Connect Group Guide

Titus 3

 

Summary: Paul wrote this letter to Titus so he would bring order to the corrupt churches on the island of Crete. Poor leadership (false teachings) and ungodly living among believers were the cause of these unhealthy churches. Here we see Paul’s concern for healthy churches and the link between Christian faith & their practices (belief and behavior).

 

Major Points:

  1. (V. 1-2) We are reminded to be “ready for every good work”, meaning we should be prudent to do the things that reflect God’s character. There are a few examples listed in  V. 1-2. Salvation changes what we find joy in, and we usually experience the most joy when we are working for the Lord.
  2. (V. 3-8) In order to “be ready for every good work” such as “showing perfect courtesy to all people” we have to be able to show grace to those around us. The problem is we sometimes want to condemn people because they aren’t living up to our standards. Paul lays out a reminder that at one point, we were just any other non-believer. We chased after the same worldly things and rejected a relationship with Jesus. But then God stepped in and saved us even when we were running away from him. We are now heirs to heaven because we were shown grace when we didn’t deserve it. Paul says he insist on these things so that those who have believed in god will devote themselves to good works.
  3. (V. 9-15) In V. 9-11 there is a simple idea: do not create division in the church, focus on the mission of God. Be mindful of unprofitable controversies with people who are determined to create division. Paul then closes the whole book out with a final greeting and one last charge to make sure the church is ready for good works, in other words: make sure the church isn’t growing lazy. 

 Question Bank: 

  1. How has your week been spiritually? 
  2. What is God teaching you?
  3. What sins are you struggling with that you need to confess?
  4. (V. 1-2) If we aren’t saved by works, why should we be ready for every good work?
  5. (V. 3-8) How has your life changed since salvation? 
  6. (V. 3-8) What are the conditions of salvation according to this passage? 
  7. (V. 7-8) What is the result of receiving this salvation?   
  8. (V. 3-8) When you examine your time, what have you devoted your life to? 
  9. (V. 9-15) How do V. 9-11 relate to our context in 2020? 
  10.  (V. 14) How can we keep ourselves from becoming “unfruitful”?