Bible Reading
Titus 3:1-11 “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 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. 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, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
[01:14]Acts 5:29 “But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.”
[30:50]Philippians 3:4-9 “Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—”
[09:40]Observation questions
- In Titus 3:1–2, what responsibilities does Paul give believers toward rulers and neighbors? Which concern their actions, and which concern their words and attitudes? [43:02]
- In Philippians 3:4–9, what former sources of confidence does Paul name, and how does he now view them compared with knowing Christ? [10:33]
- What does Titus 3:3 reveal about believers’ lives before salvation? How does Paul include himself in that description? [44:48]
- What changes between the description of human sinfulness in Titus 3:3 and the account of salvation in verses 4–7? Who takes the initiative in that change? [51:05]
Interpretation questions
- How does Acts 5:29 clarify the limits of submission in Titus 3:1? What distinguishes a command that contradicts God’s word from one that a Christian simply dislikes? [25:14]
- How can a believer firmly confront evil while remaining gentle and peaceable? What would distinguish a faithful defense of truth from a quarrel driven by anger? [37:33]
- Why does Paul follow his instructions about treating others well with a reminder of believers’ former slavery to sin? How does that connection challenge a Christian’s sense of superiority toward unbelievers? [44:27]
- Titus 3:5–8 connects salvation by God’s mercy with devotion to good works. Why does it matter that good works are the result of salvation rather than its basis? [51:14]
Application questions
- God changes hearts through his word, not through entertainment or comfort. When have you been tempted to think that simply reading or sharing Scripture would not be enough? What might greater trust in God’s word look like in your life this week? [06:13]
- Think of a government rule or authority you find difficult to respect. Is your resistance rooted in a clear conflict with Scripture, personal disagreement, or something else? How could you respond with both obedience to God and respect for authority? [25:07]
- Looking back at a recent conversation or online exchange, where did your words show gentleness, and where did they become harsh or careless with someone’s reputation? Is there anything you would like to correct or seek forgiveness for? [36:24]
- Who comes to mind when you think about someone whose beliefs or behavior frustrate you? How might remembering your own need for mercy change the way you speak to that person this week? [52:23]
- Being ready for good deeds means being willing to serve when an opportunity comes unexpectedly. What need among your neighbors, coworkers, or church family could you help meet, and what might you need to make room for it? [31:34]
- God’s kindness has brought forgiveness and new life to people who could not earn them. What part of his grace are you especially thankful for right now? How could that gratitude take the form of a specific act of kindness toward someone else? [51:29]
