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CRETE - WHERE FAITH AND CULTURE COLLIDED

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PAUL’s MAIN ORDERS TO TITUS

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Paul gives Titus his overall instructions:

1:5 “… Put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.”

2:1 “… Teach what accords with sound doctrine.”

3:8 “… Insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”

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Several major themes repeat themselves throughout Titus. They include…

work(s) (1:16; 2:7,14; 3:1,5,8,14);

soundness in faith and doctrine (1:4,9,13; 2:1,2,7,8,10; 3:15); and

salvation (1:3,4; 2:10,13; 3:4-6).

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Men and Women Believers

Paul wrote to Titus a list of character quality standards for men and women to internalize, conform to, and live out as changed lives. Since Titus had to teach these qualities, he was expected to live them out. They had to be in accord with sound doctrine.

Why? Titus 2:5,10 say “that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”

Older Men – Character Quality Standard

  • Sober-minded
  • Dignified
  • Self-controlled
  • Sound in faith
  • Sound in love
  • Sound in steadfastness

Older Women – Character Quality Standard

  • Reverent in behavior
  • Not slanderers
  • Not addicted to wine
  • Teach what is good
  • Train the young women

Young Men – Character Quality Standard

  • Self-controlled
  • Model of good works in everything
  • Teach with
    • integrity
    • dignity
    • sound speech

Young Women – Character Quality Standard

  • Learn from and obey older women (implied)
  • Love husbands and children
  • Self-controlled
  • Pure
  • Work at home
  • Kind
  • Submit to own husband

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WORKING TOGETHER & SALVATION

Work(s) (1:16; 2:7,14; 3:1,5,8,14)

Soundness in faith and doctrine (1:4,9,13; 2:1,2,7,8,10; 3:15)

Salvation (1:3,4; 2:10,13; 3:4-6)

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  1. What character standards are required to work together?
  2. How and when did men and women work together in Crete? In today’s world?
  3. How has women’s roles changed since Cretan times and are they better or worse? Explain.
  4. What affect have changed traditional roles affected men?
  5. How did men view women back then? Now?
  6. Do these working conditions and standards affect men’s and women’s faith?
  7. How do these affect applying God’s teachings in our lives? Discuss and give examples.
  8. Has our faith/doctrine been challenged by these “archaic” instructions? If so, how? Why?
  9. Is the topic of salvation more effective then or now?
  10. How is salvation affected by traditional role changes?

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EXAMINE TRAITS - Soundness in faith and doctrine.

MEN AND WOMEN

Similar character standards include…

Self-control.

Love.

Ability to teach.

Why do these behavior standards reflect true salvation?

Give examples of how these traits create a difference in society.

Do these character standards help the spread of the Gospel? Explain.

How did Paul suggest that the grace of God changes people?

What character trait(s) speaks to you? How does it keep you focused?

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G O S P E L W O R L D V I E W S

THREE MAJOR WORLDVIEWS EXIST TODAY

Guilt / Innocence Spiritual / Power

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Shame / Honor

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Resource: (2) 3D Gospel - guilt innocence, honor shame, and fear power worldviews - YouTube

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A P P L I C A T I O N

  • What are my take-aways?
  • Did the Spirit speak to me about something?
  • How will I apply Sound Doctrine this week?
  • Is there anything God is trying to change in me?
  • How does Paul’s mandate to Titus encourage me to fulfill the Great Commission?

Pray