Let’s first briefly review what Paul instructs Titus to do in the Book of Titus. What does Paul tell Titus to do in the first verse of each of the main sections of Titus (1:5, 2:1, 3:1). This last section focused on helping them apply teaching to their lives so that they might produce good deeds.

Hunt through the Book of Titus and find out how many times the phrase ‘good deeds,’ or something like it, is used. Write down or say what they are to do with reference to the good deeds. (e.g. 3:1 “Be ready for every good deed.”)

Why might this phrase ‘good deeds’ be repeated so many times to the church at Crete? How is it applicable to us in our own church? Are we actively doing good deeds?

A) Our Conversation (Titus 3:9-11)

“But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:9-11).

1. What are the two main verbs used in this section?
   
2. How are they related to each other?
   
   
3. What are the four things that we are to avoid in our conversations with others?
   
   
4. Is it good to reason with others about the truth? If so, why does he seem to ask them to refrain from it?
   
   
5. Is it helpful to argue for the truth with others? Why or why not?
   
   
6. What is the place of apologetics in discussion with others?
   
   
7. What guidelines should we observe in our conversations from this passage?
   
   
8. Do you get involved in ‘heated’ arguments with others about the truth? What aspects of this lesson do you need to apply to your life?
   
   
9. Satan works hard at keeping God’s Word away from us. In this situation he used these issues to hold back a real understanding and love for the truth. How else has Satan held back the truth from God’s people, whether in the past or present day?
   

B) Our Relationships (Titus 3:12-14)

“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:12-14).

1. What three groups of people are mentioned in Titus 3:12-14?
   
   
2. What was special about the first group? What was Paul trying to do through them?
   
   
3. What about the second group? They apparently were the official carriers of the letter ‘Titus.’ Why else might Paul have sent them?
   
   
4. What about the third group? What was Paul asking them to do? How might we apply this to our own lives?
   
   
5. How has God equipped you to help other Christians grow? What area would you like to get involved in? Does it require special training? If so, what is that training?
   

C) Loving Goodbyes (Titus 3:15)

“All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all” (Titus 3:15).

1. What are the three last statements Paul makes?
   
   
2. What does the first statement, “ All who are with me greet you” say about Paul’s ties with the people where he is at?
   
   
3. Why might Paul have written the second phrase like that? Would you have written it that way? Why or why not?
   
   
4. What special insight is provided to us about this letter from the last statement. Compare with Titus 1:4.
   
   
5. Are you part of a community of God’s people? What is easy or hard about it?
   

Summary

Even from these few verses, we see how Paul is emphasizing the closeness of the community of God’s people by closely caring for it.

Discerning Conversations (Titus 3:9-11)
We need to focus on developing relationships and bringing the truth of God into the lives of people. Talking about anti-truth just will not help.

Right Relationships (3:12-14)
We, like the apostle and Jesus, need to show our value for our coworkers, family, brothers and sisters by the way we aid and train them.

Loving Goodbyes (Titus 3:15)
We need to be part of a community of God’s people. They need to be dear to us. We need to be committed to them, the church of God.