Bible Study Questions
Titus 3:9-15
Paul J. Bucknell
The Bible Teacher's Commentary
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Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; 4 to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Bible Study Questions
3:1 ¶ Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared.
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Fun Start:
Separate into small groups and have each group come up with two lists. Each list will have 8 items. One can, depending on preference, think about instructing a ten year old child or a married couple. We do not want to focus on special hints but 8 moral things they ought to do and ought not to do.
1) 8 things one ought to do.
2) 8 things one ought not to do.
The point is that we all need exhortation. Christians need it as well as non-Christians. We will discuss more the reason for this later, but for now let us look at what Paul instructed Titus to teach those in Crete.
A. Things that need to be (Titus 3:1-2)
“Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
1. What does Paul tell Titus to do in 3:1?
2. How many things does he tell them to do? Is there anything odd about the list?
3. How many items address the topic of obedience? Why might he have this emphasis?
4. From this list, what positive character attributes should characterize God’s people?
5. What are some negative character traits we are to refrain from?
6. Discussion Questions: Paul is here instructing Titus on how Christians should act. Why do Christians need to be reminded about how to live? If they have the Holy Spirit, should they not naturally do what is good?
B. Things that should not be (Titus 3:3)
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
7. Who is Paul talking about here in verse 3:3? Who is the ‘we?’
8. How does he describe our past lives?
9. What areas did you once entertain?
10.What is the difference between hateful and ‘hating one another?’ Why are they two items?
11.Use other words to describe each of the above items. If one still lives in such a way, make sure one repents and asks the Lord to cleanse.
12. Discussion Questions: Why is it that it is so common and typical that we all would live lives contrary to what is good? Can we say what is good or bad? Is there such a thing as children living in an innocent stage? Why or why not? When in life does man or child become bad? Why so?
C. Things that should not be (Titus 3:3)
"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared."
13.When did things begin to change for the better (3:3)?
14.Describe what happened in your own words.
15.Did God’s kindness appear to you? How so? How old? Did you see the significant change.
16. Discussion questions. In this and the following verses indicate that Jesus Christ was more than just a man; He was God Himself. What difference does it make? How is it possible?
The online Cross Training discipleship material helps train others to focus on others.
