What to Teach as a Leader
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Intro
Today we’re continuing in our staff series through the Book of Titus. Today we will be looking at the question: WHAT to teach others?
Titus 2:15 (NIV)
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Titus 2:1 (NIV)
1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.
When you think of sound doctrine what comes to mind?
Topics: Sin, God, Trinity, Humanity, Sexuality, Baptism, etc
Paul does not go on to list topics for us. Rather he does something interesting.
2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 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.
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and 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.
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
He lists not topics but a way of living.
He lists not topics but a way of living.
Why does Paul give Titus a list of behavioral changes instead of theological changes?
Is it because he is now teaching moralism like the Galatian church?
To answer this, turn back a chapter.
16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
There was a discrepancy, an incongruence between what they claimed to believe intellectually and the way that they lived.
So Paul does not provide a list of topics but rather a way of living, because how we communicate the message is just as important as the message we deliver.
So Paul does not provide a list of topics but rather a way of living, because how we communicate the message is just as important as the message we deliver.
Paul is driving at this idea of integrity.
Titus 2:7 (NIV)
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
Define Integrity:
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
the state of being whole and undivided.
Personal definition: whole, undivided, united, no duplicity (no masks). There is a congruency between what we believe and how we live.
Why is Integrity Important?
Why is Integrity Important?
1. Honors God’s Word
1. Honors God’s Word
Titus 2:5 (NIV)
5 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 2:5 (ESV)
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
2. Protects us from Shame
2. Protects us from Shame
Titus 2:8 (NIV)
8 and 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.
Titus 2:8 (ESV)
8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
3. That we “make attractive” the gospel.
3. That we “make attractive” the gospel.
Titus 2:10 (NIV)
10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
Titus 2:10 “10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”
I was so tempted to give examples of seeker friendly churches and then open with this question, should we make the gospel attractive?
Paul’s answer is YES! But no necessarily by the lights that we buy or the decor that we place on the building but the decor we place upon our life! It’s by the way we live.
Paul uses a fascinating word to describe this listen to what he says,
Titus 2:9–10 (ESV)
9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Adorn:
Adorn:
κοσμέω, kosmeō
to put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare
to ornament, adorn
metaph. to embellish with honour, gain honour
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2885/kjv/tr/0-1/
1, 2 Timothy, Titus ((6) Exhortations for Slaves (2:9–10))
has the effect of “making attractive” (kosmosin, “adorning”) the gospel. Surely the gospel’s transforming power in the lives of those who had every reason to be bitter would stand out clearer and brighter than in those who lived in freedom and dignity unknown to slaves.
Synonyms in scripture: to garnish,
Server analogy - garnish of the alcoholic beverages (Or joke, I’m sure y’all church folk no nothing about that)
1 Timothy 2:9 (NIV)
9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
Revelation 21:19 (NIV)
19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
Revelation 21:19 (KJV 1900)
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
Give analogy of V getting dressed for wedding or show a picture of my bride.
Give analogy of decorating christmas tree -
What’s the difference between an evergreen and a Christmas tree? whether or not it is adorned.
What’s the difference between a believer and an unbeliever? FAITH. But how is that faith made manifest? good works.
You judge a tree by it’s fruit b/c evidence of identity
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
So Paul does not provide a list of topics but rather a way of living, because how we communicate the message is just as important as the message we deliver.
So Paul does not provide a list of topics but rather a way of living, because how we communicate the message is just as important as the message we deliver.
BUT WHAT IS THE MESSAGE? WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSE TO TEACH?!
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
We are to teach THE GOSPEL
We are to teach THE GOSPEL
Now, if that wasn’t the most anticlimatic jesus juke ever than i wouldn’t be a pastor. ;)
or the most pastoral cop-out you’ve ever seen, then Idk what you expected to get ;)
IF we are to teach the gospel why didn’t Paul give a list of topics then?
Why didn’t he give us a cookie cutter answer or a statement regarding the content of the message that we are to proclaim?
BECAUSE THE MESSAGE we proclaim is not just an expositional statement that can be proclaimed, rather it’s meant to be lived.
BECAUSE THE MESSAGE we proclaim is not just an expositional statement that can be proclaimed, rather it’s meant to be lived.
Delivery format of the Gospel: JESUS - PERSON
Similarly we as recipients of the Gospel not only speak it, but live it.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
The greatest barrier in our ability to teach others is being taught.
The greatest barrier in our ability to teach others is being taught.
Jesus said in his parable, the blind cannot lead the blind.
In other words, those whose who are not taught, can’t teach.
In order to teach others, we have to first be taught by Jesus.
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
When we allow ourselves to be Taught by the Word we can then Teach The Word.
When we allow ourselves to be Taught by the Word we can then Teach The Word.
Q: What are we to teach others?
Q: What are we to teach others?
Before we answer this question I want to ask a different question.
Q: What does the gospel teach us?
Q: What does the gospel teach us?
Allow for discussion.
I believe that in order for us to know WHAT to teach others, we must first know WHAT the gospel teaches us.
I believe that in order for us to know WHAT to teach others, we must first know WHAT the gospel teaches us.
THEN once we are clear on WHAT we are to LEARN, then and only then, will we have clarity not only on WHAT to teach but on HOW to teach it.
THEN once we are clear on WHAT we are to LEARN, then and only then, will we have clarity not only on WHAT to teach but on HOW to teach it.
Titus 2
Titus 2
Titus 2 addresses a sequence of people Older men, Older women, young men and bondslaves (MIGHT OMIT that)
Read Titus 2:1-15.
Titus 2:15 “15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
As leaders, every one of you in this room is a leader, and as such there are specific things WE are called to declare with the authority God has given us. So, WHAT are we to teach and HOW do we do it?
As leaders, every one of you in this room is a leader, and as such there are specific things WE are called to declare with the authority God has given us. So, WHAT are we to teach and HOW do we do it?
I believe the answer begins in the passage Adam preached on in chapter 1.
The reason Paul is upset is because Titus 1:10-11
Titus 1:10–11 (ESV)
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
Paul’s complaint then reaches it’s climax in verse 16 as he says,
Titus 1:16 “16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”
Q: So, what is the problem with the Cretans?
Q: So, what is the problem with the Cretans?
A: There is a incongruency/discrepency between what they profess with their words vs what they profess with their works.
A: There is a incongruency/discrepency between what they profess with their words vs what they profess with their works.
Integrity
Integrity
Option 1: Object lesson.
Why should I buy a backpack from patagonia over walmart?
Why should I buy a lululemon shirt over one from target?
The quality of the material. The integrity it has is greater and better able to withstand wear and tear. (give political disclaimer “obv aside from all the political standings of the companies that I’m referencing”)
Define Integrity:
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
the state of being whole and undivided.
https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=cc60acfe50cff9ff&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ADLYWILLjuEd3It-pNYH7YN40iUQCjUJCg:1725910309100&q=integrity&si=ACC90nytWkp8tIhRuqKAL6XWXX-NmYStFap63e4DQqY6RmE0-Z22OGu6_vOvgRtvAM6ick_v8x32NB8vedzts-MwCGtOauTy2OxUAWU0fyrt-YwuJ3P7pR8%3D&expnd=1&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjHio33zLaIAxX6AHkGHQQwLUkQ2v4IegQILBBt&biw=1512&bih=823&dpr=2
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Integrity)
INTEGRITY Faithful support of a standard of values. Terms which occur in parallel with integrity (Hb. tom, tomim) suggest its shades of meaning: righteousness (Ps. 7:8); uprightness (Ps. 25:21); without wavering (Ps. 26:1 NRSV, NASB, NIV); blameless (Ps. 101:2 NRSV, Hebrew uses tom twice in this verse, otherwise translated “integrity”). Several OT characters are designated persons of integrity: Noah (Gen. 6:9); Abraham (Gen. 17:1); Jacob (Gen. 25:27); Job (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3); and David (1 Kings 9:4). English translations frequently render the underlying Hebrew as perfect or blameless. Inclusion of Jacob is surprising since he is better known for his deceit (Gen. 27:5–27; 30:37–43; 33:13–17). English translators describe Jacob as a plain (KJV), peaceful (NASB), or quiet man (NRSV, NIV, REB).
Personal definition: whole, undivided, united, no duplicity (no masks). There is a congruency between what we believe and how we live.
Why is Integrity Important?
Why is Integrity Important?
1. Honors God’s Word
1. Honors God’s Word
Titus 2:5 (ESV)
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
2. Protects us from Shame
2. Protects us from Shame
Titus 2:8 (ESV)
8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
3. That we “make attractive” the gospel.
3. That we “make attractive” the gospel.
Titus 2:10 “10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”
I was so tempted to give examples of seeker friendly churches and then open with this question, should we make the gospel attractive?
Paul’s answer is YES! But no necessarily by the lights that we buy or the decor that we place on the building but the decor we place upon our life! It’s by the way we live.
Paul uses a fascinating word to describe this listen to what he says,
9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Adorn:
Adorn:
κοσμέω, kosmeō
to put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare
to ornament, adorn
metaph. to embellish with honour, gain honour
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2885/kjv/tr/0-1/
1, 2 Timothy, Titus ((6) Exhortations for Slaves (2:9–10))
has the effect of “making attractive” (kosmosin, “adorning”) the gospel. Surely the gospel’s transforming power in the lives of those who had every reason to be bitter would stand out clearer and brighter than in those who lived in freedom and dignity unknown to slaves.
Synonyms in scripture: to garnish,
Server analogy - garnish of the alcoholic beverages (Or joke, I’m sure y’all church folk no nothing about that)
44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.
Matthew 12:44 (KJV 1900)
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
1 Timothy 2:9 (NIV)
9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
Revelation 21:2 (NIV)
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Revelation 21:2 (ESV)
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:19 (NIV)
19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
Revelation 21:19 (ESV)
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
Revelation 21:19 (KJV 1900)
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
Give analogy of V getting dressed for wedding or show a picture of my bride.
Give analogy of decorating christmas tree
Our life is to be decorated, adorned with our works and our words.
Our life is to be decorated, adorned with our works and our words.
Conclusion, So WHAT are we to teach others?
Conclusion, So WHAT are we to teach others?
Ans: We are to teach others a gospel-saturated vision of HOW TO LIVE.
Ans: We are to teach others a gospel-saturated vision of HOW TO LIVE.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
We can only do so when we walk in integrity. When there is a congruency between what we believe, what we say, and what we do.
We can only do so when we walk in integrity. When there is a congruency between what we believe, what we say, and what we do.
Action: Ask God to identify one area in your life where there is hypocrisy, or incongruence with what His word says and how you live and ask Him for the grace to help you walk in repentance this week.
Action: Ask God to identify one area in your life where there is hypocrisy, or incongruence with what His word says and how you live and ask Him for the grace to help you walk in repentance this week.
Key Verse:
Key Verse:
1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
