Quiet time on Titus 3 (NIV)

A) Our Conversation (Titus 3:9-11)
“But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:9-11).


What are the two main verbs used in this section?


How are they related to each other?


What are the four things that we are to avoid in our conversations with others?


Is it good to reason with others about the truth? If so, why does he seem to ask them to refrain from it? 


Is it helpful to argue for the truth with others? Why or why not?


What is the place of apologetics in discussion with others? 


What guidelines should we observe in our conversations from this passage?


Do you get involved in ‘heated’ arguments with others about the truth? What aspects of this lesson do you need to apply to your life?


Satan works hard at keeping God’s Word away from us. In this situation he used these issues to hold back a real understanding and love for the truth. How else has Satan held back the truth from God’s people, whether in the past or present day?


B) Our Relationships (Titus 3:12-14)


“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:12-14).


What three groups of people are mentioned in Titus 3:12-14?


What was special about the first group? What was Paul trying to do through them?


What about the second group? They apparently were the official carriers of the letter ‘Titus.’ Why else might Paul have sent them?


What about the third group? What was Paul asking them to do? How might we apply this to our own lives?


How has God equipped you to help other Christians grow? What area would you like to get involved in? Does it require special training? If so, what is that training?


C) Loving Goodbyes (Titus 3:15)


“All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all” (Titus 3:15).
What are the three last statements Paul makes?


What does the first statement, “ All who are with me greet you” say about Paul’s ties with the people where he is at?


Why might Paul have written the second phrase like that? Would you have written it that way? Why or why not?


What special insight is provided to us about this letter from the last statement. Compare with Titus 1:4.


Are you part of a community of God’s people? What is easy or hard about it?


Summary


Even from these few verses, we see how Paul is emphasizing the closeness of the community of God’s people by closely caring for it. 


Discerning Conversations (Titus 3:9-11)
We need to focus on developing relationships and bringing the truth of God into the lives of people. Talking about anti-truth just will not help.


Right Relationships (3:12-14)
We, like the apostle and Jesus, need to show our value for our coworkers, family, brothers and sisters by the way we aid and train them. 


Loving Goodbyes (Titus 3:15)
We need to be part of a community of God’s people. They need to be dear to us. We need to be committed to them, the church of God.

Quiet time on Titus 3 (NIV)

For a quick read of Titus 3 (NIV) click the link below:
http://religionhelps.blogspot.com/2010/10/titus-3-new-international-version.html 


A. Things That Need to Be, Titus 3: 1-2


“1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men."



1. What does Paul tell Titus to do in 3:1? 


2. How many things does he tell them to do? Is there anything odd about the list?


3. How many items address the topic of obedience? Why might he have this emphasis?


4. From this list, what positive character attributes should characterize God’s people?


5. What are some negative character traits we are to refrain from?


6. Discussion Questions: Paul is here instructing Titus on how Christians should act. Why do Christians need to be reminded about how to live? If they have the Holy Spirit, should they not naturally do what is good?


B. Things that should not be (Titus 3:3)


"For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another."


7. Who is Paul talking about here in verse 3:3? Who is the ‘we?’


8. How does he describe our past lives?


9. What areas did you once entertain?


10.What is the difference between hateful and ‘hating one another?’ Why are they two items?


11.Use other words to describe each of the above items. If one still lives in such a way, make sure one repents and asks the Lord to cleanse.


12. Discussion Questions: Why is it that it is so common and typical that we all would live lives contrary to what is good? Can we say what is good or bad? Is there such a thing as children living in an innocent stage? Why or why not? When in life does man or child become bad? Why so?


C. Things that should not be (Titus 3:3)


"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared."
13.When did things begin to change for the better (3:3)? 


14.Describe what happened in your own words. 


15.Did God’s kindness appear to you? How so? How old? Did you see the significant change.


16. Discussion questions. In this and the following verses indicate that Jesus Christ was more than just a man; He was God Himself. What difference does it make? How is it possible?

Bible Study of Titus 2, Truth at Home

--Start--

Truth at Home - Titus 2

“Because I told you” worked as an incentive to do something when we were young children who accepted everything our parents told us.  But as we grew into teenagers, it was no longer a sufficient reason for changing our actions. We wanted to know why and needed a greater incentive.

Being the rational people we are as human beings, we need to know not only how we ought to behave as Christians, but also why.  We certainly need instructions about the kind of people we ought to be, but we also need incentives. So what is Christian behaviour? And what are its grounds? These questions below to each other, and Titus 2 is an outstanding example of this double theme.

(Bible Passage - Titus 2)

	New International Version	English Standard Version	New King James Version
1	What Must Be Taught to Various Groups 1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.	Teach Sound Doctrine  1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.	Qualities of a Sound Church  1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
2	Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.	Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.	that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
3	Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.	Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,	the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
4	Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,	and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,	that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
5	to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.	to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.	to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
6	Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.	Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.	Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
7	In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness	Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,	in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
8	and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.	and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.	sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9	Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,	Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,	Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
10	and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.	not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.	not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11	For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.	For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,	Trained by Saving Grace 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12	It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,	training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,	teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13	while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,	waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,	looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14	who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.	who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.	who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
15	These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.	Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.	Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Open

What motivates you to change your behaviour? Why?

Study

Read Titus 2:1-10, From the activites of false teachers, Paul turned to Titus’ responsibilities as a true teacher. In fact the opening words of Chapter 2, which the NIV did not translate, are “but as for you,” emphasizing Titus’s distinctive role in contrast to them.  In this case, Titus was to behave in a way that is entirely unlike the false teachers.  They professed to know God but denied him by their actions (1:16).  They failed to practice what they preached.  In Titus, however, there was to be no dichotomy in his teaching between belief and behaviour. “But as for you,” Paul wrote, “you must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (v.1).

Questions

1. Paul gave specific instructions for five groups of people in addition to Titus. List each group along with what Paul told Titus to teach them.

1.        

	Group	Teaching
(v.2)
(v. 3-4)
(v. 4-5)
(v. 6)
(v. 7-8)
(v. 9-10)

2. What Instructions are given specifically for Titus?

We human beings seem to be imitative by nature.  We need models; they give us direction, challenge and inspiration.  Paul did not hesitate to offer himself as an apostle, for the churches to imitate.  “Folllow my example,” he wrote, “as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). And Paul expected both Timothy and Titus to provide a model which the churches could follow.

3. Why did Paul give all of these instructions?

Three times in these verses about the Christian behaviour of different groups, Paul highlighted his concern about the effect of the Christian witness on the non-Christian world.  In two of them he referred to Christian doctrine which is salvation doctrine.  So either we give no evidence of salvation, in which case the gospel is tarnished, or we give good evidence of salvation by living a manifestly saved life, in which the gospel shines.  Our lives can bring either adornment or discredit to the gospel.

4. How do we draw unbelievers to the gospel and our Saviour by the way we live?

5. What does your lifestyle reflect about your beliefs?

6. Read Titus 2:11-15.  Paul moved on from duty to doctrine. His usual method was to begin with doctrine and then with a mighty “therefore” go on to its ethical implications. Here, however, the order is reversed.  Paul began with ethical duties and, with a ringing “because”, laid down their doctrinal foundation.  Describe the doctrine which is highlighted here.

7. What behaviour did Paul expect as a result of knowing this doctrine?

8. What is our motivation for godly living?

How can this encourage us today?

9. Why is teaching the truth so important?

10. What Charge did Paul give Titus? Why?

Apply

Find the group you belong to in verses 1-10. (Think of slaves as employees.) Which qualities do you need to learn?

How can you begin to develop one of them this week?

How can you help an older or younger Christian this week?

Pray

Pray that God will show you specific ways to make the gospel attractive to unbelievers and to follow through in helping an older or younger Christian this week.

--End--

Titus 3 (English Standard Version)

Titus 3 (English Standard Version)


Be Ready for Every Good Work


 1Remind them(A) to be submissive to rulers and authorities,(B) to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2(C) to speak evil of no one,(D) to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and(E) to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3For(F) 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. 4But when(G) the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us,(H) not because of works done by us in righteousness, but(I) according to his own mercy, by(J) the washing of regeneration and(K) renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he(L) poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that(M) being justified by his grace we might become(N) heirs(O) according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is(P) trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful(Q) to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9But(R) avoid foolish(S) controversies,(T) genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for(U) they are unprofitable and worthless. 10As for a person who stirs up division,(V) after warning him once and then twice,(W) have nothing more to do with him, 11knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.


Final Instructions and Greetings


 12When I send Artemas or(X) Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me(Y) at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and(Z) Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14And let our people learn(AA) to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not(AB) be unfruitful.
 15All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.


(AC) Grace be with you all.


Cross references:
Titus 3:1 : Rom 13:1; 1 Pet 2:13
Titus 3:1 : 2 Tim 2:21
Titus 3:2 : Eph 4:31
Titus 3:2 : 1 Tim 3:3
Titus 3:2 : 2 Tim 2:25
Titus 3:3 : 1 Cor 6:11
Titus 3:4 : Rom 2:4
Titus 3:5 : Rom 3:27
Titus 3:5 : Eph 2:4; 1 Pet 1:3
Titus 3:5 : John 3:5; 1 Cor 6:11; 1 Pet 3:21
Titus 3:5 : Rom 12:2
Titus 3:6 : Joel 2:28; Acts 2:33; 10:45; Rom 5:5
Titus 3:7 : Titus 2:11
Titus 3:7 : Rom 8:17
Titus 3:7 : Titus 1:2
Titus 3:8 : 1 Tim 1:15
Titus 3:8 : Titus 3:14; Titus 2:14
Titus 3:9 : 2 Tim 2:16
Titus 3:9 : 1 Tim 6:4
Titus 3:9 : 1 Tim 1:4
Titus 3:9 : 2 Tim 2:14
Titus 3:10 : Matt 18:15
Titus 3:10 : 2 John 10
Titus 3:12 : 2 Tim 4:12
Titus 3:12 : 2 Tim 4:10
Titus 3:13 : Acts 18:24
Titus 3:14 : Titus 3:8
Titus 3:14 : 2 Pet 1:8; Phil 1:11; 4:17; Col 1:10
Titus 3:15 : Col 4:18
English Standard Version (ESV)

Titus 3 (New King James Version)

Titus 3 (New King James Version)


Graces of the Heirs of Grace


 1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.


Avoid Dissension
   
9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.


Final Messages


12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.


Farewell
   
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. 
Grace be with you all. Amen.

Titus 3 (New International Version)

Titus 3 (New International Version)


Doing What is Good


 1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.


 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.


Final Remarks


 12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. 
      Grace be with you all.