Stay Focused & Faithful to the Gospel!

How the Church Family Functions...

A study of the NT book of Titus

by Pastor Frank Rice

Titus 3:8-15

Focus is essential for effective ministry! In order for the church family to function effectively in unity, stability, maturity, and full partnership, we must stay focused! Certain precautions are appropriate and necessary. There is a sense of urgent concern as the church is commended to the grace of God to live in and to reach out to a lost and confused world.

 

v      Welcome the continual reminder of the central truth of the gospel message. Some things need to be continually stressed!

1.      The “faithful,” reliable saying to which he refers is the previous sentence (vv. 4-7). Read it again and again…

2.       The pastor/preacher must confidently, insistently, constantly, and with certainty affirm the gospel message!

 

v      Many young people have a twisted concept of Christianity. It is little more than a “moralistic therapeutic deism! Here’s their basic creed. (from Smith)

1.      A God exists who created and orders the world and watches over human life on earth.

2.      God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.

3.      The central goal in life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.

4.      God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.

5.      Good people go to heaven when they die.

“This is not biblical Christianity in any recognizable form – yet far too many youth in our churches believe it to be.” (Mohler)

(How do they come up with this stuff? By watching how others live out their “Christianity!”)

 

v      When the gospel is communicated well and reinforced, beneficial, constructive results are inevitable in the lives of believers!

1.      Good works are evidence of salvation (1:16). Is there evidence enough to convince a watching world of your faith in Christ?

2.      Good works must be the pattern of our lives (2:7). [We have patterns in numbers, even, odd, prime, et al. You know what to expect next. There is a discernable pattern.] Does your life exhibit a predictable and observable pattern of good works?

3.      Good works are the purpose for which you were purchased (2:14). Does gratitude motivate you to useful, valuable action?

4.      Good works are to be planned and prepared for (3:1). Do you look for occasions to help others inside and outside the church?

5.      Good works are to be carefully maintained (3:8). Do you have a thoughtful approach to the maintenance of good works?

6.      Good works are expected of every believer (3:14). This isn’t just the gifted, the young, the experts, leaders, pastors, & deacons!

7.      Right beliefs which result in good works are, by their very nature, excellent, good, attractive, profitable, and praiseworthy! [We’ve become so leery of confusing people that we’ve de-emphasized good works. The Bible is clear, good works do nothing to fix your sin problem! Jesus Christ alone can do that!]

 

v      Be wary of destructive influences causing division. They can usually be traced to certain issues (v. 9) and individuals (vv. 10-11).

“Divisions within the church result in believers who are confused, frustrated, angry, and hurt.” (Hiebert)

v      Deliberate, thoughtful, and decisive action must be taken!

1.      Avoid distracting, destructive, and divisive issues (v. 9)!

(a)   We are not told to avoid issues but senseless inquiries, attempts to fill-in genealogical gaps, contentions, and quarrels about non-essentials!

(b)   Debating and discussing these issues produces nothing of any practical value! “They produce no spiritual benefits and lead to no constructive results!” (Hiebert)

(c)   Avoid people who like to argue about the unimportant things of the faith! They distract God’s people from their mission!

(d)   “Professed Christians who like to argue about the Bible are usually covering up some sin in their lives, are very insecure, and are usually unhappy at work or at home.” (Wiersbe)

2.      Reject divisive, destructive, and obstinate people (vv. 10-11)!

(a)   Write them off after two warnings! They hold “a self-chosen opinion without solid biblical support!”

(b)   Further rebuke wastes time and energy and gives them a false sense of importance and undeserved publicity.

(c)   A factious person’s refusal to change is evidence that he is warped, knowingly sinning, and without excuse. His attitude and actions condemn him!

(d)   Love for the truth, the individual, and the overall welfare of the church must be the motivating factor.

3.      Good works, rightly motivated, are beneficial and profitable. Divisive issues and individuals are unprofitable and useless.

 

v      All scripture is profitable! (Sometimes we have to look harder!)

1.      Be sensitive to the stability and vulnerability of a vital ministry (v. 12). Leaving a ministry unguarded is unwise!

2.      Be gracious and generous to those serving the Lord (v. 13). “Send with haste” encourages them to supply his needs.

3.      Learn to “seek, see, and seize” opportunities to do good (v. 14). We must learn to make ourselves practically useful!

4.      Learn to express mutual love and encouragement in the family (v. 15). “I appreciate you!”

 

v      All God’s people should be committed and commended for it!

1.      The church family functions as each part does its part. Commitment is an integral part of healthy church functioning!

2.      To what or to who are you committed? What is your level of commitment to Christ? How is this demonstrated in your life?

3.      Are you committed to your local church? How is it displayed in your lifestyle? What do you need to do?

 

Grace in a life will result in a life that is focused and faithful.