TITUS – GODLY LIVING IN THE CHURCH #6: BACK TO BASICS – Part 1 (Titus 3:1-7)

Expository, Letters of Paul, New Testament, Series, Titus, Titus - Godly Living in the Church

TITUS 3:1-7 – BACK TO BASICS – Part 1

GODLY LIVING IN THE CHURCH #6

(A COMPLETE LESSON)

  • What are some of the basic rules of etiquette (manners) that you taught your children?
  • What are some basic things you learn when you learn to read?
  • What are some of the basics of arithmetic (math)?
  • Why is it always important to learn the basics of anything we are involved in?

In Titus 3:1-7 we find Paul presenting some “basics” that are important for us to understand as  Christians. The three point outline is mine, but the idea of three sections of seven points each comes from John MacArthur. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Titus, (Chicago, Moody Press, 1996), pp.136-155

This week we will cover the first two of the basics. We will cover the third one, “What We Have in Christ” next time.

HOW WE BEHAVE AS CHRISTIANS

  • Vss. 1-2 – How do you know that unsaved people are watching you?
  • Why should your behavior be beyond reproach before unsaved people even when theirs’s is not?
  • Here are seven “basics” of behavior for us to practice before a watching world of unbelievers:
  1. Subject to Principalities and Powers – Why should we be submissive and supportive towards government, including proper payment of taxes? Romans 13:1-7
  2. Obey Magistrates – What laws are Christians most likely to break? Why is that a poor testimony?
  3. Ready to Every Good Work – What good works can we do towards government and for the betterment of our community? How involved should a Christian be in politics?
  4. Speak Evil of No Man – Psalm 101:5 – We tend to malign those we don’t like. Why is it so easy to be critical and even slanderous against politicians and public officials? Some of you are upset when President Bush is criticized unmercifully, but how did you treat President Clinton?  Why might it be helpful that a Christian not be primarily known for his political position?
  5. No Brawlers – What are contentious people like? Why does being contentious hurt the cause of Christ?
  6. Gentle – Philippians 4:5 – The “Golden Rule” shows us how to be gentle. Matthew 7:12
  7. Showing Meekness to all – Why is it important that we always be considerate of others?

WHAT WE WERE AS UNBELIEVERS

  • Vs. 3 – How will remembering what we were like before we were saved help us to treat unsaved people properly?
  • Even if we were saved at an early age and don’t remember being particularly “bad”, we can think of how we would be today if we weren’t saved! Think of what Christ has saved you from!
  1. Foolish – In what areas of living were Christians foolish before they were saved?
  2. Disobedient – Why should we be able to understand the disobedience of unsaved people even though we shouldn’t agree with it or practice it?

1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:1-3

  1. Deceived – How did Satan have you fooled before you were saved?
  2. Serving Lusts and Pleasures – Why are unsaved people enslaved to these things?
  3. Malice – If you think about it, if it wasn’t for the Lord Jesus Christ in our life we would practice malice (evil) whatever chance we get, even though we might cover it up.
  4. Envy – How does jealousy show itself on the evening news?
  5. Hateful and Hating – What causes someone to act in a hateful way and to actually hate another human being?
  • Not only should we remember what we are like in the past, but we must also remember that we are not perfect now! Matthew 7:3-5

BACK TO BASICS:

Vss. 1-2 – HOW WE BEHAVE AS CHRISTIANS

Vs. 3 – WHAT WE WERE AS UNBELIEVERS

Vss. 4-7 – WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST (Part 2, next week)