Discipleship Titus 2:1-10

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 17 Relationships Titus 2:1-10

Titus 2:1-10

1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

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.

4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and 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.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 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.

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,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.

Teaching Relationship Responsibilities

"The greatest miracle that God can do today," observed evangelist Leonard Ravenhill, "is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, and then put him back in that unholy world and keep him there." The reason the disciples displayed great influence is that their lives were transformed by Jesus Christ and they were living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What difference does it make that you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? We certainly understand that difference when we die, or when Christ returns. But does it make a difference Monday through Saturday?

On the island of Crete Paul when preached many came to Christ. They lived in a very ungodly culture. They hadn't the slightest idea what it meant to belong to God. But after one comes to know the Lord in a personal way Titus was instructed to disciple people in the fellowship of believers in the Church of Jesus Christ. God wants to call a people unto himself to show the world that we know God. Now that we are God's, show it.

Last week we talked about false teachers and concerns of identifying them as we evaluate their character, the content of their teaching, the consequence of their ministries and how they take correction. Hank Hanegraff said, "False teachers invite people to come to the Master's table because of what's on it, not because they love the Master." I thought that was insightful. If we look at what God provides and fail to come to Jesus the provider we have not found faith. Many followers of Jesus left when he stopped giving out food, and doing miraculous signs that they wanted to see. To come and follow me" is just as much of the call as "come unto me all ye who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

Do you love God for what he provides, or for who He is? Far too many people turn to Jesus in trouble and leave him alone when everything is going fine in their life. That is not a disciple of Jesus Christ. One in peaceful relationship knowing who they are in Jesus and aware that Jesus dwells within finds strength throughout.

Now in Chapter 2 Paul instructs Titus about instructing others how they should live in relationships with one another. It begins with family and reaches to our work and tasks of responsibility with others. .

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Oct 18 Teaching Content

Verses- Titus 2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

Teaching Content

Since what we believe is important in spiritual leaders so is it important to guide us in our relationships in the home. What we believe effects what we do. As Christians there is foundation that makes us who we are and it begins in our beliefs.

Paul teaches Titus to teach sound doctrine. Sound doctrine always leads to obedience and submission to God’s authority. There is a way to live and a way not to live as Christian. Nowhere is it taught to live however you wish. That is not real faith it is a false faith.

Notice that we’re not just to go over rote doctrine but are to share what is in “accord,” or that which is “fitting for” sound doctrine. Specifically, this refers to character qualities that are built upon the bedrock of belief. If we want to be spiritually healthy, and desire others to be as well, we must talk truth and dialog about doctrine in practical ways that can be fleshed out in daily life. Someone put it this way: “Sound doctrine is the basis for sound character and sound character is proof of sound doctrine.”

There was a study by sociologist John P. Bartkowski and a team of researchers at Mississippi State University. They examined data from the nationwide Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, which evaluated first-graders by interviewing parents and teachers. The results were quite clear the religious attendance impacts children positively.

The message of a new study that says young children of church-going parents fare better behaviorally, emotionally and cognitively than do children of parents who never attend church. In fact, the more often the parents attend, the better off the kids are.
The study says. “The religious attendance of parents and a cohesive religious environment in the home yields significant benefits for children’s behavioral, emotional, and cognitive development, and such outcomes are most pronounced when both partners attend services frequently.

This by necessity means to know the main beliefs of the Christian faith. It is not just the minister who is to be a student of the Bible.

You might hear more today about having a Christian World View. That mean the Bible is the teaching that direct our thoughts and how we are to live. So much of the opinions of the world is being accepted even among Christians. What is politically correct is taught in many schools even though it go against the Bible. Evolution has long been the guide for believing man is the center of what we make ourselves and concept of creation by an all powerful God is suspect if not flatly rejected. Life is taught by secularists to be a matter of choice not a gift from above. How we treat others is motivated by profit or personal benefit, not because it reflects the character of Jesus.

The passage continues to examine how we life based on what we believe for older men and women, younger men and women, and between slaves and masters.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 19 Conduct

Verses- Titus 2: 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

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.

Teaching Conduct

I am bothered by the various reports that the Christian’s lifestyle is no different than that the lifestyle of non Christians. There is a difference in what they say they believe, but it doesn’t have much affect on how they live. The constant temptation is to fit in with the world instead of being an example to the world and living to the glory of Jesus.

The knowledge should be mixed with abundance of love for Jesus and love for the lost. Christ-like leaders are important, but Christ like congregations are essential.

Who is teaching the younger Christians today? Who is shaping their family values? I’m afraid that in many cases it’s someone like Oprah, and the View or Desperate Housewives or Family Guy. The world is sending all kinds of negative messages to our younger population “If you’re not happy/satisfied your spouse, just leave! After all, you have a right to be happy”

Older men are to have six requirements. Morally and ethically these men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, and self controlled. Temperate means not to over indulge in anything- eating, drinking, or things which can be hurtful or out of balance. I have appreciated many times when an older saint has loved me by giving me words of advice that in essence say, "Let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill. When a number of younger couples moved away at the same time some sensed my discouragement and wisely said, "It's happened before and it's happened again. The work will continue". And it has. Experience helps put life in perspective and not be jumping to extremes. A wise man is one has a balanced view of life.

Older men are looked up to for leadership. They need to be worthy of that respect. Unfortunately many people tend to become increasing self-centered in later years, but Paul wanted Titus to remind them they have a lot to give and they should give it. Others need to see mature Christianity. Do not become self absorbed. Do not think retirement is an excuse for Christian inactivity. Be worthy of respect in your behavior and activity. Be self controlled. Not controlled by your lust and personal desires, but let God direct your later years.

Love is the essential quality of all believers and older men need to refrain from being cranky, opinionated, and disgruntled. Love those even who are immature and recognize they are in process too.

The idea of endurance is taking whatever obstacle Satan throws in the way we can keep pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The idea which Paul is advancing may be illustrated by an athlete who has run a cross-country race like the Vassolapet. The race is almost over. The skier is exhausted. Yet with his eyes affixed to the stand to the judges, he manages one last burst of speed and crosses the finish line. He has endured and there is now rest from the labor and reward for his effort. Don't quit.

We need some older men and women who have been married for years to step up and say, you have the right to keep your commitment/vow before God and it’s not your love that sustains your commitment, it’s your commitment that sustains your love!

We need some older women to say, we’ve had our share of problems, bigger ones than you’ve had, and more of them, but it has worked because of commitment.

Also the older women are to behave in a certain way. They are to be reverent in the way they live, not slanders or addicted to much wine. There have always been older women who drank too much and talked too much. But nothing is more impressive than a lovely woman living a life for the sake of Jesus as a servant of God.

A holy woman in tune with God will not be a slanderer. The passing on of talk that puts down others is never indicative of Christian spirit. Far too much damage is done through sins of gossip and half truths in the church than any one sin. So many people want to talk about problems they have with others to everybody but the person they should be talking to. If you have a problem with someone, either talk to them, or keep quiet about it. It isn't going to do anyone else any good and especially the church.

Police reports abound with people under the influence for many reasons. It used to be for alcohol abuse. Now, of course, one of the greatest problems is drug abuse. Many acknowledge illegal drugs as being a crime like Meth or Marijuana, but prescription drugs are also being greatly misused causes people to be over medicated to get a buzz or feel better. Passing on of pills and even misusing food and drink is something that needs to be evaluated within the Christian life and habits.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Thurs Oct 20

Verses Titus 2:4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and 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.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

Teaching Commitment

How we are to live as Christians involves spirit of commitment to Christ and to one another in family and church relationships. Young women are to be taught to be in love with their husbands and children. There have always been younger women who have neglected home and children. The problem would probably be traced to boredom and or laziness. There is no question our day is different than Paul's day. We face situations that weren't the case then. Children are increasingly caught up in variety of school activities. Wives are working. Husbands have little time at home and what time the family has together is often spent in silence, or television. Family loyalties are divided as never before.

There is a need for spiritual love, emotional love, and physical love. The family is the place that is designed by God to nurture one another in pure intimacy. It is the tender care of a wife who knows Jesus Christ to be committed to caring for the home. We live in a society that seeks to re-define the family. With disruption all around stable homes are needed as never before. God's word shares the importance of Mom's place to help make that happen. Make it a priority.

Since verse 6 includes “similarly young men” it would apply that both are to be kind to be chaste, faithful to their mates.

Billions of dollars are spend on the pornography entertainment as well as addictions. If we make soft porn acceptable and call it innocent fun then what message is that giving to both young girls and young boys?

Sex sells. We learn if you are glamorous you are popular. If you are sexual you are valuable and wanted by others. If you are not, then you are a reject and unimportant. That all is a lie from Satan and it is growing in spite of all voices against female and child abuse in our society.

Has advocates of contemporary lusting and hordes of tv program and sitcoms and movies helped us to liberty or to bondage? Is Aids, S.T.D.s pornography, and rape and incest, and unwanted pregnancies, drugs, alcoholism, abortions, the kind of freedom we desires? That is not liberty. We must teach our young people the Biblical point of view before they are eternally ruined. The only way to deal with the commercialized sex is a renewal of the Bible that makes for godliness.

For young women who are not married it means that they are to behave as one who has been separated unto God until the marriage to a mate who loves God. 1,000s of teens across America are making vows of chastity recognizing that true love waits. They make commitments to God and sign statements that from this day forward they will follow God's plan of sexual abstinence until marriage. Even if men and women have been sexually promiscuous that vow stands now until marriage by the grace and deeper understanding of the forgiving love of God.

For the married couples faithfulness is required. It means refraining from methods of dress or action that would provoke lust. Never does sex outside of marriage free someone up. It has negative consequences emotionally, psychologically and physically producing deeper scars that what the world can begin to understand.

Men have a tremendous responsibility for homes, for wives, for business, for employment, for church. Young men, take serious the importance of being a father and meeting the needs God asks you to meet in the lives of your children.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 21 Example

Verses Titus 2:7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 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.

Teaching by Example

How does one go about teaching and training for godliness?

People need to be controlled by the Spirit not by their own wants and tastes.

First, the teacher is not above hits teaching. To the extent that you want to produce disciples of Jesus, the teachers and leaders must also show them how a disciple of Jesus lives. In everything set for them an example by doing what is good. Ethically, spiritually, practically, a Christian leader never says, it's for you, not for me. One must model integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.

The plan is modeling it yourself so people will see Christians live differently. The plan is to instruct people to let the spirit of God live in their lives and change them so when the live in unholy world the people will see Christ in you the hope of glory.

Part of discipleship is to pass it on to pass it on to others and to the younger generation. One of the greatest challenges in the Church of Jesus Christ has been the fallacy that you pay the professional minister to do it all. The pastor and staff certainly cannot do it all. When you have a situation where people are in different ministries then the burdens, blessings, and responsibilities are being shared. The load is being shared the many opportunities are being delegated. This has always been the New Testament principle.

Scriptures are clear those who are pastor-teachers, apostles or prophets, have the responsibility to equip people to do the work of the ministry. What do you do when people do not respond? I admit I take it much more personally than I should. You can take the horse to the water, but you can't make it drink" It is not the responsibility of the leaders to make people drink, or come to meetings or make them listen. It is not our job, if folks are not interested in doing it. But it is our job to be sure the water source is the right one and food is from above. It is our responsibility to practice what we preach. If you have no appetite for the Bible or not interested in discovering things of God, if you have no interest in seeing others come to Jesus then there is something wrong with your spiritual life. Then revival is needed in our churches and in our individual lives .

Notice how Paul is aware of different needs among different groups. Women need certain things. Men need to be taught certain things; Young people have different needs than the older people. Those who are disadvantaged (the slaves or the poor) have different way of witness and responsibilities that those who have. All have different problems. All have different interests. All have different prejudices.

In our churches it is appropriate that we have something for women, It is appropriate that we have something for seniors, and for youth. It is appropriate as we apply all of God's truth to all of God's people, but there are things that each needs to be especially aware of.

How do we teach? by modeling it, passing it on so others pass it on and train people according to their maturity and stations in life.

I was so pleased recently to hear of one of our older saints taking the initiative to getting to know one of our younger saints because they cared. I was happy to hear without program or plan of one helping another on a problem or project. It thrills my heart to hear of one member giving another food, of another loaning money for an emergency, of another caring for the children of a young family so the couple can have time away together.

The Pharisees sought to convince people they were perfect. The disciples sought to convince people that the perfect one loves them. True character begins with Jesus Christ. The greatest thing in all

Of life is knowing Him. God has begun his work in you. He doesn't stop. And best of all, people will notice if it is real. And we will be blessed of God.

Pastor Dale

False Teachers Titus 1:9-16

Sermon Nuggets Monday Oct 10- False Teachers

Verses Titus 1:9-16

False Teachers

There is lots of news reporting last week on a pastor calling Mormonism a cult. Interestingly, fundamental Christian literature for decades have identified various popular groups as cults including Jehovah Witnesses, Armstrongism (World wide Church of God), Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Christian Science, and Scientology.

Since the 60s there have been a rash of other groups rise up from both non Christian and Christian traditions with teaching that would deviate from traditional Biblical teaching and doctrine. The more people are open to private, personal and visionary teaching the more leaders rise up and gain followings.

Christians define religious cults from a different perspective. Simply, a cult is any religious group that deviates from the fundamental teachings of the historic, Bible-based, Christian faith. There have been doctrines established in the early centuries like the Apostle’s Creed that was stated to help the church identify accepted teachings. Generally, if a religious organization follows Jesus Christ, but denies or distorts essential Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the resurrection, or salvation by grace alone, that organization is considered a cult. In addition, some add to the Bible, such as Christian Science has added “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”. The Jehovah's Witnesses have actually changed the text of the Bible to make it fit their version of doctrine. Similarly, Mormonism have “The Book of Mormon”, and “The Pearl of Great Price”. In Mormon teaching Joseph Smith had visions of further revelations and private interpretations of a book given by the angel Moroni. Interestingly, Mohammad had revelations from an angel resulting in the Koran.

Gal 1:8 says, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!”

But let me tell you some things that happen in some churches that would call themselves fundamental, Bible believing congregations. One girl aged 12 was forced to repent in front of her entire congregation for playing with dolls. The group held bonfires to encourage members to rid themselves of sinful possession that hampered their devotion to the Lord. Children were forced to throw stuffed animals and baby dolls into the fire. One woman was advised to free herself of her deceased husband's spirit by burning her wedding pictures, selling her wedding ring and disposing of their bed.

A lady named Kristi tells of being attracted to a church which illustrated a strong commitment to Jesus Christ. "Our pastor had this big thing about idolatry and the need to love Jesus Christ above anything. But the problem we mothers had was our children. Excessive devotion to children was seen as a form of idolatry, the leader called it the spirit of motherhood. I was terrified to even talk to my children or show any kind of concern for them. One time my young son fell in a race and split his head open. I knew he needed stitches, but I didn't dare suggest that he go to the hospital because I knew that if I did, it would be considered an example of the spirit of motherhood. Furthermore, as a woman, Kristi says, I could never make a suggestion like that without being labeled unsubmissive and out of line with God's chain of authority."

Cults often prey on new Christians or believers who do not understand the Bible very well. Some are enamored by strong pastoral leaders, or charismatic personalities who slowly lead people into false and oppressive doctrine. How can we tell if someone is misled?

Last week we preached on what is important in good leadership qualities. It is important to evaluate home life. Is it consistent, pure, and well managed? Secondly, evaluate the personal life- Is he overbearing, quick-tempered, drunk, violent, dishonest financially.

We wrote about evaluating his spiritual life-Does he love God and others and show kindness and balance, and discipline in areas of priorities.

But an important guideline is doctrine as understood in basic Bible interpretation, and not special revelations that give new and unusal teaching by some strong leader. A true teacher seeks to pass on God's word and show it is fully trustworthy.

As we look at false prophets from this passage Paul lists other ways they are identified.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues October 11

Verses: Titus 1:10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.

11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

12 Even one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons."

Examining Character

We discussed evaluation last week on a leader’s personal qualities. The apostle Paul highlights character concerns when discussing false prophets. Certainly, refuse to follow any leader who says that wrong is right and right is wrong. Refuse to follow any teacher who personally violates the moral standards of the Bible or law, and encourages others to violate them.

According to some writings some followers of the cult leaders, Jim Jones and David Kerish, leader of the Branch Davidian, they would have defected except for three things-armed guards, lack of personal money and guilt over immoral behavior. Leaders will often redefine the morality into behavior from complete celibacy even among married couples to polygamy, multiple partners, homosexuality, fornication, adultery and all sorts of lewdness.

Jesus turned his followers from sin and to righteous living. Paul said, "Follow me- as I follow Christ." Jesus welcomed rejected men and women and then brought self-acceptance and self-respect into their lives. Let the red lights of warning flash if you have teachers who refuse to submit themselves to the authority of the Word of God.

The letter to Titus records there are rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers. They love to be heard, but refuse to submit themselves to authority of the Bible.

One pastor was told by someone his church was spiritually dead because they did not practice the speaking of tongues. Yet this person would readily lie about things. When confronted she simply justified her actions as a little white lies. What good is speaking in tongues if that same tongue consistently lies? That ignores the importance of integrity and excuses sin in her life. Talking the talking is of no value if someone does not walk the walk.

Beware of people who also draw for themselves large possessions at the expense of others. So many cult followers are struggling financially yet giving large sums of money supporting the affluent life style of the leaders. A good rule of caution is to look at way some of these religious leaders live and watch how money is spent. We've seen examples of dishonest gain of TV religious personalities. It is dishonest gain when one evangelist said publicly his followers don't care how he spends the money because everything he does is the Lord's work.

I was told by one missionary of another evangelist who came into their country flying in on private jet, staying at lavish hotels and restaurants, and driving limousine and trying to tell the crowds in his rallies to sacrifice for Jesus. Jesus didn't even have a place to lay his head. Beware of those who are in ministry for profit.

vs. 12 is a most interesting one and almost seems prejudicial in first reading. What would you say about those who live in Hollywood? They depict a lifestyle of immoral and materialistic, Hollywood is synonymous with celebrities living a life that is shallow, fast paced, party filled and sexy. What comes to your mind when you think of New Yorkers? New Yorkers are rude, abrupt, fast paced, unconcerned about others, unfriendly and argumentative. There are stereo types based on how people are treated. But not all are.

The dwellers of Crete had become notorious for their lack of morals To demonstrate the depths to which these people had fallen, Paul quoted a native of the island. The poet was Epimenides. He called them "always liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons." What Paul is warning Titus of is these people that claim to be Christians and some in the church are following are indeed liars. They are evil in deceiving others and lazy and more concerned about their stomachs than the things of God. Be wary of talkers by examining their character.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 12

Verses Titus 1: 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.

Examining Content

Do churches believe and teach that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ? It is a gift from God to all who believe. The place of Jesus Christ is one tell tale sign if someone is cultic or not. Many want to add to other requirements of salvation, speaking in tongues, joining a church, baptism, being circumcised. That is what was happening among Judaizers in Crete.

He tells people not to have anything to do with Jewish myths or command of those who reject the truth. He identifies people from the circumcision party. It is likely they promote observing Jewish laws and traditions to be saved, not just Jesus. There are those who twist the Gospel and add to it. When Paul preached to the Bereans he told them to check the Scriptures to see if what he was saying was true. They found his message to be consistent with the Word of God.

There are three ways that I find the use of the Bible abused. Most false teachers will strongly declare Biblical authority and quote verses and bring you to believe what they are saying is from the Word. But check it out. The first abuse is the misuse of Scripture. Many don't catch that. Satan himself quotes the Bible to Jesus in the wilderness.

Just because someone uses the Bible doesn't mean they are not false. There are many examples of people who misquote the passage to say what it really is not saying. Some make it fit what they are saying or take personal claim to be the final authority of interpretation.

One church noticed things changing when the pastor claimed to have a special heavenly vision. He told them God allowed him to experience things during his vision that no other human has ever experienced. Beware when someone says God had given them some truth that he has not given to man before. There is no other additional revelation that adds or takes from the Bible.

The second way in which the Bible is abused is what is called proof texting. That is taking verse or passage out of the context. If you are going to do a Bible study on love, or on anger, or on fear, or on finances, for instance, you must look up all the verses that speak to that issue, So understandably one will jump from verse to verse to understand all the teachings on that subject. There's nothing wrong with that. For the sake of time to make a point many will choose verse here and there and use them in appropriate ways. However some will only pick a few verses and ignore others like Satan did giving a different message.

Let me illustrate: Matt 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."(NIV) People will teach to pray for anything and God will give it if you do not doubt. But in James 4:3 adds to the teaching on prayer when it says you ask but have not because you do not ask properly, because you want to use it on your own lusts." Now we must add to that teaching of prayer which points to faith, the teaching to examine the lusts of your own hearts. Do you want what God wants? What God wanted the rich young ruler was to sell everything and follow him. One type of proof texting is taking a verse without regard to the other verses that may give partial understanding.

But there is another common method of proof texting. It is taking a verse without regard to what goes on before it or after it. Many teachers will readily read a verse without reading all that surrounds it. Politicians can be made to say absolutely anything their opponent wants them to say by quoting them out of context.

One group was teaching it was a sin to have a Christmas tree. I looked up the verse they quoted and read the chapter in the Old Testament condemning idolatry when one cuts a tree shapes the wood and puts on silver and gold and falls down and worships it God is offended. The context is clearly speaks against idol worship, not decorating trees for the Holidays, unless people think their tree is a god. Read what goes before and comes after a passage of Scripture.

Lastly, I see Scripture abused by putting lots of emphasis on a particular interpretation of a verse that is unclear and has no other verse that help explain it. Some cults will take unclear, confusing verse or passage and make that a particular truth or practice. I teach what is said clearly, plainly, and repeatedly in the Bible believe strongly. Where there is confusion or very little insight in what something means be gracious to allow for various interpretations but don’t make that a guiding principle with equal value of the rest of the Bible that is clear. That is not good Bible study. Let the passage surrounding help you understand the verse.

Evaluate the context of what people are trying to get you to believe.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 13

Verses- Titus 1: 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Examine the Effects

What is the effect of one's ministry? What effects are seen in those who follow a particular leader or pastor? I am not referring to the American criteria of positive ministry of large numbers and large offerings, material abundance and celebrity status or lifestyle. Notice that these false teachers on Crete were corrupting whole households, they were being divisive. They were lazy willing to live off the gifts of others without work or personal responsibility.

Does the religious leader separate families? Does he forbid contact with friends? It is typical that some controlling leaders stress isolation. They cut off people from other Christians condemning all others groups as being wrong and not even to associate with them. Such churches teach their members are the only true people of God. All other churches are corrupt and godless and have nothing to do with any of them.

One fellow Baptist confessed after he left a very strict and controlling church, "We really believed that our church was the last true church that God would use to save America. They would be made to feel guilty to visit relatives or be gone from church for a week-end or go on vacation."

Paul warns about consequences that ruin households because they steal people away from normal relationships. But Jesus said that because of him it will divide son from father and brother against brother. People will be jealous of commitments of Christ followers. When conviction of the Bible and commitment to Jesus causes others to reject us, and they will, then expect it. When people lead you into sin or temptation it is wise to change friends. But if groups are requiring you not to have contact with family or other believers they become controlling in unhealthy and divisive ways.

Many Jews when they accept Jesus as their savior, are kicked out of their families. They are rejected from them. With the exception of a few disciplinary matters, the church of Christ has its witness as it is involved in a culture, but is separate from its values. In other words, “be in the world, but not of it.”

Stay away from leaders who increase your feelings of worthlessness vulnerability and helplessness. Who can understand that extreme of leaders who command parents to kill their children and they obey a Jim Jones or David Keresh? What kind of bind does a group have on parents that refuse to let them take their children to the doctor when they are sick? Jesus, when he healed, often told people to be examined. That confirmation gave further glory to God.

Jesus never violated the will of anyone who followed him. He didn't say a word to dissuade the rich young ruler who walked away. Knowing Judas Iscariot's plan of betrayal, Jesus did not interfere with his freedom to do so. Of all men, Jesus could most easily have manipulated his followers. But He gives us freedom of our will. True faith is never coerced faith. True faith is free faith.

When you see other Christians who are divisive causing doubts, leading people in manipulative ways, evaluate the consequences of the effects they have on others. Is it focused on God and his glory or focused on guilt, manipulation, and intimidation and falsehood?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 14

Verses- Titus 1:9-16

11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith

14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.

15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Examine Correction

How do people handle correction? No one like it. There are many leaders who will never take correction or ask forgiveness when it is p0inting out they were wrong. No one is always right. I am not always right. Billy Graham is not always right. The Pope is not always right. We are sinners saved by grace and are maturing in our understanding. Let your confidence of faith be centered on Jesus Christ and no one person. The value of a church body or various elders is correction. One can balance another. One gets off balance another can Biblically provide correction.

When Apollos was preaching with all his heart what he believed, he needed correction. Pricilla and Aquila sat down with him privately and opened to him further understanding. How did he take correction? With rejoicing that he would add to that which God wanted for his own growth and for others.

Did Peter need correction? He certainly did, and Paul rebuked Peter publicly because it was a public offense against the Gentile believers. He preached one thing, but when his friends, Jews from Jerusalem came to visit, Peter wouldn't eat with the Gentiles. It had to do with a major doctrine, How did Peter take correction? Peter writes later of Paul that he is not easy to understand in his letters but he is brother who as the word of the Lord. (2 Pet. 3:15,16.)

The instructions to Titus were to rebuke the false teachers and hold them accountable to the Biblical teachings. Silence them so they will not continue to teach and disrupt the church until correction is made.

Leaders also need to be accountable for their teachings and for their actions. Discipline for false doctrine, or public sin is treated differently than correction in area of one’s life or beliefs where one comes to greater understanding of the word of God or how their actions affects others if it is in a wrong spirit or out of undisciplined character.

Did Paul have to be corrected? Paul was so upset with John Mark that didn't trust to take him on a missionary journey. He fought with

Barnabas about it and they split company and had two missionary teams in two directions. Later a humbled Paul he sees how valuable Mark really was for the ministry and asks for him to come to him. Paul did not want to give him a second chance. Barnabas did.

God corrected Paul also from being too elated or proud by having a thorn in his flesh.

How is one corrected? I like the way Aquila and Pricilla did it.

They talked quietly and privately first to Apollos who responded with appreciation. But according to Matthew 18 if that didn't work then it's good to bring along witnesses or a small group to work things out. If further discussion or discipline is required then perhaps public action needs to be done. Correction also comes through proper channels if some form of discipline is required.

Being a leader is first and foremost under the authority of God not even the church body. But that does not mean he answers to no one, but together they study the Bible and seek to apply their principles and work together to give honor to the Lord, not to get one’s power or opinions accepted.

Getting along with one another is a high goal of Christian love and fellowship. But allowing cooperation to hinder the church in ungodly attitudes or doctrinal error is not something that can be ignored.

People will be upset and leave the church for various reasons and some think that is horrible. It is far worse if uncorrected behavior is allowed to affect the cause of Christ or truth. When Paul corrected Peter regarding his outward racism, God used that experience to teach that the church is inclusive of people who are not just like us, but need Christ and are called to serve together.

We are not here to promote every idea. People who are teaching falsehood especially in the church must be silenced or rebuked if they continue in beliefs or actions. There is a time the line is drawn and discipline is required, even for leadership. That line is based Biblical truth more than making others happy.

When a pastor assumes a position that is above confrontation to correction then he has assumed too high an estimate of himself.

Examine character, content, fruit, and how they respond to correction.

Pastor Dale