Go Deeper This Week

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read Titus 1:1-9.

1. What do you think of when you hear the word “Cretan”? What does this say about the culture on the island of Crete during Titus’ ministry there?

2. In what ways might the island of Crete in Titus’ day have been similar to the culture we live in today? What implications does that have for the modern-day church? (Hint:church and culture bumping against each other)

3. In verse 5 Paul says to Titus, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished…” What was left unfinished? Why do you think Paul left it unfinished?

4. Why is it so important for “order” in the church? What does order look like? What happens without such order?

5. Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders and overseers. What are these positions and why are they important? (Hint:Pastor Mick used Exodus 18:17-23 as an example to help explain)

6. Paul sets very high standards for elders and overseers. Why do you think he sets such high standards? What are some of those standards? What happens if people are appointed to those positions who don’t meet those standards?

7. Can you see how the United Methodist Church’s structure might be based on this model? Explain.

8. In the video/study, Chip Ingram says, “You are the greatest Christian someone knows.” What does he mean by that? How does that make you feel?

9. Paul closes this passage saying, “encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” Pastor Mick explained that to mean that Paul was charging Titus with getting the church to influence the culture more than the culture was influencing the church. Do you agree with that interpretation? How might we do that in our modern world?

Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, in the beginning, you brought order out of chaos. You appointed us stewards over your good creation. We confess, Lord, that we need your help. Chaos has found its way back into our world and we’re not sure how to restore the good order we desire and you demand. Help us to be the blameless men and women of integrity you call us to be as elders and overseers of your church. Help us to be the loving, nurturing, gracious people of faith you call us to be so that we might have the positive influence on our culture that you call us to have. Help us to encourage others through sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. But help us to do that in ways that draw people closer to you, not turn them away from you. Help us to truly be your good and faithful servants, completely committed followers, true disciples of Jesus going out to make new disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world. We ask all of this in the name of the one who makes it all possible, our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.