Titus – Part IV

Spiritual Leadership

Titus 1

1. SPIRITUAL LEADERS SET IN PLACE THE COMMON FAITH – v4

the common faith – these are doctrines that the entire body of Christ has in common

a. this common faith was deposited in Paul – v3

-if we do not believe what Paul preached then we are not saved – Galatians 1:6-10

b. the common doctrines include

*the deity of Christ

*virgin birth of Christ

*bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ

*trinity

*salvation through Jesus Christ and His blood only

c. not accepting the common faith means a person is not saved or a false teacher

d. this common faith works – v9 – it is a faithful word.  Titus was saved through it…

e. we must be nourished in the common faith – 1 Timothy 4:6

nourished means to be educated

-this is continual

-this is self feeding

-this is mastering the scripture

-the reason to be nourished is because of the false teaching that is present today

1 Tim 4:1 and Titus 1:10-13

-false teaching is the #1 end time sign of the return of the lord – Matthew 24:4-5,11,23-27

2. SPIRITUAL LEADERS STRAIGHTEN THINGS OUT – v5

Titus was left by Paul as the spiritual leader of the church he started on the island of Crete

set things in order – straighten things out

lacking – remain – bring some organization/get things to run properly

Titus straightened two things out:

(1) Character is more important than charisma – vs6-8

-a great personality and style does not always indicate great character

-do not be deceived – always follow character

(2) Spiritual leaders must move people from where they are to where the Lord wants them to be……

-it is getting people to adjust their lives to God’s will, plan and agenda

How does this occur?  a 3 fold plan

-the Holy Spirit………..Leaders prayers and example………..the spiritual hunger of people

3. SPIRITUAL LEADERS STOP PEOPLE FROM BELIEVING THAT PROFESSION IS NOT THE SAME AS POSSESSION – VS15-16

profess – means to say…claim……..talk

-these people did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ – Romans 10:9-10

2 profession verses

     1 John 1:6 – if we “say”

-this verse speaks of continually walking in sin

     Matthew 7:15-23

-v21 – not everyone who “says”

-v22 – many will “say”

Ones profession must be backed up by fruit – Matt 7:15-23

-you know a believer by their fruit

Ones profession must be backed up by works – James 2:14-26

-faith without works is dead

v16 – disqualified – means to be a counterfeit/useless – concerning being saved…