Sermon Bible Study Guides

Titus Overview - 22nd May 2022

This Bible Study will be a bit different from our normal Bible Study Guides because it covers an entire book of the Bible instead of a chapter or a few verses. If you have time, it may be a great help to read back over the entire book and see what things you didn't notice the first time around. It only takes about 7 minutes to read the entire book of Titus out loud. 

OBSERVATION
What does it say?

1. Flip again through the pages of Titus for a few minutes.
   1. What do you think are some of the most important ideas Paul speaks about?
   2. Do you notice any repeated themes or ideas throughout the book?
   3. What commands does Paul give to Titus? What about for others?
2. Do you still have questions about anything in the book?

INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?

1. How would you outline this book (e.g. what is the structure?)
   1. Look for connecting words, commands, or subject changes.
2. What is the main idea of the book of Titus? Take a few minutes to write a one-sentence summary of the whole book. Compare with others.
3. Maybe this was your first time reading the book of Titus, or perhaps it was your 100th.
   1. What are some new things you have learned?
   2. What stood out to you the most?
   3. What events from the book do you think are most relevant for Christians today?
   4. What was your favorite part of the book?

APPLICATION
How should it change us?

1. How has this book changed you or challenged you personally?
2. What's one verse you can memorize from the book of Titus? (Titus 3:5 might be a good place to start)
3. How would you describe a faithful teacher or faithful elder after reading this book?
   1. How will this change how you look for a church in the future?
   2. How can you grow yourself in being a faithful teacher to others?
4. Pray in light of this passage and about any applications you have made.
5. Sing Great is Thy Faithfulness to God and to one another.

Titus 1:5-9 - January 16th, 2022

OBSERVATION
What does it say?

1. Read Titus 1:5-9
2. Do you see any repeated words or ideas?
3. Why did Paul leave Titus in Crete? 
4. What other words does Paul use for "elder"?
5. How many different qualities does Paul use to describe godly elders?
   
   1. Do you see any overlap between these qualifications?

INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?

1. How do you think appointing elders increases "order" in churches?
   1. Why would having multiple elders in every town be better than only having one?
2. What do the qualities in verse 6 all have in common?
   1. Why should taking care of one's household be a qualifier for an elder? (check out 1 Tim. 3:4-5)
3. Do you think a single person, with no wife or children, can be an elder? Why or why not?
   1. What about a married person whose children are not Christians?
   2. The phrase "his children are believers" can also be translated as "his children are faithful". How might this change your understanding of this verse?
4. Are there qualities in verses 6-9 that should all Christians aspire to, rather than just elders?
   1. Which qualities might be specific just for elders?

APPLICATION
How should it change us?

1. Do you see leadership and authority as good for the church?
   1. What's one way that you can encourage or affirm the leadership or godly character from the elders at our church?
2. Hebrews 13:7 says "remember your leaders... consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
   1. What are some practical ways that you can imitate the faith of the elders at our church? 
   2. Choose one or two character qualities from Titus 1:5-9 that you would like to grow in. How can you begin growing in that area today?
3. Sing Speak O Lord to God and to one another.