August 23, 2026

BUILT TO LAST: BE CAREFUL, THEY’RE WATCHING

August 23, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Last week we began our two-week study of Titus, learning from Paul’s advice to his second ‘adopted’ son, Titus, a very similar letter to the one he wrote to Timothy. As Charles pointed out last week, the letter to Titus is one of order: chapter one covers the order of leadership, chapter two the order of discipleship, and chapter three the order of stewardship. This short letter gives us many ways to guard our lives and our hearts so that we live committed to bringing glory to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Focal Passage: Titus 2-3.

Order in Discipleship, Chapter Two:

What the World sees is more important than what they hear:

  • Read Titus 2:1-8. What did Paul tell Titus to say to the body of believers: both the young and older women, and the young and older men? In vs. 5, why was he concerned that they would show by their actions that they followed Jesus Christ?
  • Read vv. 9-15. What group of believers did Titus exhort next? How were they to act toward their masters/employers? What is the reason they were to be obedient to their masters? What does the word ‘adorn’ mean? Are these instructions for today’s Christians as well?
  • As you are among people, what do you notice first, their actions or their words? Why can there be such a discrepancy in these two things? Why is it so necessary that your actions be consistent with someone who loves God and is loved by Him?
  • Why is it easier to talk like a Christian than to act like one? Why is it so important that you do both well?

What the World hears matters:

  • Read verse 15. How often do you have the opportunity to speak truth to someone? Do you shy away, or do you speak up?
  • What if the truth will hurt someone? How can you speak without causing someone to feel attacked?
  • When you are out in the world, does your face reflect an attitude of openness or genuine friendliness? Do you speak to people in passing, just to be kind? How often do you compliment someone near you in a line? What does it cost you to be friendly?

Order in Stewardship, Chapter Three:

What you believe today should reflect in how you live:

  • Read Titus 3:1-3. Who is ‘them’ in verse 1? Does that mean believers today? Who are all believers to be subject to?
  • In verses 1 and 2, what are the ways Christians are to act? When believers are doing these things, what will the watching world say (Titus 2:8)? Why must we remember that any believer was once unsaved and foolish? What else describes the unsaved (vs. 3)?
  • In Crete, where Titus was preaching, children were not taught to be kind. Do you often see yourself acting in a manner that is abominable—like always wanting to be right? How can you change?
  • Why does your daily behavior show what your heart is like?

Where we are going makes all the difference in our lifestyle:

  • Read Titus 3:4-7. What happened when Jesus Christ found you, dead in your sins, and gave you eternal life? In verse 5, why does Paul stress that salvation is from nothing that we have done? When you think back on Paul’s conversion, where was he headed at that time? What was his anticipated mission? Did Jesus reach Paul when he was already responding to the gospel? Why is that a picture of everyone?
  • What part did the Holy Spirit have in your redemption? What do you now have to look forward to? Do your actions reflect this? Do people out in the world see joy on your face, or despair?
  • Read verse 8. Once you have been saved, what responsibility do you have? What do your good works accomplish?
  • Look back at verse 3 again, and remind yourself what you were before you were saved. Now, in verses 4-7, what has the change brought about in your life? Does your life show it?

CLOSE:

Paul’s amazing letter to Titus is perfect for a self-examination. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul tells us to examine ourselves before taking communion; it should behoove us as believers, just as we have regular physical health exams, to either have an accountability partner who can walk us through a self-examination or do it ourselves if we can trust our own heart (Jeremiah 17:9). For instance, do you find yourself wanting your family to do things your way? Do you get frosty when they ignore your ‘rules’? As mentioned before, do you hate it when you’re right—but the family doesn’t see it? Do you yell at drivers on the road? Is your anger right below your surface? The principles within the book of Titus will give us a well-rounded reflection of our hearts. Paul reminds us that if we examine our own lives, then we don’t have to worry about God needing to chasten us. The goals given in these verses are so that we never cause the word of God to be blasphemed. We are to ‘adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things’, and also to maintain good works. He tells us these things are good and profitable for everyone. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a wellness check!

By Sandy Day

August 23, 2026

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