Today’s passage: Titus 3:8-11
Helpful thoughts:
- “The saying” refers to the gospel message Paul had just recounted in the previous verses.
- Paul commanded Titus (and all pastors) to insist on the truth of the gospel. To guard it and accurately communicate it.
- Paul declared the preaching of the gospel would result in people devoting themselves to good works.
- Not just getting a pass to heaven…but producing changed and changing lives.
- Paul wrote that faithfully preaching the gospel was excellent and profitable for people.
- We don’t want to ever “graduate” from the gospel message!
- There may be some who teach that we should unhitch from the gospel to move to “deeper” issues (Such as what is listed in verse 9). Those controversies are “unprofitable and worthless.” They do not produce spiritual maturity or genuine Christian joy.
- Those who insist on teaching these fruitless things or continue derailing conversation away from what is fruitful are to be warned and removed.
- If this person is a member of the church, what Paul commands would fit into the order of what Christ commanded in Matthew 18.
Questions to consider:
- What are some benefits of meditating on the gospel throughout the life of a Christian? In what ways does it help us continue to grow?
- What is the right goal of teaching and preaching? If a person only teaches, preaches, or is vocal in a Bible Study or class setting because they enjoy showcasing their intellect and/or Bible knowledge, what are they missing?
- What would be the best way to confront a person who is distracting Christians from what matters most? How would we seek to restore? Why would it be so important to remove them from opportunities to speak if they persisted?