Understanding Scripture: Leadership, Culture, and Discernment
Summary
In today's exploration of the book of Titus, we delved into the importance of understanding scripture through the right lens. We began by acknowledging the challenges faced by Titus in Crete, where Paul instructed him to appoint elders to counteract insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers. This highlights the necessity of strong leadership within the church to maintain doctrinal purity and protect the community from false teachings. The discussion emphasized the need for discernment and courage in addressing issues that disrupt the faith and unity of believers.
A significant portion of our time was spent examining how cultural perspectives can influence our interpretation of scripture. We explored the dangers of reading the Bible with preconceived notions, whether individualistic or collectivist, and how these biases can lead to misinterpretation. The call was made to approach the Bible inductively, allowing it to speak for itself without imposing our cultural or personal biases. This method encourages a deeper understanding of God's word and aligns our perspective with His.
We also discussed the role of rebuke and correction within the church, noting that while methods may vary, the principle remains biblical. The importance of accountability and the proper handling of church leadership were underscored, reminding us that the integrity of the church depends on the character and faithfulness of its leaders. The session concluded with a call to study the Bible in a structured manner, ensuring that our understanding is comprehensive and aligned with historical and theological insights.
Key Takeaways:
1. Leadership and Doctrine: Strong leadership is crucial in maintaining doctrinal purity within the church. Elders are appointed to counteract false teachings and protect the community, emphasizing the need for discernment and courage in leadership roles. [03:17]
2. Cultural Bias in Scripture Reading: Our cultural perspectives can significantly influence how we interpret scripture. Approaching the Bible inductively, without preconceived notions, allows us to understand God's word more accurately and align our perspective with His. [06:09]
3. Rebuke and Correction: While methods of rebuke may differ, the principle of correction within the church is biblical. Accountability and proper handling of leadership are essential for maintaining the integrity of the church. [24:56]
4. Structured Bible Study: Studying the Bible in a structured manner ensures a comprehensive understanding and alignment with historical and theological insights. This approach helps us avoid misinterpretation and allows for a deeper engagement with scripture. [40:59]
5. Role of the Holy Spirit and Learning: While the Holy Spirit guides us, structured learning fills in knowledge gaps and ensures a balanced understanding of scripture. This combination allows us to be more effective in our spiritual journey and ministry. [01:04:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Prayer for Revelation
[01:56] - Background on Titus
[03:17] - Addressing False Teachings
[04:53] - Understanding Cultural Context
[06:09] - Inductive Bible Study
[07:21] - Individualistic vs. Collectivist Mindsets
[09:46] - Marriage and God's Plan
[10:33] - Providing for Family
[14:33] - Misinterpretation of Scripture
[17:00] - Reading the Bible Objectively
[18:51] - Silencing Disruptive Voices
[24:56] - Rebuke and Correction in Church
[30:42] - Role of the Holy Spirit in Learning
[40:59] - Structured Bible Study
[01:04:29] - Balancing Holy Spirit Guidance and Learning
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Titus 1:10-16
- 1 Timothy 5:8
- 1 Timothy 5:19-20
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific challenges did Titus face in Crete that required the appointment of elders? ([03:17])
2. How does Paul describe the people causing disruption in the church, and what is his instruction regarding them? ([04:53])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the influence of cultural perspectives on interpreting scripture? ([06:09])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of rebuke and correction within the church? ([24:56])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might cultural biases affect one's understanding of the Bible, and what steps can be taken to minimize these biases? ([06:09])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that strong leadership is essential for maintaining doctrinal purity in the church? ([03:17])
3. How does the sermon explain the balance between the Holy Spirit's guidance and structured learning in understanding scripture? ([30:42])
4. What are the implications of Paul's instructions on rebuke and correction for church leadership today? ([24:56])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own cultural background. How might it influence your reading of the Bible, and what can you do to approach scripture more inductively? ([06:09])
2. Consider the leadership roles within your church. How can you support and encourage leaders to maintain doctrinal purity and address false teachings? ([03:17])
3. Think about a time when you had to correct someone or were corrected within the church. How was it handled, and what did you learn from that experience? ([24:56])
4. How can you incorporate both the guidance of the Holy Spirit and structured learning into your personal Bible study routine? ([30:42])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be imposing cultural biases on your understanding of scripture. What steps can you take to align your perspective with God's word? ([06:09])
6. How can you ensure that your church's approach to rebuke and correction is both biblical and culturally sensitive? ([24:56])
7. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of scripture and avoid misinterpretation? ([40:59])
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Strong Leadership in the Church
In the early Christian community, Titus faced significant challenges in Crete, where false teachings threatened the integrity of the church. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders who could counteract these insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers. This highlights the critical role of strong leadership in maintaining doctrinal purity and protecting the community from false teachings. Leaders must possess discernment and courage to address issues that disrupt the faith and unity of believers. The integrity of the church depends on the character and faithfulness of its leaders, who are called to uphold truth and guide the congregation in spiritual growth. [03:17]
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."
Reflection: Think of a leader in your church or community. How can you support them in their role to maintain doctrinal purity and protect the community from false teachings?
Day 2: Reading Scripture Without Cultural Bias
Cultural perspectives can significantly influence how we interpret scripture, often leading to misinterpretation. Whether individualistic or collectivist, these biases can cloud our understanding of God's word. The call is to approach the Bible inductively, allowing it to speak for itself without imposing our cultural or personal biases. This method encourages a deeper understanding of God's word and aligns our perspective with His. By reading scripture objectively, we can gain insights that transcend our cultural limitations and draw closer to the truth of God's message. [06:09]
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
Reflection: Identify a cultural bias you may have when reading the Bible. How can you consciously set this aside to allow scripture to speak more clearly to you today?
Day 3: The Biblical Principle of Rebuke and Correction
Rebuke and correction are essential components of maintaining the integrity of the church. While methods may vary, the principle remains biblical. Accountability and the proper handling of church leadership are crucial for ensuring that the church remains a place of truth and spiritual growth. Leaders are called to address issues that may disrupt the faith and unity of believers, using discernment and courage to guide the congregation. This process, though challenging, is necessary for the health and vitality of the church community. [24:56]
Galatians 6:1 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs gentle correction? How can you approach them with love and humility to help restore their faith?
Day 4: The Importance of Structured Bible Study
Studying the Bible in a structured manner ensures a comprehensive understanding and alignment with historical and theological insights. This approach helps avoid misinterpretation and allows for a deeper engagement with scripture. By dedicating time to study God's word systematically, believers can grow in their knowledge and faith, equipping themselves to live out their beliefs more effectively. Structured study also fosters a community of learning, where insights can be shared and discussed, enriching the spiritual journey of all involved. [40:59]
Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
Reflection: What steps can you take to incorporate structured Bible study into your daily routine? How might this practice deepen your understanding and relationship with God?
Day 5: Balancing Holy Spirit Guidance and Structured Learning
While the Holy Spirit guides believers, structured learning fills in knowledge gaps and ensures a balanced understanding of scripture. This combination allows individuals to be more effective in their spiritual journey and ministry. By relying on the Holy Spirit and engaging in disciplined study, believers can grow in wisdom and discernment, better equipped to navigate the complexities of life and faith. This balance fosters a holistic approach to spiritual growth, where divine guidance and human effort work together to deepen one's relationship with God. [01:04:29]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How can you create space in your life for both the guidance of the Holy Spirit and structured learning? What practical steps can you take to ensure both are part of your spiritual growth?
Quotes
In other words, we are believing you to open our eyes to see. We want to see things the way you see. We want to see things, not the way the world sees things. The world and you do not agree. No, the way you see things. And Lord, open our hearts to see that. And have the courage and the boldness to acknowledge that and to embrace that and to do something about it. [00:00:52] (25 seconds)
So this is why he's asking him to set up, set up a system of eldership, is to address this problem. For there are many who are insubordinate, they're empty talkers, and they are deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. So what Paul does here is that he makes general statements about the kind of people that are causing problems in the Cretan church. [00:03:17] (22 seconds)
Next year, we're going to be doing a lot of this. So, you know, I've been talking about us doing an inductive, reading the Bible, studying the Bible inductively. And when you study the Bible inductively, you are approaching the Bible and let the Bible say what it is. It wants to say. You're not coming with your bias, right? [00:06:15] (17 seconds)
So if your mind is always about what I am going to get, you can't cooperate with his plan because you're always going to be thinking about your gain in it. I was doing my own thing and this came to me. Um, and, um, and the, the, the language was this. Listen to this because it's going to tell you your thinking. [00:09:07] (18 seconds)
And actually, other translations say, if any woman. That's a follow -on from verse 8. Can anybody see this? Did you see what I just said there? So, if it says, when it's saying in verse 16, if any man or woman that believes has widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church. So, that's a continuation of the thought in 1 Timothy 5, 8. [00:14:29] (25 seconds)
So, in the culture that we live in, it's not good to rebuke somebody publicly. In the culture that I not a problem. No. So this is the overarching principle. And I want to read it out because I don't want to miss it. And then I'll explain something else. So I said it. Note, if you come, if all you know is an individualistic culture, right, and that's all you're familiar with, unless you are familiar with the Scriptures, you may see things that collectivist cultures do as being cultural and not scriptural. [00:25:56] (46 seconds)
This is really deep ways of thinking about the Bible. You can't be on basic level and get this. Right? So actually, you could be looking at someone's behavior and say what they're doing is cultural. But actually, what they're doing is biblical. But if you don't know what the Bible says, you can't even judge it. You have no position to judge. You don't know what the Bible says on it. [00:28:06] (19 seconds)
So here, Paul says to Titus, the way we're going to address the problems that I've listed in the previous chapter, even though it wasn't in verses, but the way we're going to address these liars, these deceivers, these insubordinates, these detestables, the way we're going to address all of them, right, is by teaching what accords, or what is in line with sound doctrine. [00:32:37] (26 seconds)
You know, you hear me quote this scripture often, where I say, Paul says, I think he was talking about teaching, but he says, no, you need to appoint people that are faithful to teach. So my philosophy of life is actually, the person is not faithful. I can't give them any room. and every time I violated that rule, he comes back and burns me. [00:56:47] (19 seconds)
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