Titus 1:1 - 4 Jesse Ordination

Introduction:

Introduction:

What we will discuss may be one of the most neglected truths within churches that would consider themselves fundamental. The word compromise within some self-proclaimed fundamental circles has come to be a reference to those who have contemporary music or who no longer wear certain styles of clothing to the worship services. This particular self-proclaimed fundamentalist group is typically quite religious.

On the other side of the spectrum are those who are called the compromisers. They maintain that godliness and piety is purely a matter of the heart. In some cases, they would even consider those who have principles for worship to be those who are legalists.

Apparently, in the same body of believers in Rome, there were those who were weak in the faith and those who were strong. To both of them, Paul says, Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. -

We know that there are false teachers who would like to exploit the differences between these two types of consciences. As Paul writes to Titus it would appear that there are false teachers who are propagating a teaching that is not productive of godly living. . In addition, this teaching is especially characteristic of those who are of the circumcision.

Proposition:

Church family, we must be crystal clear on what is sound doctrine and what sound doctrine does in practical living.

Why should this matter?

This should matter to you today because if you are not careful, you will become guilty of holding people to standards that God himself does not adhere to, or you will become guilty of not holding people accountable to the doctrinal and practical standards that God expects.

The scriptures, in the opening of this epistle, establishes some truths that serve to give clarity to what must be maintained.

(*) Paul gives some self-designations (v. 1 - 3)

(1) Paul gives his identification (v. 1) - Paul a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ

* What is the principle?

Identity is especially going to matter when facing the conflict of standing for the truth. While some will place their identity in their ability to obey law and others will place their identity in their independence and liberty, the servant of Jesus Christ finds his primary identity in his Lord.

* What is the application?

Settle and continually remember your identity in the Lord Jesus Christ.

* Why is this difficult?

The truth that this is primarily difficult because of our sinful nature. Our sinful tendency is to tend towards fig leaves. Mankind was slung into an identity crisis when he rebelled against God.

* How can this be accomplished?

. Only through death with Christ can this identity be restored, and by continual faith in the Son of God can this life be lived.

(2) Paul gives his function (v. 1) - according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

* What is the principle?

The identity we have comes before and determines the function we do. Serving for the stability of the faith of the “elect” and helping to bring discernment to what is the truth is the function.

* What is the application?

When our identity is not settled in Christ, our function will be to find identity in what we do or in our independence.

* Why is this difficult?

* How can this be accomplished?

(3) Paul gives his motivation (v. 2 - 3) - In hope...the commandment of God our Savior

* What is the principle?

* What is the application?

* Why is this difficult?

* How can this be accomplished?