October 2, 2016 Dr. Jim Cecy

Introducing the Book of Titus: Bringing Health Back Into Christ’s Church Introduction: “What are the marks of a healthy church? “How do we really know we are healthy people engaged in healthy ministry?” The Seven Marks of a Healthy Church 1. Growing Closer Through Fellowship 2. Growing Stronger Through Doctrine 3. Growing More Passionate Through Worship 4. Growing Broader Through Service 5. Growing Larger Through Evangelism 6. Growing Deeper Through Discipleship 7. Growing More Effective Through Prayer

Background: “The Epistle of Paul to Titus” Regarding the Island of Crete Regarding Idolatry in Crete (Titus 1:9-10) Titus 1:12 “One of themselves, a prophet of their own (i.e. Epimenides of the 6th Century), said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Regarding Titus Regarding Titus’ job description 1) To bring order and stability into the Christian churches that were scattered all over this 3,000 square mile island. 2) To instruct in such a way that would produce a greater passion for godliness in the members of all of those churches. (Bringing a unity of purpose and a greater passion into the local church!) Regarding the History of the Churches in Crete (cf. Acts 2:5-11) Regarding the Condition of the Churches in Crete — complacency and traditionalism had set in — disorder and chaos replaced unity and vision — leadership in the churches on the island was practically non-existent — false teachers had invaded the churches and were having a heyday Paul call Titus to call them to both teach and do “what is good” (1:8, 16; 2:3, 7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14) —what is healthy! Regarding the Book of Titus “It is a short letter, and yet such a quintessence of Christian doctrine, composed in such a masterly manner, that it contains all that is needful for Christian life and knowledge.” (Martin Luther) Regarding a General Overview of the Book of Titus Chapter 1 — Appoint Godly leaders (1:5) Chapter 2 — Teach God’s people (2:1) Chapter 3 — Remind them of God’s grace (3:1)

LOCAL CHURCH HEALTH INDICATORS IN THE BOOK OF TITUS Health Indicator #1. Understanding God’s Priorities in the Local Church (Titus 1:1-5) Health Indicator #2. Establishing Godly Leadership in the Local Church (Titus 1:5-9) Health Indicator #3. Forthrightly Dealing with False Teachers (Titus 1:10-16)

Health Indicator #4. Clear Teaching of Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1) Health Indicator #5. Equipping Older Members to Live Godly Lives (Titus 2:2-5) Health Indicator #6. Equipping Younger Members to Live Godly Lives (Titus 2:6-8) Health Indicator #7. Equipping Those in the Workplace to Live Godly Lives (Titus 2:9-10) Health Indicator #8. Understanding the Foundation for Godly Living (Titus 2:11-14) Health Indicator #9. Accepting the Duty to Serve Christ with Boldness (Titus 2:15) Health Indicator #10. Understanding Our Obligation as Earthly Citizens (Titus 3:1-2) Health Indicator #11. Understanding the Motives for Godly Living on Earth (Titus 3:3-8) Health Indicator #12. Responding to Spiritual Error (Titus 3:9-11) Health Indicator #13. Engaging in Good and Fruitful Deeds That Meet Pressing Needs (Titus 3:12-15) Health Indicator #14. Living in the Grace of God (Titus 3:15) Concluding Challenge:

“The church is to be an island in a sea of paganism.”

Discussion Questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

In which of the following areas do you feel you are most healthy? Fellowship—Doctrine—Worship— Service—Evangelism—Discipleship—Prayer. In which of the following do you feel you have the most need for improvement? Fellowship— Doctrine—Worship—Service—Evangelism—Discipleship—Prayer. If you were called to write an epistle how would you commend your church? Which of the 14 spiritual health indicators in the book of Titus is your local church in most need? Which of the 14 spiritual health indicators in the book of Titus are you in most need?

© 2016 Dr. James M. Cecy, Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA. 93726 www.campusbiblechurch.com