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 major on their own agendas, 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 fb 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 usefu.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
The reading this week was from 1 Timothy 6
Paul had taught in Ephesus to 2 years every day to instruct new believers in Christ, Acts 19:9, 10. That was quite a few years prior to Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul tells Timothy to wait in Ephesus and instruct certain people in sound doctrine 1 Tim 1:3. Chapter 6 is the conclusion of Paul’s instructions to Timothy.
1. Jay asked what your drivers are in life and what you live for. The opposite question may give a more defined conclusion. I.E What/Who would you die for? If you were to answer as honestly as possible what would your answer be? Explain your answer.
2. An accurate assessment of our answer in question 1 was explained on Sunday as being evident by 1. What you spend your time on and 2. What you spend your money on. Are these 2 things evident in your faith in Christ? Discuss.
3. The third identifier that was mentioned on Sunday with respect to assessing what our true drivers in life are concerns what we say and our character that is on display before others. This is also the toughest one to assess by ourselves. Time and money are easily defined as to whether our faith is our main driver in life, but assessing our character is more elusive. How do you think you are tracking? Discuss
4. Pray for the prayer points and as a cell group.
Prayer Points
1. John (Angelo’s son) who faithfully serves in the café every Sunday and is part of Recharge youth has had a bad accident at school. Both his arms are broken and he suffered head injuries. He is out of hospital but it will take many weeks before he is 100%. Please pray for healing and peace. Pray for Angelo and John’s mother who have had to deal with the stress of it all.
2. Pray for the turmoil presently going on in South Africa. Pray for peace, calm and order to be restored. On top of this Covid has been at 40, 000 cases per day. Pray for healing and wisdom w.r.t this disease.
3. Pray for testimonies that people will be doing every second week. Please consider when you would like to do yours when the pastor asks you to share yours 😉
4. Pray for ministries as they start up this week – especially Sunday School, PlayPatch and Recharge. Pray for Maddison and Melinda as they lead these ministries.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof and solar.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points.
1. Graham’s testimony. Thank God for the grace of Christ evident in his life and the blessing this man is as an elder of CBC.
2. New cell groups.
3. Praise and worship – thanks Rod, Molly, Riley, Tim, Suzy and Fi.
4. The freedom to gather, albeit with masks on Sunday. Next Sunday no masks.
Announcements
1. Masks not needed this Sunday.
2. PlayPatch starting up 23rd July for toddlers at church. Please get the word out. See Maddison for details.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
