Off the Shelf Sunday School--Titus

Instructions for Godly Living (3:1-11)

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. 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. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 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. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

?1.????Christians are to obey the laws of their country, except where the laws conflict with God’s commands. (Acts 5:29) Christians are to be respectful and help others by serving. What are some ways that you can be considerate and serve the needs of others???How does this show humility? Are there some laws that conflict with God’s commands?

2.????Paul says that people that are not Christians are driven by their passions and pleasures. This results in foolish and wasteful living without purpose or hope. Humans are selfish and envious by nature. This causes strife, anger and hatred. This is called the depravity of man. What are some problems that are caused by the depravity of mankind?

3.????God extends mercy to some people through faith in Jesus Christ. This happens by the work and will of God. Mankind receives and believes. God takes the initiative to graciously call each Christian and adopt them into his family. (Jn 1:12-13; Rom 3:20-24; Eph 2:8-9) How did God call you and save you? Each Christian is to confess Jesus to others and tell how they were saved.?(Rom 10: 9-10) Salvation is a gift from God and God is to receive the glory.

4.????Good works are a response to the inner working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit transforms our thoughts, so we become and act like Jesus. Good works are the evidence that we have been saved and do not count towards salvation. What are some ways that your thinking and behavior have changed since you became a Christian?

5.????Paul says that believers should not quarrel over minor differences when these things are based on opinion and not the Bible. Some examples include: dancing, pouring or immersion in baptism, what Christians should or should not do on Sunday, the frequency of Communion, the use of wine or grape juice in Communion and so forth.

6.????Christians who insist on quarreling about minor differences are divisive and must be warned to stop. If they persist, they are to be excluded from fellowship. Unity, peace and love can’t flourish when quarrelsome people are present. This dishonors the gospel and hinders the witness of Christians which can keep others from accepting Jesus as their Savior. Ghandi said that he liked Jesus but not Christians whom he found to be unlike Jesus. What are some of the Christ-like behaviors that you need to continue to work on?