We cover the books of Titus, Philemon and James this week. Good practical Christianity! Be blessed as we begin with Paul’s letter to Titus.
Titus 1: Greeting
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,
2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour;
4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
Qualifications for Elders
5 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---
6 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.
7 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,
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.
11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Titus 2: Teach Sound Doctrine
1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
9 Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ,
14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Things to think about…
1. We know Paul’s focus to Timothy was focussing on the truth in the two letters he wrote to him. Here we see the Apostle Paul continues the same message with Titus, Tit 1:1-4. Paul says God’s elect are always to come to a knowledge of the truth, vs 1. He is the God who never lies, vs 2. What truth/s in God’s word do you struggle to accept? Often acceptance of truth comes simply because God’s word is enough. But the wisdom and impact of the truth sometimes comes later when spiritual wisdom and insight grows in the heart of the believer.
2. As he did with Timothy, so too with Titus, Paul lists out the qualities and character for elders – Tit 1:6-9. He says that his children must be believers, but surely this is only achieved by God’s grace. The elders’ children must be submissive and not open to the charge of debauchery, vs 6. These verses have challenged me when we have had some tough challenges with our sons at times. Paul’s reasoning for an elder being able to teach is because there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers, deceivers vs 10. Paul says they need to be silenced – and rebuked sharply, vs 13. When would you consider it appropriate where this needs to be applied? The answer is when it is destabilising the church and it is adversely affecting the faith of others. An elder needs to have both the knowledge, discernment and the boldness to deal with such people. Paul says such ones are religious people – not necessarily believers and as such “unfit for any good work” Tit 1:16. Quite a hard word, but evidently some needed to hear it.
3. Paul says to Titus what he said in his letters to Timothy, in Tit 2:1 that Titus “teach what accords with sound doctrine”. Look at how this is displayed in a congregation which has sound doctrine, Tit 2:2-10. I thank God that many of these characteristics are on display at CBC. Praise God for His grace over our church. Paul again mentions to Titus what he had said to Timothy regarding slaves and their submission and testimony before their masters, Tit 2:9,10. Why? Because God’s grace has appeared for salvation, vs 11. Our witness should reflect the message and grace of the gospel.
4. What does Paul mean when he says the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, Tit 2:11? We know not all people are saved – so what does he mean here? We are not saved by our works, but are saved for good works, Tit 2:14. What are these ‘good works’ in your understanding? Surely they are to display the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22, 23, to die daily to worldly desires and to share the gospel with a lost world.
5. Paul gives Titus the same authority as he gave to Timothy when he was the senior leader at Ephesus, so also with Titus as the senior leader in Crete. He was to “exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Please pray for me as the senior leader at CBC that I can carry this instruction out with wisdom and grace. Pray for all the ministry leaders that report into the senior pastor that they serve with humility, grace and diligence. Please pray for the elders that they be given wisdom to speak into my life and maintain a godly focus of prayer, praise and grace to be maintained at CBC. God is clearly blessing their ministry this year with what we are seeing in our church.
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.
