Keep it Up! – Titus 3:8-15

Titus verse by verse. Believers are exhorted to faithfully focus upon the truths that have been taught in the Epistle and avoid error that would divert them from the pursuit of Christian living.

This chapter: Concluding exhortations

This lesson: Exhortation to consistently affirm these truths so that God’s people might continue in their observance and obedience of them.

Affirm (Vs. 8 & 14)

1. What he is to affirm – “these things”
2. How he is to affirm – “constantly”
   1. The preacher is duty bound to bring these themes regularly before the people of God
   2. We have a tendency to forget unless we are reminded
3. Why he is to affirm – “maintain good works”
   1. “be careful” = denotes the application of earnest and continued thought, a careful striving of the soul in this direction
   2. ‘maintain’ = to stand before, rule, preside, superintend. Speaks of a vigilant mindset and outlook. See also Vs. 14 where lending aid to traveling believers is in view.
   3. “good works” = fruit of salvation described in Vs. 3-7. Eph. 2:10 – saved unto good works.
   4. “good and profitable” = the value of Christian living.
      1. We enjoy the blessings of a holy life in this life (e.g. peace, joy, fellowship, family) and in the next (e.g. rewards for faithful service)
      2. 1 Timothy 4:8 “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”

Avoid (Vs. 9)

1. Foolish Questions
   1. ‘foolish’ = English word ‘moron’ comes from this word
   2. ‘questions’ = not the sincere questions of one seeking the Lord or desiring to know the truth. The questions of one who has an agenda to confuse and lead into error. Some questions are calculated to have an effect.
   3. Cloud: “A foolish question is a question that is asked insincerely by a heretic with the goal of confusing people and leading them astray from sound doctrine. It is good to ask questions, but it is evil to entertain questions which deny Bible truth.”
   4. Wiersbe: “I have learned that professed Christians who like to argue about the Bible are usually covering up some sin in their lives, are very insecure, and are usually unhappy at work or at home.”
2. Genealogies = Jewish fables based on the genealogical tables of the Pentateuch (S. 1:14). Modern example: Trying to find a secret code in the Hebrew text of the O.T.
3. Contentions & Strivings
   1. A byproduct of agitations over foolish questions
   2. “the law” = common point of contention amongst the Jews. Adding works to the Gospel
   3. “unprofitable and vain” = note contrast with Vs. 8. Godly living brings true benefit. Time spent on wrangling over heretical ideas represents waste.

Admonish (Vs. 10-11)

1. Reject (Vs. 10)
   1. ‘heretick’
      1. comes from root word “to make a choice”. Refers to one who makes a choice to be aligned with error. Factions and schisms are the natural result of these choices
      2. “Heresy is much more than ignorance. It is more than simply holding to an error. It is taking sides with error against truth.” (Robert Sargent)
      3. 1 Corinthians 11:19 “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.”
   2. ‘reject’
      1. An attempt is to be made to recover the individual from their error.
      2. This is to be done up to two times. If there is no positive response, they are to be disciplined
      3. Cloud: “We are not told to become involved in endless efforts to restore them or to win them to the truth. When it is obvious that a person is set in his false ways, he must be rejected and put out of the assembly.”
2. Recognize (Vs. 11)
   1. The underlying heart issue (condition) of the heretic is unveiled
   2. ‘subverted’ = twisted or turned inside out
   3. ‘sinneth’ = against the knowledge of the truth he has
   4. “condemned of himself” = his conduct reveals this

Assist (Vs. 12-14)

1. Assist Paul (Vs. 12)
   1. Paul intended to send someone to care for the work in Crete in order to free Titus to come to him.
   2. Important principle: The work of God needs oversight and it is dangerous to leave it without leadership
   3. ‘Nicopolis’ = a number of options as several cities called by this name in the ancient world. Could be in Thrace on the border of Macedonia.
2. Assist Zenas & Apollos (Vs. 13-14)
   1. Traveling preachers.
   2. ‘diligently’ = with excellence
   3. “nothing be wanting” = provision of needs. One of the distinguishing features of the Christian faith is its hospitable spirit.
   4. “necessary uses” = duty of God’s people
   5. 3 John 1:5-8 “Beloved (Gaius), thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

Acknowledge (Vs. 15)

1. Greetings to Titus from Paul’s companions
2. Greetings to the brethren in Crete
3. Note: An important part of the Christian life!

Conclusion

1. How important is godliness to you?
2. What priority do we place on the maintenance of our Christian walk?

Sermon 9 of 9 in Titus Series

Sermon Audio Id: 91017722421