Living Out the Gospel in Community and Influence

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound teachings of Titus, focusing on how Christians should live and interact within the community to reflect the truth and power of the gospel. We began by understanding that Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in a community where every interaction should glorify God. This is crucial because our actions and interactions are a testament to the gospel we profess.

We delved into the roles and expectations of different groups within the church as outlined by Paul in his letter to Titus. For the older men and women in the congregation, Paul sets a standard of sobriety, dignity, and self-control. Older men are encouraged to be steadfast in faith, love, and patience, setting an example for the younger generation. Similarly, older women are urged to exhibit reverent behavior, avoiding slander and excessive drinking, and to mentor younger women in loving their families and being kind and pure.

Addressing the younger members of the church, Paul emphasizes self-control and integrity in all aspects of life. This guidance is not only for personal edification but also ensures that their conduct cannot be criticized by outsiders, thus protecting the integrity of the gospel message.

The sermon highlighted the story of a cancer patient who, despite his diagnosis, chose to help others, demonstrating that our circumstances should not hinder our willingness to serve. This act of kindness is a powerful example of living out our faith in practical ways, showing that we can still make a significant impact in our communities despite personal challenges.

We also discussed the influence parents have over their children, stressing the importance of instilling a strong spiritual foundation rather than just worldly success. The ultimate goal for Christian parents should be to lead their children towards a relationship with Jesus, as this is the most valuable legacy one can leave behind.

In conclusion, the sermon called on each member of the congregation to reflect on their influence and to use it to foster a community that lives out the gospel in every aspect of life. We were reminded that our lives might be the only Bible some people read, and thus, we should live in a way that draws others to Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Role of Sound Doctrine in Christian Living
Sound doctrine is not merely about correct teaching but living out the unconditional grace we've received through Christ. This involves a transformation that reflects in our daily conduct, affirming our faith through our actions. This principle is crucial for every believer to grasp and live out, ensuring that our lives preach as loudly as our words. [45:29]

2. The Influence of Older Generations
Older men and women hold a pivotal role in shaping the character and faith of younger believers. By living lives marked by sobriety, dignity, and love, they set a standard and provide a living example for others to emulate. This influence is a powerful tool in the church, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues through generations. [49:49]

3. Parental Influence on Spiritual Formation
Parents are the primary influencers in their children's lives. The spiritual upbringing of a child is more crucial than academic or social success. This responsibility means prioritizing the teaching of prayer, character, and knowledge of God over worldly achievements, ensuring that children grow to value their relationship with Christ above all. [59:06]

4. Community Impact Through Personal Trials
The story of the cancer patient helping others despite his struggles illustrates that our trials should not hinder our commitment to serve and impact our community. This act of service is a testament to the strength and hope we have in Christ, encouraging us to look beyond our circumstances and contribute positively to the lives of others. [40:05]

5. The Call to Active Faith
Every Christian is called to live out their faith actively, influencing others through genuine relationships and community involvement. This active faith is not just about attending church but being the church in the world, demonstrating the love and truth of the gospel in every interaction. [01:02:08]

### Chapters

0:00 - Welcome
40:05 - Community Service in Personal Trials
41:22 - Reading from Titus: Roles in the Church
45:29 - The Importance of Sound Doctrine
49:49 - Influence of the Elderly in the Church
57:44 - The Critical Role of Parents in Spiritual Education
01:00:19 - Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Titus 2:1-10
- Proverbs 27:17
- Matthew 16:26

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Titus 2:1-10, what specific behaviors and qualities does Paul instruct older men and women to exhibit?
2. How does Paul describe the role of younger men and women in the church community in Titus 2:1-10?
3. What does Proverbs 27:17 mean when it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another"?
4. In the sermon, what example was given to illustrate serving others despite personal trials? ([40:05])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of sound doctrine in Titus 2:1? How does this relate to the way Christians should live? ([44:04])
2. How can the influence of older generations shape the faith and character of younger believers according to Titus 2:2-5? ([49:49])
3. What does Matthew 16:26 suggest about the priorities parents should have for their children? How does this align with the sermon’s message on parental influence? ([57:07])
4. How does the story of the cancer patient in the sermon illustrate the concept of community impact through personal trials? ([40:05])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How can you ensure that your actions and interactions within your community glorify God? ([44:04])
2. If you are an older member of the church, how can you actively mentor and set an example for younger members? What specific steps can you take this week? ([49:49])
3. For parents, what are some practical ways you can prioritize your child's spiritual growth over worldly success? How can you start implementing these changes today? ([57:07])
4. Think of a personal trial you are currently facing. How can you use this situation to serve and impact others in your community, similar to the cancer patient’s story? ([40:05])
5. How can you practice self-control and integrity in your daily life to ensure that your conduct cannot be criticized by outsiders? What specific areas do you need to work on? ([41:22])
6. Identify one person in your church community who you can influence positively this week. What specific actions will you take to encourage and support them?
7. Reflect on your worship habits. How can you be more intentional in your worship to influence others positively, especially during church services? ([48:19])

Devotional

Day 1: Living Doctrine as Daily Testimony
Sound doctrine is not merely about correct teaching but living out the unconditional grace we've received through Christ. This involves a transformation that reflects in our daily conduct, affirming our faith through our actions. This principle is crucial for every believer to grasp and live out, ensuring that our lives preach as loudly as our words. [45:29]

James 1:22-25 ESV
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: How can you demonstrate sound doctrine in your workplace or home today?

Day 2: The Guiding Influence of Elders
Older men and women hold a pivotal role in shaping the character and faith of younger believers. By living lives marked by sobriety, dignity, and love, they set a standard and provide a living example for others to emulate. This influence is a powerful tool in the church, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues through generations. [49:49]

Titus 2:2-4 ESV
"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,"

Reflection: Consider an elder who has influenced your life; how can you emulate their example this week?

Day 3: Parental Priorities in Spiritual Formation
Parents are the primary influencers in their children's lives. The spiritual upbringing of a child is more crucial than academic or social success. This responsibility means prioritizing the teaching of prayer, character, and knowledge of God over worldly achievements, ensuring that children grow to value their relationship with Christ above all. [59:06]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: What spiritual activity can you initiate with your child or a young person in your life this week?

Day 4: Serving Others Amidst Personal Trials
The story of the cancer patient helping others despite his struggles illustrates that our trials should not hinder our commitment to serve and impact our community. This act of service is a testament to the strength and hope we have in Christ, encouraging us to look beyond our circumstances and contribute positively to the lives of others. [40:05]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: How can you use your current challenges as a means to serve someone else in your community?

Day 5: The Call to Active Faith
Every Christian is called to live out their faith actively, influencing others through genuine relationships and community involvement. This active faith is not just about attending church but being the church in the world, demonstrating the love and truth of the gospel in every interaction. [01:02:08]

1 Peter 2:12 ESV
"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: What is one way you can actively demonstrate your faith in your community this week?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "In a world without hope, you have hope. In a world without peace, you have peace. And in a world without love, you have a love that died and rose again for all of humanity. Think about love. If you don't know Jesus today, I truly don't think you've ever experienced real love." [01:01:25](Download raw clip | | )

2. "Because in a world without love, love is possible and only possible through Jesus. Jesus said, I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me. So if you want to know the way, and you want to know the truth, and you want to know how to have life, Jesus is the only way." [01:02:08]( | | )

3. "Your child just graduated from high school. They learned all the things, but unfortunately, they can't add, they can't subtract. Now think about this. Your kid graduates your household after 18 years, and they don't know how to pray. They don't know the character of a God. Parents have probably the most influence of anyone." [57:44]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "It is extremely important for Christians to know how God wants his people to interact with and influence each other. These interactions should testify to the truth, the power, and hope of the gospel." [44:04]( | | )

2. "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. This influence is a powerful tool in the church, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues through generations." [49:49]( | | )

3. "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." [51:12]( | | )

4. "Everyone has the opportunity to pour into someone else and be a positive, spiritual influence in their life. Christian influence and the sharpening of Christians is something that should be happening every day within the church body." [54:40]( | | )

5. "If your kids have the grades, but they don't know Jesus, what do they have? If your kids have the beautiful wedding, but don't know Jesus, what do they have? Parents, it's your role to raise your kid up in the way they should go." [57:07]( | | )

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Transcript
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