June 21, 2015

Striving for Godliness within the Christian Community

The Christian community is to be counter-cultural and yet we are to live in such a way that our influence is compelling to the world around us.

Scripture:  Titus 3:1-8

Sermon Notes:

  1. All members of a gospel-centred church should grow in godliness within the Christian community.
  2. Reading the book of Titus is as if Jesus is speaking to us directly.
  3. The teaching of the apostles is meant to guide and guard the church.
  4. The teaching of salvation is by unconditional grace; teaching is to be with authority; and it is to include direction regarding right conduct (Titus 1:1, 9).
  5. Sound doctrine is the life blood of growth in godliness.
  6. Without sound doctrine we see moral and spiritual decay.
  7. Paul commands that elders be appointed to teach sound doctrine.  Titus is appointed as a gentile.
  8. Godliness is the action and response of faith. 
  9. The qualities and lifestyle requirements of an elder are found in Titus 1:6-9.
  10. These characteristics and the office of elder should be desired by young men.
  11. We each have a responsibility toward the Christian community.
  12. Elders are to encourage and instruct others and false teachers are to be silenced.
  13. Older men and women are to be examples (Titus 2:1-8).
  14. Internal dissension is to be disciplined out of the church (Titus 3:9-11). Those who deny Christ by their actions are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
  15. All members are to take responsibility for the spiritual good of others.
  16. Christians are to be counter-cultural, living by God’s ethical standards so that the Word of God may not be brought into disrepute and so that unbelievers may be won over by our godly living (Titus 2:5 cf. 1 Pet. 3:1).
  17. Strong, zealous family worship is essential to revitalize godly Christian influence in society.
  18. We’re to submit to rulers and authorities, showing perfect courtesy toward all people.

Application Questions:

  1. What are God’s priorities for mature gospel-centred community and ministry from the book of Titus?
  2. What are the qualities of mature Christian leadership found in Titus 1?
  3. Why is family worship so essential to a godly Christian influence in the world?
  4. How can we take action for the spiritual good of others this week?
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