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. Look at vs 5. We are washed by the Holy Spirit with regeneration and renewal. This should affect our witness with others – especially in the church. 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.
2. 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. Please pray that the Lord adds to our church more teachers/preachers, yes even a good lawyer here and there would be useful.
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.
Sunday’s message – “A sign of the times” – 1Tim 4:1-4, 2Tim 4:1-8
a. Are we nearing the end times as described in the bible in your opinion, what do you think? What is your evidence of belief?
b. Are 2 major signs that point to the timing of Christ’s return 1. Lawless will abound and there will be a great falling away from the faith and 2. The gospel will be preached to every nation, Mt 24:10-14. Discuss these 2 things.
c. People in general are happy to talk about spiritual things in this generation, why do you think this is the case? How should this aid our witnessing?
d. How do you know if you are part of the group that will fall away or not? Discuss what a bible based church looks like. In your answer discuss the sheep and the goats.
Prayer Points
1. Pray the CBC reaches our into our community and we see many coming to Christ and added to the church. Please come along and invite others to the Palm Sunday outreach.
2. Continue to pray for the earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria – over 50 000 dead. Have mercy Lord Jesus! The leadership will be discussing our involvement through Baptist World Aid.
3. That our Kids@Church and Chuwar Youth group grow beyond anyone’s expectations.
4. Pray for Chuwar Youth and Jarrod for Friday’s. Pray as he meets with youth at Westside, Ipswich and Bundamba high schools.
5. How you can serve in ministry this year.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Had almost 60 people there on Sunday. Pray this increases over time.
2. Kids@Church and Youth ministries are a great blessing. Keep praying for Rosie and Jarrod.
3. Turf laid in the café area – pray we can continue to finish off this area.
4. Thankyou Paul and worship team. Thanks Bec, Tim and Iman. Thankyou to all those who serve – you are appreciated and essential for Christ’s work at CBC.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Chuwar Youth Friday nights – 6:30-8:30pm. Grades 7 to 12. Chat to the Youth Pastor Jarrod for more details 0478 845 123.
2. Palm Sunday outreach on the 2nd April. Potjie and food, rises and fun for the kids.
3. Sign up for a cell group or welcoming team.
4. Remember to check your duty rosters.
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for March...
Q. 7. In how many persons does this one God exist? A. In three persons.
