The Disciple on the Dock

How do you change when you’re surrounded by bad examples?

Lasting change happens when mature believers make it their goal to make mature believers.

Titus 1:5 (NIV) The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Titus 1:1 (NIV) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness…

What are mature believers called to do?

Titus 1:9 (NIV) He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

• You’re called to be a SILENT MENTOR to every man, woman, and child.

• You’re called to be the OUTSPOKEN CHAMPION for godliness.

• You’re called to be a PRACTICAL SKILLS instructor for ordinary life.

Titus 2:1-2 (NIV) You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

What am I called to do if I’m not spiritually mature?

Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) 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 always to be gentle toward everyone.

1. You look for God sent authority.

2. You submit your thinking, feeling, and acting to that authority.

3. You obey quickly.

4. You prepare to live a life of contribution.

Titus 2:4-5 (NIV) Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Titus 2:6-8 (NIV) 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. 7In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Talk It Over

Read Titus 2:11-3:11 What is one word, phrase, or idea from this reading that stands out to you. Write down or share in one sentence why that made an impression.

Where in your life are you surrounded by ungodly influences? On a scale from 1 to 10, how are you doing at being an influence in that environment?

The apostle Paul called and empowered Titus for a big task. Have you ever had an authority figure invite you to do something that felt too big for you? If so, what was that like?

Who is one person in your life who you rely on for spiritual direction and encouragement? If no one comes to mind, who are a few people that are SILENT MENTORS (people you look up to but don’t know)?

The apostle Paul wanted every port city on the island of Crete to have spiritually mature leaders to help make disciples that live out their faith in everyday life. In our city what are some of the ports (strategic mission fields) that we need spiritually mature Christians to make an impact?

Parents: Read the following verse to or with your child(ren).
Titus 3:1 (NIrV) Remind God’s people to obey rulers and authorities. Remind them to be ready to do what is good.
Ask your kids: “Who are people you obey in your life?” (Examples: parents, teachers, grandparents, doctors, police officers, etc.) Then ask: “Is it hard or easy to obey?” Obeying authority can be hard, even for grown-ups! God reminds us that it’s important to do what is right and good because we love him! Talk with your child(ren) about why we need to remember to obey authority even when its hard!