Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. As we gather here today, we are here to share in the wisdom and truth of the Lord, as revealed in His Holy Word. We are here to learn, to grow, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds to the book of Titus, specifically chapter 1, verses 10-16. But before we do, let's consider the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon who once said, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." As we live in the Bible today, may we find ourselves not just readers, but doers of the Word.

Belief Binds Behavior

As we turn our attention to the teaching section of our gathering today, let's remember that we're not just here to listen. We're here to learn, to grow, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We're here to live in the Bible, to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. And as we do, we'll find that our beliefs aren't just abstract ideas we hold in our heads. They're powerful forces that shape our actions, our attitudes, and our interactions with others.

Now, let's take a closer look at the passage we just read from Titus. Here, Paul is addressing a serious problem in the early Christian community. There were people who claimed to be followers of Jesus, but their actions told a different story. They were spreading false teachings, causing division, and leading others astray. And Paul wasn't having any of it. He called for a strong rebuke, a clear and unequivocal rejection of their harmful behavior.

So, what does this look like in practice? How do we ensure that our beliefs are shaping our behavior in a way that honors God and reflects His love and truth? A. First, we need to be clear about what we believe. This means spending time in God's Word, learning about His character, His promises, and His commands. It means seeking His wisdom and guidance in prayer, and being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It means being part of a community of believers who can encourage us, challenge us, and hold us accountable.

B. Second, we need to be intentional about living out our beliefs. This means making choices that align with God's Word, even when it's difficult. It means standing up for truth, even when it's unpopular. It means loving others, even when they're hard to love. It means forgiving others, even when they've hurt us. It means serving others, even when it's inconvenient.

C. Third, we need to be vigilant in guarding against false teachings. This means being discerning about what we read, what we listen to, and who we allow to influence us. It means testing everything against the standard of God's Word, and rejecting anything that doesn't measure up. It means being willing to confront and rebuke those who are spreading false teachings, just as Paul did.

D. Finally, we need to be humble and teachable, recognizing that we're all works in progress. We're all going to mess up from time to time. We're all going to fall short of God's perfect standard. But that's not an excuse to give up or to go easy on ourselves. It's an opportunity to confess our sins, to receive God's forgiveness, and to keep striving to live in a way that honors Him.

Remember, our beliefs aren't just ideas we hold in our heads. They're powerful forces that shape our actions, our attitudes, and our interactions with others. So let's make sure our beliefs are shaping our behavior in a way that honors God and reflects His love and truth.

Rebuking the Righteous

As we continue to navigate the rich tapestry of Paul's letter to Titus, we find ourselves confronted with the necessity of rebuking the righteous ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO