Empowered by Grace: Building a Healthy Church Community
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the life and ministry of Titus, a close companion of the Apostle Paul. Titus, a Gentile who chose not to be circumcised, symbolized the principle of justification by grace rather than by the law. Paul entrusted Titus with the critical task of establishing order and leadership in the newly formed church in Crete, which was plagued by false teachers and a lack of qualified leaders. Paul emphasized the importance of sound doctrine and healthy leadership to counteract the false teachings and to foster a community that lives out the gospel authentically.
The core message revolved around the transformative power of God's grace. Paul instructed Titus to teach what accords with sound doctrine, highlighting that proper biblical beliefs lead to godly behavior. He provided specific instructions for different groups within the church—older men, older women, younger women, and younger men—emphasizing the importance of self-control, dignity, and sound faith. The grace of God, which brings salvation, also trains us to renounce ungodliness and live upright lives. This grace not only pardons but also empowers us to live in a way that reflects the gospel.
Paul's strategy for combating false teachings was to multiply healthy leaders who would teach sound doctrine and model good works. He stressed that discipleship is a community endeavor, not just the responsibility of church leaders. Everyone in the church is called to mentor and disciple others, passing on the wisdom and grace they have received. This communal approach to discipleship ensures that the church remains a vibrant, learning, and teaching community.
The sermon concluded with a call to action: to be well-acquainted with God's grace, to prioritize godly character over personal comfort, and to invest in the spiritual growth of others. By doing so, we not only receive grace but also become conduits of it, enriching the lives of those around us and glorifying God through our actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Titus and the Importance of Sound Doctrine: Titus was a key figure in establishing order and leadership in the early church. Paul emphasized that sound doctrine is crucial for healthy church life because proper biblical beliefs lead to godly behavior. This principle is vital for countering false teachings and fostering a community that lives out the gospel authentically. [02:45]
2. Grace as Both Pardon and Empowerment: The grace of God, which brings salvation, also trains us to renounce ungodliness and live upright lives. This grace not only pardons us but also empowers us to live in a way that reflects the gospel. It teaches us to say no to sin and yes to righteousness, transforming us from the inside out. [37:52]
3. Discipleship as a Community Endeavor: Discipleship is not solely the responsibility of church leaders but a communal effort. Everyone in the church is called to mentor and disciple others, passing on the wisdom and grace they have received. This approach ensures that the church remains a vibrant, learning, and teaching community. [14:21]
4. The Importance of Godly Character and Conduct: Paul provided specific instructions for different groups within the church, emphasizing self-control, dignity, and sound faith. These qualities are essential for living out the gospel and for being effective witnesses to the world. Prioritizing godly character over personal comfort is crucial for spiritual growth. [11:28]
5. Living Between the Two Advents: We live in the "already, not yet" space between Christ's first coming in grace and His second coming in glory. This should energize us as we reflect on what Christ has done and what He has promised. Our lives should be marked by hope, looking forward to the day when Christ will return and make all things new. [40:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:45] - The Role of Titus
[03:59] - Being Trained by Grace
[05:29] - Instructions for Older Men and Women
[07:51] - The Impact of Grace
[09:27] - Sound Doctrine and Godly Behavior
[11:28] - Self-Control and Godly Leadership
[14:21] - Discipleship as a Community Endeavor
[16:58] - Instructions for Younger Women
[18:26] - Sober-Mindedness and Godly Conduct
[21:03] - Prioritizing Family and Home
[24:15] - Instructions for Younger Men
[25:43] - Modeling Good Works
[28:47] - Instructions for Bond Servants
[33:32] - The Grace of God Appeared
[37:52] - Grace as Empowerment
[40:07] - Living Between the Two Advents
[42:57] - Zealous for Good Works
[45:18] - Examples of Good Works
[50:07] - Application and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Titus 2:1-14 - "But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions does Paul give to older men and women in Titus 2:1-5?
2. How does Paul describe the role of grace in the life of a believer according to Titus 2:11-12?
3. What is the purpose of the good works that believers are called to in Titus 2:14?
4. According to the sermon, what was Titus's role in the church in Crete, and why was it significant? [02:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of sound doctrine in Titus 2:1? How does this relate to combating false teachings in the church? [09:27]
2. How does the grace of God both pardon and empower believers according to Titus 2:11-12 and the sermon? [37:52]
3. What does it mean to live "between the two advents" as described in the sermon? How should this perspective influence a believer's daily life? [40:07]
4. How does the communal approach to discipleship, as emphasized in the sermon, reflect the instructions given in Titus 2:1-10? [14:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Paul instructs Titus to teach sound doctrine to counter false teachings. How can you ensure that your beliefs and teachings align with sound doctrine? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of biblical truth? [09:27]
2. The sermon emphasized the transformative power of God's grace. Can you identify an area in your life where you need to rely more on God's grace for both pardon and empowerment? How can you practically apply this in your daily walk? [37:52]
3. Discipleship is described as a community endeavor. Who in your church community can you mentor or disciple? How can you start or strengthen this relationship? [14:21]
4. Reflect on the qualities Paul lists for different groups within the church (older men, older women, younger women, younger men). Which of these qualities do you need to cultivate more in your life, and what practical steps can you take to develop them? [05:29]
5. The sermon calls us to prioritize godly character over personal comfort. Is there a specific area where you have been prioritizing comfort over character? How can you shift your focus to align more with godly character? [11:28]
6. Living between the two advents should energize us with hope. How can you keep this hope alive in your daily life, especially during challenging times? What practices or reminders can help you stay focused on the promise of Christ's return? [40:07]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to invest in the spiritual growth of others. Who is one person you can intentionally invest in this week? What specific actions can you take to support their spiritual journey? [51:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Role of Titus and the Importance of Sound Doctrine
Titus was a key figure in establishing order and leadership in the early church. Paul emphasized that sound doctrine is crucial for healthy church life because proper biblical beliefs lead to godly behavior. This principle is vital for countering false teachings and fostering a community that lives out the gospel authentically. Titus, a Gentile who chose not to be circumcised, symbolized the principle of justification by grace rather than by the law. Paul entrusted Titus with the critical task of establishing order and leadership in the newly formed church in Crete, which was plagued by false teachers and a lack of qualified leaders. Paul emphasized the importance of sound doctrine and healthy leadership to counteract the false teachings and to foster a community that lives out the gospel authentically. [02:45]
Titus 1:5-9 (ESV)
"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your beliefs are rooted in sound doctrine? What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of biblical truth?
Day 2: Grace as Both Pardon and Empowerment
The grace of God, which brings salvation, also trains us to renounce ungodliness and live upright lives. This grace not only pardons us but also empowers us to live in a way that reflects the gospel. It teaches us to say no to sin and yes to righteousness, transforming us from the inside out. The transformative power of God's grace is central to the Christian life. It is not merely a pardon for past sins but an ongoing empowerment to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. This grace instructs us to deny ungodliness and worldly passions, enabling us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. [37:52]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV)
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's grace to empower you to say no to sin and yes to righteousness? How can you actively seek His grace in these areas today?
Day 3: Discipleship as a Community Endeavor
Discipleship is not solely the responsibility of church leaders but a communal effort. Everyone in the church is called to mentor and disciple others, passing on the wisdom and grace they have received. This approach ensures that the church remains a vibrant, learning, and teaching community. Paul’s strategy for combating false teachings was to multiply healthy leaders who would teach sound doctrine and model good works. He stressed that discipleship is a community endeavor, not just the responsibility of church leaders. Everyone in the church is called to mentor and disciple others, passing on the wisdom and grace they have received. [14:21]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you mentor or disciple? How can you take a step this week to invest in their spiritual growth?
Day 4: The Importance of Godly Character and Conduct
Paul provided specific instructions for different groups within the church, emphasizing self-control, dignity, and sound faith. These qualities are essential for living out the gospel and for being effective witnesses to the world. Prioritizing godly character over personal comfort is crucial for spiritual growth. Paul’s instructions to Titus included specific guidelines for older men, older women, younger women, and younger men, emphasizing the importance of self-control, dignity, and sound faith. These qualities are essential for living out the gospel and for being effective witnesses to the world. [11:28]
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: What specific area of your character do you feel God is calling you to develop? How can you prioritize this over personal comfort in your daily life?
Day 5: Living Between the Two Advents
We live in the "already, not yet" space between Christ's first coming in grace and His second coming in glory. This should energize us as we reflect on what Christ has done and what He has promised. Our lives should be marked by hope, looking forward to the day when Christ will return and make all things new. This period between Christ’s first and second coming is a time of active waiting and hopeful anticipation. We are called to live lives that reflect the hope we have in Christ, looking forward to His return and the fulfillment of His promises. [40:07]
1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the hope of Christ’s return influence your daily life? What changes can you make to live more fully in the light of this hope?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Those who have experienced the saving grace of Jesus ought to give evidence to the sanctifying grace of Jesus by living godly lives. Those who have experienced the saving grace of Jesus. How many of you have been saved by the grace of God by grace through faith?" [07:51] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Free grace displayed through the gospel because of somebody else, because of what someone else has done on your behalf, the son of God who took on flesh and dwelt among us and lived a perfect life and died in our place. We call this grace amazing grace grace that we don't earn. We don't deserve it. We haven't earned it. We don't merit it. It's free. It's a gift found in Jesus." [08:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Grace has come. He has redeemed us. He has bought us. He has made us his very own. Grace has come. And we're looking forward to him to come back in glory. He came in grace and he's coming back in glory. And every eye will see him. Every. Knee will bow before him. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." [40:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God has done something about the brokenness in this world. He hasn't just left us to burn. He sent his son into this world. And Jesus lived a perfect life. He experienced pain and suffering. And he died. And he was buried and was raised from the dead to give us life eternal. And he's coming back." [40:57] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Christianity is marked by hope. We have a message of hope in a world of cynicism. We, we, the culture that we live in is cynical. There's a negative approach, a negative view of the world. And we have a message of hope. Grace teaches us not only that we've been redeemed and we've been pardoned. We've been forgiven. We've been brought into the family, but it teaches us that we have a future and a hope." [42:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul instructs Titus to teach what accords with sound doctrine. He tells Titus as he leads within the church to teach sound doctrine. The word sound just means healthy. Teach what is healthy in the church because Paul knew that healthy gospel teaching leads and should lead to healthy gospel living. Paul knew." [09:27] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The church is to be a learning community and a teaching community. We are to be those who are being discipled, following Jesus. Right. We're just, we're all disciples. Disciples of Jesus. And we're all to be students of his word and followers of the way. And he puts us within a community where we can learn from those who are further along, who have a little bit more experience than we do." [12:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Discipleship is a community endeavor. It's a. A co-mission, right? Jesus said to his disciples, go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you and love. I'm with you always, even to the end of the age, the church is to be a discipling community, a teaching community." [15:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Grace not only pardons us, but grace empowers us. I love this. I love this truth about God's grace. The Bible describes it not only as pardon that we don't deserve as a free gift from God. But it also describes grace as strength. Paul, when he was struggling, going through a difficult time with a thorn in his flesh, he prayed to the Lord and pleaded three times that this thorn would be removed. And the Lord Jesus' response to him was, My grace is sufficient. My power or my strength is made perfect in weakness." [37:52] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Good works are actions prescribed in scripture as God's will. They are energized by God's grace. They are motivated by God's love. They result in the well-being of others and bring glory to God. Easton Bible Dictionary says, Good works are only good when they spring from the principle of love. The moral character of an act is determined by the moral principle that prompts it. Faith and love in the heart are the essential elements of all true obedience." [44:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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