Jump Start # 1492

Titus 3:1-2 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing consideration for all men.”

  Our verse today comes from the pen of Paul. He was writing Titus, a preacher. Here he gives a list of things that Titus needed to preach on. These are the things that the apostle felt the brethren needed to know. This list opens a window that so many of us have wanted to know and see. What was worship like in the first century? What kind of sermons were preached? Here, we get an indication.

Paul’s list includes eight topics. These are reminders. These are things that they ought to have known, but needed to be encouraged about. We forget. We get busy. We put the important things on the back burner. From these topics, we assume that Titus preached his sermons.

There are some thoughts from this:

First, the list is practical Christian living. Doctrines concerning resurrection, deity of Christ, fulfillment of prophecy are not in this list. Neither is contextual sermons. Paul didn’t list, “Teach Isaiah.” Those things are important. But here, we find the very application of our Christian lives. Our relationship with others seems to be a running theme through all of these topics. And topical, seems to be what these things are. There are some who downplay topical sermons. There is a thought that going through a book of the Bible, verse by verse, or chapter by chapter, is far superior preaching. Some even look at topical preaching as fluff and simplistic. I find those thoughts odd when I see Paul’s list here. There is a place for contextual studies and preaching but at the end of the day, how one lives their faith is most important. Here in this list are the concepts of subjection to others, obedience, attitudes such as gentleness and peaceable. Very topical. Very practical. Very needed, both then and now.

Second, it would be good if one looked at their congregation and came up with a list of what these folks need. This would be a great exercise for the shepherds of a congregation. Our people need to be reminded of what? Paul’s list makes one wonder if some of the brethren were becoming rebels, or rising up against the government. The response is to be subject, obedient, peaceable, gentle and not malign anyone. This list sent to Titus, would not be the same that the Corinthians needed. Each congregation has a unique makeup and problems that need to be addressed.

Third, Paul included in this list, “Be ready for every good deed.” That topic seems to come up often in this short book. In chapter two, Paul wrote, “who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Then, later in the third chapter, “Our people must learn to engage in good deeds…”  Paul was sure interested in the brethren doing good deeds. Idle Christians, lazy Christians, are not a asset to the world or the kingdom. Get busy. Get busy doing things for others. Serve others. Devote your life to helping others. Shine your light that God has given you.

It seems helpful for the leaders of a congregation, the shepherds, to give a list of things that they feel need to be preached to the preacher. Let the shepherds and the preacher work together as a team. Help one another in the work for the kingdom. Some of us preachers like to preach about what we like to preach about. That may not be what the congregation needs. The team concept goes a long way in developing unity, peace and love within the congregation. Everyone has a role. The preacher and the elders are not two separate avenues within a congregation. They ought to be so close together that there is a wonderful spiritual partnership in growing and developing the congregation. When the elders and the preacher are not on the same page, conflicts and mixed messages can result.

We are not told how Titus felt when he read this passage. Did he sigh and think, “I don’t want to preach on these things?” Did he ignore what Paul said? Was he thankful for the suggestions and then got busy working on ways to present these ideas?

Practical Christian living is so important. The issues that keep folks up at night are not the differing theories of Christ’s return. People are worried about their kids and their jobs. They feel stretched and strained. Their schedules are full and life seems to be racing on. Priorities get mixed up. We don’t have much time for one another any more. Our souls are given quick little bites here and there and we hunger for more. We worry about safety. Fear is what keeps people awake at night. Worry is what keeps folks awake at night. Faith building lessons that deal with the storms of life will help us.

Looking at Paul’s list of what he wanted Titus to teach and preach, comes the thought, what do you need to be reminded of? That’s not the same as asking, “What do you want?” A study of mid-evil Christianity is fascinating to me, but not very useful today. What do you need? Have you thought about that? Have you looked at your life as Paul looked at that congregation? Paul came up with a list. I believe the list was determined by knowing what was going on. What list would you have for yourself?

Once you make such a list, then you now know what you ought to be studying and working on. Your list are the things that will help you the most. Give it a try and see what you come up with.

Remind them…we need to do the same.

Roger