We finish off Titus with Paul once again pointing to Christ even when we deal with disagreeable people.
Titus 3: Be Ready for Every Good Work
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
3 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.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared,
5 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,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 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.
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Greetings
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.
14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Things to think about…
1. As Paul finishes off his letter to Titus, he gives some final advice regarding attitudes and actions to other believers, Tit 3:1-11. As those who are in a generation that exalts the self and individualism Paul says that we must be reminded to submit to authorities over us. This should be evident in the church. If it is not seen here it will not be shown in the community. When so many so-called followers of Christ do not regularly go to church or associate as members self will in religious people is on display. These folk are bad ads by any measure. Look at vs 5. We are washed by the Holy Spirit with regeneration and renewal. As such this should affect our witness with others – especially in the church and among professing believers of Jesus.
2. We see what happens when people focus on their own agendas rather than on kingdom tasks, Tit 3:9-11. In this case genealogies, etc. Paul says avoid such divisive people. I must confess I find people who are negative, divisive or have a word of discouragement for me quite draining. Paul says, don’t be like that. In fact, have nothing to do with such people, vss 10,11. If you need to block them on social media or from your emails for the sake of maintaining peace and truth, then this is the advice from the Apostle Paul, “have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful, he is self-condemned”, vs 11.
3. Paul was always planning for his future ministry, Tit 3:12-14. Apollos was an excellent speaker and Zenas was a lawyer, vs 13. Why do you think Paul asked Titus to send these men to him quickly? Obviously, a good orator and lawyer would have been a great combination in making a personal or a gospel defence for him if required. As the primary preacher at CBC I am always looking out for those who can speak well or have the ability to teach others. Please pray that the Lord adds to our church more teachers/preachers, even a good lawyer here and there would be useful.
4. Paul’s final advice to Titus is that all believers should “devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful”, Tit 3:14. This is not an option for the disciple of Christ, but a hard-wired preset. Not that this is the second time Paul has mentioned being devoted to good works, he also mentioned it in Tit 3:11. We are now slaves of righteousness, created for good works in Christ. Words and actions must meet together as observable realities by one who proclaims to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. 6:30pm every Wednesday. 5:30pm prayer.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Ric as he begins this next phase of ministry and healing.
2. Pray for Phil and Anna Kennedy that healing, comfort, peace and rest may be their portion
3. Pray for the work we have going on with site development and TMR and the development of a project team.
4. Keep praying for PlayPatch on Fridays, pray for more families to be reached.
5. Pray for Chaplaincy and Kids Hope at Karalee State School.
6. Pray for peace over the US elections
7. The ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine.
8. Church finances to continue to grow and expenses to be more than met.
9. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups. Young Adults.
10. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Wednesday afternoons, 5:30pm at church. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
11. Pray about the possibility and planning of a Farmers Market at Chuwar Baptist Church once a month on Saturdays. Anastasia taking the lead on this. Pray for us as we plan
12. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
13. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise God for and the men of CBC. Great Celebrations on Sunday.
2. Praise God for our kids who spoke about their dads.
3. The ministry of the word on Sunday and the kids ministry.
4. Praise God for Zac and Suzy and Bec, Dan and technical team.
5. PlayPatch had a new mum join us this week.
6. Sally continues to amaze us with her interaction with everyone.
7. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Baptisms 15th September morning service. Let Pr Jay know if you want to be baptised.
2. Men’s event. Conquering the Mount. Men’s racing. Fri 11th Oct@Church from 5:30pm. 16+. $10 each. Dress in team colours Red – Holden, Blue – Ford, Gold – Chevrolet. See Tim Freeman for more details.
3. Prayer meeting 5:30pm and Life Group Wednesday 6:30pm at church.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for September...
Q. 24. What was the sin of our first parents? A. Eating the forbidden fruit.
Bible References – Gen.2:16&17; Gen3:6.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
