Titus 3:12-15

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul's Closing Remarks and Benediction

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The good life of a Christian servant is busy and exciting.

  2. The good works of the Christian servant are learned and frequent.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Use your talents and training for the Lord.

  2. Don’t leave your ministry stranded.

QUESTIONS

  1. Where else in Scripture is Apollos mentioned?

  2. What were some of the things with which Titus was occupied?

  3. “The good works of the Christian servant are learned.” What does this mean? What are the implications?

  4. “The good works of the Christian servant are frequent.” What does this mean? What are the implications?

  5. How did Titus provide for his ministry in his absence? What does this say to us?

ANSWERS

  1. In Acts 18 and 1 Corinthians 1.

  2. He was busy establishing the churches on the Island of Crete, appointing elders, setting things in order, exhorting the believers toward sound doctrine and godly lives, and dealing with teachers teaching false doctrine. Now he was asked to help the ones who would be replacing him when he traveled to visit Paul in Nicopolis.

  3. The Christian is exhorted to learn to do good works. This is learned behavior because we are naturally selfish. We learn by doing through instruction and practice. Older Christians have a responsibility to be models and teach younger Christians how to do good works.

  4. There are always pressing needs. Good works are not only learned, but they are frequent to meet urgent needs. These are the daily and unexpected needs, calling on the Christian servant to become involved on the spur of the moment. These needs can be disruptive to our schedules, but a biblical response is pleasing to the Lord, for it is good and profitable (Titus 3:8). A word of caution here – pray about meeting these needs. Be sure it’s your job, and if it is, then move on it.

  5. Paul did not leave Titus’ ministry on Crete stranded. When Paul asked him to come to Nicopolis, he sent Artemas and Tychicus to cover for him. When we leave a ministry, we should make sure that it is covered.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Tychicus was a Christian mailman. Was this an insignificant or important job? What does it say to us today?

  2. Apollos was a more eloquent preacher than Paul, but Paul shows no jealousy. What does this say to us?

CHALLENGE

  1. Contrast the two views of “the good life” – the Christian view and the world’s view. Are you viewing from the Christian view?

  2. How are you using your talents and training for the Lord?

KEY VERSES

  • “Let us learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs that we may not be unfruitful.” – Titus 3:14

Titus, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsTitus 3:12-15