Grace & Theo Alive - Friday PM

Intro: Aladdin and Genie’s 3 Rules

Can we bring theology back from the dead?

Truth Alive! Titus 1:1-5

Theology is for Living Titus 1:1

Titus 1:1 ESV

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

Knowing Truth/Theo = Living Right v1

Theology: The study & knowing of God that transforms us and how we live.

Theology brings us in line with reality (What is true) Titus 1:2

Titus 1:2 ESV

2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

We can trust God, His Word & His Promises

Why? Because God Never lies

How does truth bring us in line with reality?

Theology is not optional - Everyone is a theologian Titus 1:3-4

Titus 1:3–4 ESV

3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Paul is commanded and entrusted to do it

Titus is appointed to use it in the church

The rest of the book is about how Theology motivates us to Live Differently and pursue good works

Theology heals when used rightly Titus 1:5

Titus 1:5 NIV

5 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.

Like Setting Right a broken bone

Anyone broken a bone? Dislocated a shoulder?

Good church leadership sets things right.

Truth Translated - Titus 1:6-9

Titus 1:6–9 ESV

6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Theology must be put into practice by Leaders (And Future Leaders)

The Turth that they teach should line up with what they say they believe AND how they live.

When leaders (and future leaders) do not live out what they say they believe, Everyone is hurt.

Truth Tested Titus 1:10-16

Theology Un-applied Leads to Deception, collateral damage, heart & mind sickness, exploitation, guilt, & shame v10-15

Rebuke is the only antidote - vs 11

Titus 1:10–15 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.

Theology warns us of a painful reality: v 16

Titus 1:16 ESV

16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

I can claim to know God and not really know him.

Because my life doesn’t line up.

But here is hope - God’s Grace is for those who can’t seem to get their act together.

God’s Grace is how we live out theology

That is what we are going to be looking at this weekend in Titus

What is your favorite thing about Winter?

What is the best thing about being away from home and the routine of things there? Worst Thing?

Why is it that truth should lead to Godliness? v1

Why is it important to remember that God never lies? v 2

How does the truth bring us in line with reality? v2

Which of the characteristics listed in v 6-9 looks the easiest or most difficult?

What stands out to you about our definition of Theology?

Theology: The study & knowing of God that transforms us and how we live.

When have you seen theology not lived out? How did it lead to what Titus describes (Deception, collateral damage, heart & mind sickness, exploitation, guilt, & shame) v 10-15

What do you hope to get out of this weekend?