In today’s sermon, Pastor Anthony delves into Titus 3:8-11, emphasizing the importance of adhering to biblical conduct. The key message is the insistence on living according to scriptural teachings, which is beneficial for individual believers and the church community as a whole.

Summary:

Introduction:

• The sermon is part of a series on the Book of Titus, nearing its conclusion.
• Titus is a pastoral epistle providing guidance for church leaders and congregants.

Review of Previous Week:

• Last week’s message focused on the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Main Message:

• Insist on Biblical Conduct: Titus 3:8-11 commands believers to live according to biblical teachings.
• Scripture Reading: The verses call for believers to engage in good deeds, avoid pointless controversies, and reject divisive individuals after warning them.

Explanation of Key Points:

1. Engaging in Good Deeds:
   • Good deeds are rooted in right doctrine and behavior.
   • These deeds are not just acts of kindness but also adherence to God’s commands.
2. Avoiding Foolish Controversies:
   • Paul warns against engaging in unproductive disputes, which are deemed worthless.
   • Historical context: False teachings were disrupting early church communities.
3. Rejecting Divisive People:
   • A factious person, one who disrupts unity, should be warned and then rejected if unrepentant.
   • This process maintains the purity and unity of the church.

Application to Modern Church:

• Biblical Standards: Churches must align with biblical standards, rejecting leadership and teachings that contradict scripture.
• Individual Conduct: Believers should self-reflect and align their lives with God’s word.

Encouragement:

• Open to Learning: Believers should be open to learning and correcting themselves according to God’s word.
• Joy in Obedience: Following biblical teachings leads to blessings and profitable outcomes in life.

Conclusion:

• Faith and Conduct: True faith is evidenced by a commitment to live according to biblical standards.
• Repentance and Forgiveness: The church should be a place of learning, repentance, and forgiveness, emphasizing restoration over condemnation.

The sermon underscores the importance of adhering to scriptural teachings in both personal conduct and church practices, ensuring that faith is lived out through good works and unity within the church community.

Titus 3:8-11

8 This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people.

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless.

10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning,

11 knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Referenced:
1) Titus 3:8-11
2) Titus 2:15
3) Titus 1:16
4) Titus 2:14
5) Titus 3:1
6) Titus 1:11
7) Romans 16:17-18
8) Colossians 1:13-14

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.