Sermon Guide

September 29, 2024: Titus 2:1-10

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. The gospel should change more than just our eternal destiny; it should transform how we live daily.
2. God's grace covers our past, guarantees our future, and empowers our present.
3. Our lives should demonstrate evidence of being "attacked by the lion" (transformed by Christ).
4. Living out the gospel looks different for various age groups and life stages, but all are called to reflect Christ.

Discussion Questions:

• Christians are often known for "being the same as the world." How can we ensure our lives truly reflect Christ's transforming power?
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of living out the gospel specific to your age group or life stage (older men, older women, young women, young men).
• How does the concept of "self-control" apply to your current life circumstances? Why is it emphasized so much in the passage?
• The sermon touches on submission in marriage. How can we understand and apply this concept in a way that honors God and respects both spouses?
• How can we "adorn the teaching of God our Savior" in our workplaces or daily responsibilities?
• What areas of your life still need to be transformed by the gospel? How can you invite God to work in those areas?

Practical Applications:

1. Choose one area of your life where you need more self-control. Develop a plan to grow in this area with God's help.
2. If you're married, discuss with your spouse how you can better reflect Christ's love in your relationship.
3. At work this week, consciously try to "adorn the gospel" through your attitude and actions. Note any differences in your interactions or productivity.
4. Identify someone in a different life stage than you (older/younger) and seek their perspective on living out the gospel. What can you learn from each other?
5. Reflect on areas where you might be conforming to the world rather than being transformed by Christ. Pray for God's guidance in those areas.

Sermon Guide

October 6, 2024: Titus 2:11-15

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. Grace is God's unmerited favor, not based on our actions or worthiness.
2. Jesus is the embodiment of God's grace.
3. God's grace empowers believers to live upright, holy and self-controlled lives.
4. We live between the appearance of grace (Jesus' first coming) and the appearance of glory (Jesus' second coming).
5. Our behavior should reflect our status as members of God's family.

Discussion Questions:

• Christians How does understanding grace as "unmerited favor" change your perspective on your relationship with God?
• Grace is active and continuous. How does this impact your daily life and decision-making?
• Discuss a time when you felt you had to "earn" God's favor. How does the concept of grace challenge that mindset?
• Identify unholy ideas, thoughts, or sinful patterns in your life. Without sharing specifics, how can we become more aware of these in our lives?
• How can we balance living in God's grace with striving for godly conduct? What does this look like practically?
• Pastor Mark used the analogy of inventors seeing the end goal. How can keeping our focus on Jesus' return (the appearance of glory) inspire us in our daily lives?
• Reflect on the story of the Queen telling her children, "Royal children have royal manners." How does this relate to our behavior as Christians?
• How is Jesus saying to you, "Point your face at me."? What areas of your life need refocusing on Jesus?

Practical Applications:

1. Grace Reminder: Set a daily reminder on your phone with the message "Grace is about Jesus, not me." Reflect on this throughout the week.
2. Identify and Address: Take time this week to prayerfully identify one area of sin or struggle in your life. Create an action plan to address it, relying on God's grace.
3. Future Focus: Each morning, spend a few minutes meditating on the hope of Jesus' return. How does this change your outlook for the day?
4. Royal Behavior: Choose one area of your life (work, family, social media, etc.) where you can intentionally demonstrate "royal manners" as a child of God this week.
5. Face-to-Face Time: Set aside 10 minutes each day for uninterrupted, focused time with Jesus. Use this time to pray, read Scripture, or simply be in His presence.
6. Thank God for His grace and asking for His help in living out the lessons learned.

Sermon Guide

October 13, 2024: Titus 3:1-7

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Share a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness. How did it impact you?

Key Takeaways:

1. Grace We are called to show gentleness and kindness to all people, even those we disagree with.
2. Our past sins and failures qualify us to be missionaries for Christ.
3. God's kindness, love, mercy, and grace are the foundation of our salvation.
4. At salvation, we experience regeneration and renewal through the Holy Spirit.
5. As Christians, we are heirs with the hope of eternal life.

Discussion Questions:

• Christians The sermon mentions that we often have a "them" - people we struggle to show kindness to. Who might be your "them" and why?
• Read Titus 3:3-7. How does Paul describe our condition before salvation? How does this contrast with God's response to us?
• How might this perspective change the way we interact with non-believers: "You need to stop looking at them like they're your enemy, because they're not. They're your mission field.”
• Discuss the concept of regeneration as explained in the sermon. How does this idea of a "new beginning" impact your understanding of salvation?
• How does the analogy of receiving a large inheritance relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ? In what ways should this affect our daily lives?
• The sermon emphasizes that God's love is an action, not just a feeling. How have you experienced God's active love in your life?

Practical Applications:

1. Identify one person or group you struggle to show kindness to. Commit to praying for them daily this week.
2. Write down your testimony, focusing on God's kindness in your life. Practice sharing it with the group.
3. Choose one way to actively demonstrate God's love to someone in your community this week.
4. Reflect on areas where you need the Holy Spirit's renewal. Spend time in prayer, inviting God to continue His transforming work in your life.
5. Consider how you can use your spiritual "inheritance" to bless others. Make a plan to act on one idea this month.
6. Thank God for His kindness, love, mercy, and grace. Ask for His help in extending that same kindness to others, especially those we find difficult to love. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and for courage to be faithful ambassadors for Christ.

Sermon Guide

October 20, 2024: Titus 3:8-15

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. As Christians, we are called to behave in a way that reflects Christ, even in a challenging cultural context.
2. Our good works are not to earn salvation, but to earn a hearing for the gospel from those around us.
3. We are called to submit to authorities and be good citizens, while maintaining our ultimate allegiance to God.
4. Our interactions with others should be marked by compassion, humility, and kindness.
5. We should avoid divisiveness, pointless arguments, and slander.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we balance submitting to authorities with standing firm in our faith when the two seem to conflict?
2. We often worry about potential future disobedience while neglecting current areas of disobedience. What are some areas where we might need to "repent of our current disobedience”?
3. How can we practically show kindness and gentleness to "all people," especially those we disagree with?
4. What are some "foolish debates" or pointless arguments that Christians sometimes get caught up in? How can we avoid these?
5. Unity in the body of Christ is critical, even with other churches or believers we may differ from. How can we cultivate this unity while still maintaining our convictions?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, look for opportunities to do "good works" in your community. How can you serve others in a way that might open doors for gospel conversations?
2. Identify one area where you struggle to submit to authority (e.g., following speed limits, paying taxes correctly). Commit to obeying in this area as an act of obedience to God.
3. If you're prone to arguing or divisiveness, especially online, challenge yourself to a "digital fast" from contentious topics for one week. Instead, use that time for prayer or encouraging others.
4. Think of someone you've been tempted to slander or speak negatively about. Commit to praying for that person daily this week and look for ways to speak words of kindness about them.
5. Reach out to a believer from a different church or denomination. Look for common ground in your faith and ways you can encourage each other in following Christ.