Kingdom Integrity

Titus 1:10–16 (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. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Introduction:

As we have began this series of lessons from Titus we have learned of Paul‘s encouragement to Titus to establish kingdom standards in the Churches he leads in Crete.

On last week we saw in verses 5–10, Paul’s description of the model characteristics of both the pastor and leaders of the Church.

Today Paul continues this discussion by admonishing Titus to beware.

Paul instructs Titus to appoint men who exhibit integrity and are subject to the Word of God. He instructs Titus to Choose Godly leaders for the churches he oversees.

DT: When our Church has godly leaders the integrity of the Church is protected.

AIM:

Godly Leaders subject themselves to God’s Word (vv. 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 describes the type of men leaders Titus must avoid appointing. Paul states that there are many who have strayed from God’s Word.

They are insubordinate to the Word of God - (it means to bristle against)

These are the people and leaders who think they should be out front. Who want the attention and the popularity. They teach wrong doctrine. (circumcision party)

They mislead families.

They must be Silenced

do not allow them to teach

do not allow them to lead

Illustration:

Application: Be obedient to God’s Word. Subject your life to God’s Word. Do not be found placing your popularity and wants above what God wills. Live in subjection to God’s Word!

How can you expect to be a leader in the Church but won’t come to Church? How can you expect to lead the church but you won’t tithe in the Church? How can you expect to lead in the church and you show up unless you are on program?

You can’t complain about a church you won’t support. Bible Study is too much, Sunday School is too early and prayer call is too inconvenient!

Godly Leaders Teach Truth (vv. 12-14)

Titus 1:12–14 (ESV)

12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

Paul explains that there are those who do not practice truth. They teach everything but the Bible. They teach opinions and traditions. The Word of God is not their foundation.

Those who fail to teach truth must be rebuked sharply

Sharply not jokingly or Passive aggressively

Illustration:

Application: Teach the Word of God.

Godly Leaders Exemplify Good Works (vv. 15-16)

Titus 1:15–16 (ESV)

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Paul urges Titus to consider the works of those he appoints to leadership.

Paul tells Titus to be mindful of their works.

They may profess to know God but their actions say something different!

They claim to be followers of God but they live according to the world.

Illustration:

Application: What do your works say about you? Where does serving God fall on your list of priorities.

Conclusion: