5. The Epiphany of Grace Orders the Church (Titus 2:11-15)

Occoquan Bible Church

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5. The Epiphany of Grace Orders the Church (Titus 2:11-15)

August 13, 2023 • Rod Fillinger • Titus 2:11–15

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Epiphany is a holiday that occurs on January 6th in our calendars. It is one that in evangelical circles we tend to overlook because we do not follow a liturgical church calendar. But this Sunday as we continue our series in Titus and look at “Ordering the Church for Faithfulness and Fruitfulness,” we will find a reason to celebrate Epiphany, not necessarily on January 6th, but every day.

The text we will be considering is Titus 2:11-15 as we consider how the epiphany of grace orders the church. Our text deals with salvation past, present, and future. It is a text rich in Christology, the person and work of Christ, and Pneumatology, the person and work of the Spirit. But as we saw last week in Titus 2:1, sound doctrine is not simply theoretical but has practical ramifications for the gracious working of God on behalf of all people. In the process of developing the theme of God’s gracious work on our behalf, this passage sets forth the reasons why believers in Christ can and should live a godly Christian life.

In preparation, please read Titus 2:11-15. Join with us to consider this passage which so beautifully and vividly points us to the transforming power of both the first and second epiphanies (appearances) of Christ.

For His glory and your growth in grace,

Pastor Rod

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Discussion & Response Questions: Titus 2:11-15

What does Paul present as being “revealed” or “appearing” in Titus? (See 1:2-3; 2:11; 3:4)?

What is grace? How is grace distinct from mercy and reward?

What does Paul teach us about the function of grace?

What does grace do—negatively, and positively? What does gospel transformation look like?

Look for parallels between 2:12 and 2:14. How are these related?

Practically speaking, what does it look like for grace to train us? Do you see yourself as needing training?

Have you lost the ability to say “no” to your compulsions and desires?

Have you lost the concern to say “no”? Do you cite grace and Christian liberty to excuse your lack of concern to say no?

Have you lost the zeal to say “no” or do you only say no grudgingly or when you fear you would be caught, embarrassed, shamed?

In considering these verses, what do you see God doing? What is God accomplishing by his grace?

What is the role of the believer? What is the believer to receive vs to do?

What does it look like to wait (2:13)?

How should we apply these truths about grace?

More from Titus: Ordering the Church for Faithfulness and Fruitfulness

1. An Introduction to Titus (Titus 1:1-4)

July 9, 2023 • Ben Purves • Titus 1:1–4

Dear OBC Family, Did you ever watch one of those reality tv shows where a nanny or “parenting expert” enters a chaotic household and works to bring order to the chaos? As painful as those scenarios can be, there were some parallels with the churches in Crete. This Sunday we will begin a new sermon series in the book of Titus, and much like these dysfunctional homes, the churches of Crete were in need of significant attention. False teachers and the influence of Cretan culture were harming churches, and there was a lack of the fruitfulness of good works which follows faith. Paul’s letter to Titus provides a template for ordering the Cretan churches so that they might be more faithful and fruitful, and these words have great importance for us today as faithfulness to the truth brings about fruitfulness in God’s church. I invite you to read all of Paul’s letter to Titus, and come join us this Sunday as we begin this new series. I look forward to gathering with you to worship our Lord this Sunday! As a reminder, the County Center Community Group is in overflow this Sunday. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Ben --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions Titus 1:1-4 Who is Titus? What is his background with Paul? (Search for other appearances of Titus in the New Testament) What does verse 1a teach us about Paul and his authority? How should we respond to this? To what end is Paul preaching and serving? (vv. 1-3) What should we understand when we read “God’s elect”? What is the relationship between knowledge of the truth and godliness? What goes wrong when these are decoupled from one another? What does Paul teach about “the hope of eternal life” being promised and manifested? How does Paul speak about God in relationship to time? Why state that God “never lies”? Consider the context of Crete with 1:10-16. How is the “grace and peace” extended in this greeting from Paul to Titus more than ordinary? How does Paul provide a template for us for the preaching of the gospel and ministry to fellow believers? How ought we to respond to this text?

2. Elders for the Ordering of the Church (Titus 1:5-9)

July 16, 2023 • Ben Purves • Titus 1:5–9

3. Come to Order (Titus 1:10-16)

July 23, 2023 • Jeff Dionise • Titus 1:10–16

This Sunday we’ll continue in our sermon series in Titus and consider how God's Word brings order to the church for faithfulness and fruitfulness. Specifically, we're going to look at Titus 1:10-16 and consider how rebuke can bring bring us to soundness of faith. By way of reminder, the Mapledale Community Group will be in overflow downstairs this Sunday. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jeff Dionise ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions Titus 1:10-16 As you read these verses (vv. 10-16), how would you describe the disorder that’s present in the churches of Crete? What is the desired outcome from Titus’ ministry in addressing these situations? What are the marks of false teachers in this text? Practically speaking, how are false teachers to be silenced? How do the elders’ qualifications (vv. 5-9) equip him for the tasks that are required (vv. 10-16)? What are the consequences of failing to rebuke? What emboldens one to rebuke? What kind of works flow from unbelief? (vv. 15-16) What should be brought about from true knowledge of God? After seeing all the negative examples in this text, how ought the churches of Crete to look? Positively, what vision for church health are we given if all these negatives are reversed to positive realities? What practical applications might you draw from this text for ordinary church members?