more like Christ. By keeping the gospel central, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, leading to lasting change and spiritual growth. [28:28]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience the transforming power of the gospel? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas?
Day 5: Worship as the Means to Keep the Gospel Central
Keeping the gospel central involves worshiping Jesus and making Him the center of our lives. True worship includes recognizing our need for Jesus, confessing our sins, and continually turning to Him for grace and strength. Our worship should grow as we become more aware of God's holiness and our own sinfulness. By making worship a priority, we ensure that the gospel remains at the heart of our lives and our church.
Worship is not just about singing songs or attending church services; it is about living a life that honors and glorifies God. True worship involves a deep awareness of our need for Jesus and a continual turning to Him for grace and strength. As we grow in our understanding of God's holiness and our own sinfulness, our worship becomes more profound and heartfelt. By making worship a central part of our lives, we keep the gospel at the forefront, allowing it to shape and transform us. [35:24]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice."
Reflection: How can you make worship a more central part of your daily life? What specific steps can you take to ensure that Jesus remains at the center of your heart and mind?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have all been a part of a church, or maybe heard about a church, or experienced a church that is only defined by its boundaries. Do you dress like we dress? Do you talk like we talk? Do you think like we think? Do you vote like we vote? And if you don't, you're an outsider. You better fit into this cookie-cutter shape or ship out. Get out of here. Go to the other church. And we've all experienced that. And the problem is, when a church is only defined by primarily its boundaries, the church loses its focus on its mission, and it becomes just about controlling the boundaries." [08:42] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The church is to be a gospel-centered community. And so with that, we're going to explore our scripture in three points today. First one is, what does it mean to keep the gospel central? Why we must keep the gospel central? And how we can keep the gospel central. So what it means to keep the gospel central, why we must keep it central, and how we can keep it central. Those are the three points that we are going to be looking at today." [11:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are to stress the gospel. We are to never stress or graduate past the gospel, never to stop talking about the gospel. You can never talk about the gospel too much. It's an inexhaustible fountain. You will never draw from it too much. We never move on or move away from the gospel. Stressing the gospel to our own hearts, preaching it to ourselves on a daily basis and to those around us who gather with us as a church is the best thing for you and is the best thing for them." [14:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The gospel is the only thing that can bring new life to you. In good works. In sanctification. And so I want to say to you, if that is truly you, if that resonated with you, that maybe I'm that critical person, I just call on you to repent. Because the Bible is telling you today that those activities that you are active in are worthless, are worthless and unprofitable, and not pleasing to our Lord. Believe on the gospel and be saved from that sin." [33:27] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If Jesus is not the center of our church, something else will be. And it's always the wrong thing. And it's the same thing about your life. Is Jesus the center of your life? If not, who is? And will you again turn to Him this morning and receive fresh grace and forgiveness and power and vision from Jesus? He is the author and finisher of your faith. Let's worship Him, church. Let's be awed by Him every day." [41:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So we have to be mindful of that. So many churches fall into this. We want to protect our boundaries at all costs. And we miss our opportunity of being a witness to the world. But what we've seen in our study of Titus and what we will see today is that the church of Jesus Christ is not to be defined by its boundaries but to be defined by its center. Meaning the church is not meant to be like the first set of community, which is a bounded set community. The church is to be a center set community. And the center of the church, is the gospel of Jesus Christ." [10:13] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So what we see from this verse is that Paul is instructing Titus to do three things. He is to insist on these things, as we see in verse 8. He is to avoid foolish controversies, as we see in verse 9. And then he is to have nothing to do with those who are stirring up those unneeded controversies in verse 10. And so in those three commands is how the church is to keep the gospel central in our community." [12:49] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's possible, church, hear me, to drill so deep down on one subject that you miss the entire trajectory of what the Bible is trying to point you to because you're isolating something. And what we see, the issue in Titus' day in his church, there are people who are drilling down on things like Jewish genealogies and minute points of the law and running with that in a way that they're missing the point of the Bible and they're causing unrest within the unity of the church." [16:05] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So you can tell yourself all day and night, I need to be less critical. And you're right. But it's only when your heart is awed by Jesus' victory over sin, which includes your criticism, that you begin to see change. It's only in seeing the beauty of Jesus conquering all our sin that we begin to change. It's only when our heart's affections are moved off of ourself and onto Jesus that we really begin to experience deep, profound change. That's why we must keep the gospel central. Because the power to change is only in the gospel." [32:52] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the invitation of scripture is always the same. Saying, what else are you prone to worship? What else are you prone to give yourself to? And then again, will you for the hundredth time, for the thousandth time, for the millionth time, turn to Jesus and see just how much better he is? Will you recognize him? Will you recognize your need and turn to Jesus for his grace? Will you by his power reorientate your heart once again to the beauty and the perfection of our Lord Jesus and all that he has done to save you?" [37:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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