Study of the Book of Titus (Week 9) – Pastor’s Message

Introduction:

• The pastor begins by celebrating the completion of the church’s nine-week study of the Book of Titus, having covered every verse in depth.
• Emphasizes the victory in studying this pastoral epistle, which offers divine direction and encouragement for both individual believers and the church as a whole.
• Encourages the congregation to believe in the Word of God, prioritize it, and live in obedience to its teachings.

Reading and Exposition of Titus 3:12-15:

• The pastor reads Titus 3:12-15, where Paul gives his closing exhortations.
• Verses 12-13:
  • Paul mentions sending either Artemis or Tychicus to Titus and asks Titus to join him in Nicopolis.
  • Discusses the importance of assisting Zenas the lawyer and Apollos so they lack nothing.
  • Provides background information on the individuals mentioned:
    • Artemis: Not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament.
    • Tychicus: Accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey and is called a faithful minister.
    • Nicopolis: A port city on the west coast of the Greek Peninsula, a strategic location for Paul to spend the winter.
    • Zenas: Only mentioned here in the New Testament.
    • Apollos: A well-known speaker found in Acts and 1 Corinthians.
  • Highlights Paul’s deep concern for supporting evangelism and missionaries, urging the church to support missions and address urgent needs.

Verse 14 – Emphasis on Good Works:

• Reads Titus 3:14, stressing the need for Christians to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs and avoid being unfruitful.
• Reminds the congregation that they are “our people,” the people of Jesus Christ, saved and covered by His blood.
• Emphasizes that God sees believers as righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, calling them to partake in good works that align with God’s heart.
• Uses the example of assisting Zenas and Apollos to illustrate how Christians can be involved in good works, relieving needs, and furthering the gospel.

Verse 15 – Closing Exhortation:

• Reads Titus 3:15, noting that Paul’s letter, though addressed to Titus, is intended for the entire congregation.
• Encourages the church to greet and love one another in faith, as part of the family of Jesus Christ.

Review of Lessons from Titus:

• Faith and Conduct: True faith leads to godly conduct, transforming lives and shining God’s light in the world.
• Proper Leadership: Emphasizes the need for appointing elders and pastors to teach God’s truth and maintain the church’s purity.
• Addressing False Teachers: Stresses the importance of guarding against false teachings that can lead believers astray.
• Christian Living: Teaches obedience to God’s Word and proper conduct within the church.
• Gospel Truth: Highlights the centrality of the gospel in changing lives and motivating good works.
• Living Among Outsiders: Encourages treating unbelievers with consideration and peace.
• Insisting on Biblical Conduct: Reinforces the importance of adhering to biblical teachings for a transformed life and God’s blessings.
• Supporting Missions: Calls the church to support mission work and address urgent needs.

Conclusion:

• The pastor rejoices in God’s timing and the opportunity to conclude the study of Titus on a potluck Sunday, a time of fellowship and celebration.
• Reminds the congregation of the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of putting faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
• Closes with a reading from Colossians 1:13-14, emphasizing God’s rescue from darkness and the redemption through Jesus Christ.
• Urges anyone listening who has not yet put their faith in Jesus to do so, highlighting the eternal significance of this decision.

Titus 3:12-15

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.

14 Our people must also learn to engage in good [a]deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Referenced:
1) Titus 3:12-15
2) Colossians 1:13-14

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.