Titus 3:8-11

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Foolish Arguments and Factious People

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Avoid trivial discussions which are unprofitable.

  2. Warn divisive people who promote friction.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s not major on the minors.

  2. Do you have a good work schedule?

QUESTIONS

  1. Paul wrote four “prison epistles” – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Titus, however, is called one of his ____________ epistles.

  2. In this epistle, where is the great summary of the gospel?

  3. Why did Paul tell Titus to avoid trivial discussions?

  4. Who else condemned this practice?

  5. What are the elders to do with divisive people in the church?

  6. When leaders have been lax in dealing with this problem, what are some of the results?

ANSWERS

  1. Titus is one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles.”

  2. In Titus 3:5-7.

  3. Because they are irrelevant, trivial, and unprofitable.

  4. The Lord Jesus, in Matthew 15 and Mark 7.

  5. The elders are to give them two warnings: that they are sinning by their conduct and are warped in their character. These warnings are to be given with as much love as possible, but with severity. If they will not respond, they are to be rejected.

  6. Churches have split or closed their doors.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Have you ever been involved in discussions in a church setting that you consider unprofitable? If so, what did you or what could you have done about the situation?

  2. Discuss the value of a good work schedule.

CHALLENGE

  1. Do you have a good work schedule?

KEY VERSES

  • “Those who believe in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable.” – Titus 3:8

  • “Avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” – Titus 3:9