Grace Filled Fellowship

Paul summarized how churches should maintain

Eager to show Christian Charity

Look for ways to show the grace of God to others.

In particular, look for the needs in your own community.

Galatians 6:10 ESV

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

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1 Peter 1:22–2:3 ESV

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

“See how they love one another, and how they are ready to die for one another.” Tertullian

Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

We live in a day where people are quick to proclaim their own good works as proof of their own goodness. Not just in keeping the law, but in showing kindness to others. We should be quick to join in good works because of what Christ has done for us, to give glory to Him, not us.

Careful to Maintain Doctrinal Clarity

Reject foolish (moronic) speculation and legalism.

Arguing over it makes a congregation unfruitful.

Rebuke heretical teaching.

Reject false teachers, following the Scriptural pattern for rebuke ().

The center of fellowship in the church is the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to us - vv. 3-7.

Anything that puts the focus on man’s accomplishment and work will lead to doctrinal

Quick to Extend Hospitality

Paul was going to relieve Titus in Crete and wanted his company. (an aside)

Titus was to aid fellow teachers of the Gospel in their mission.

Extend hospitality to fellow believers - particularly those involved in the work of the Gospel.

Welcome them, meet their needs, and aid them in their journey.

Hebrews 13:2 ESV

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Be quick to meet urgent needs in the fellowship of believers.

God’s grace be with you all.