NT Fire Starters – Day 300: Titus 1:1-2:15

READ: Titus 1:1–2:15

THINK: Do the people around know that you follow Jesus? Have you told them? Have you shown them? Can people who don’t know you tell that there is something different about you, just by the way you conduct yourself? Do you say “No” to anything that could compromise your devotion to God or His standards? Do you say “Yes” to opportunities to do good, to honor God, to encourage others and to influence them for Christ? Could people get an accurate impression of what Jesus is like by what they see in you?

RESPOND: In what way should knowledge of the truth lead to godliness? (See 1: 1 note.) What standards and traits should characterize pastoral leadership (vv. 6-9)? What’s expected of their families? What does it mean that ministers must be “blameless”? (See 1:7 note.) Why are the traits in verse 8–including hospitality, self-control, holiness and discipline–vital for church leadership? Why and in what way must ministers “hold firmly to the trustworthy message”? (See 1:9 note.) Who were “the circumcision group” (v. 10), and what destructive influence were they having? (See Galatians 2:12 note.) What motivated them (v. 11)? What do you think it means that “to the pure, all things are pure…”? (See 1:15 note.) What does true spiritual purity involve? How do some people who claim to know God actually deny Him by their actions? (See 1:16 note.) What behaviors and character traits should be evident in those who follow Christ? What is significant about the instructions given to each age and gender group (2:1-10)? Why and in what way is it important for older people in the church to train and influence younger people (vv. 4-5)? What special purposes and responsibilities do women have regarding their families and homes? (See 2:4-5 note.) Why does Paul instruct slaves as he does, and what influence could they have? (See 2:9-10 note.) What is God’s “grace,” and what is its purpose? (See 2:11 note.) Having received God’s grace, what should you be able to learn and do in response to temptations and ungodliness? (See 2:12 note.) What does it mean to say “No” to these things? What is the “blessed hope” that Christ’s followers are waiting for? (See 2:13 note.) What insight does verse 14 provide about why Jesus gave His life for us? (See 2:14 note.) How should this affect your daily life?

PRAY: Pray for your pastors and their families. Pray that your faith will be confirmed by your actions. Give God thanks for His grace and for the hope and strength it provides. Thank Him for the blessed hope of Jesus’ return.

ACT: Pay particular attention to your attitudes and behaviors today. Be sure that they reflect your devotion to Christ. Exercise self-control by saying “No” to ungodly or questionable behavior and “Yes” to all that is Christlike.