Titus Sermon Series
Every Good Work - Part 1
Sermon follow-up 8/18/25
Introduction
Today we begin a new sermon series on the book of Titus called "Every Good Work." This series will explore how our beliefs connect with our behaviors, and how the good works we do flow from the grace we've received from God.
What is the Book of Titus About?
The book of Titus is a letter written by Paul to his trusted colleague Titus. Paul identifies himself as "a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ" (Titus 1:1), establishing his authority as someone who had a direct connection to the resurrected Jesus and was ordained by Him to start the church.
Paul sent Titus to the island of Crete, a strategic location between the Middle East and Rome, just off the coast of Greece. Crete was a challenging place to plant a church - Paul even quotes a local saying that "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons" (Titus 1:12).
Who Was Titus and Why Was He Important?
Titus was someone Paul personally led to faith in Christ. Paul refers to him as "my true son in our common faith" (Titus 1:4), indicating their special connection. Titus became Paul's trusted right-hand man, someone he would send to fix problems in troubled churches.
Paul trusted Titus so much that he planted him in this strategic but difficult location with specific instructions: "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you" (Titus 1:5).
Why Does the Church Matter?
The church was Jesus' idea, not just some man-made institution. Jesus promised, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18). The church is even referred to as Jesus' bride in Scripture.
Paul makes it clear in Titus that the purpose of the church is "to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness and the hope of eternal life" (Titus 1:1-2). In simpler terms, the church exists to help people come home and find hope in Jesus Christ.
Is There Scientific Evidence That Church Attendance Is Beneficial?
Recent studies from Gallup and Harvard's Center for Human Flourishing found that attending church regularly is a better predictor of life satisfaction than advanced degrees or income level. The research shows:
These findings simply confirm what God's Word has always taught - that the church is good for us.
How Can I Engage More Deeply with Church?
Showing up is important, but it's only the first step. Here are some ways to engage more deeply:
Life Application
As we live in what one author calls "the age of anxiety, division, and radical individualism," the church becomes even more vital. We've never lived in a more divided, anxious, and individualistic time, with so many people desperate for purpose, community, and connection.
This week, consider these questions:
Remember Paul's words to Titus: "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior" (Titus 1:4). May this grace and peace call us higher and connect us deeper into the beautiful thing Jesus calls the church, so we can help as many people as possible come to meet, know, and follow Jesus.
Introduction
Today we begin a new sermon series on the book of Titus called "Every Good Work." This series will explore how our beliefs connect with our behaviors, and how the good works we do flow from the grace we've received from God.
What is the Book of Titus About?
The book of Titus is a letter written by Paul to his trusted colleague Titus. Paul identifies himself as "a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ" (Titus 1:1), establishing his authority as someone who had a direct connection to the resurrected Jesus and was ordained by Him to start the church.
Paul sent Titus to the island of Crete, a strategic location between the Middle East and Rome, just off the coast of Greece. Crete was a challenging place to plant a church - Paul even quotes a local saying that "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons" (Titus 1:12).
Who Was Titus and Why Was He Important?
Titus was someone Paul personally led to faith in Christ. Paul refers to him as "my true son in our common faith" (Titus 1:4), indicating their special connection. Titus became Paul's trusted right-hand man, someone he would send to fix problems in troubled churches.
Paul trusted Titus so much that he planted him in this strategic but difficult location with specific instructions: "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you" (Titus 1:5).
Why Does the Church Matter?
The church was Jesus' idea, not just some man-made institution. Jesus promised, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18). The church is even referred to as Jesus' bride in Scripture.
Paul makes it clear in Titus that the purpose of the church is "to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness and the hope of eternal life" (Titus 1:1-2). In simpler terms, the church exists to help people come home and find hope in Jesus Christ.
Is There Scientific Evidence That Church Attendance Is Beneficial?
Recent studies from Gallup and Harvard's Center for Human Flourishing found that attending church regularly is a better predictor of life satisfaction than advanced degrees or income level. The research shows:
- Half the satisfaction from church involvement comes from the deep relationships formed
- Weekly church attenders are 50% less likely to divorce
- Regular attenders are substantially less likely to die from alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, or suicide
- Church attendees report greater generosity and sense of purpose
These findings simply confirm what God's Word has always taught - that the church is good for us.
How Can I Engage More Deeply with Church?
Showing up is important, but it's only the first step. Here are some ways to engage more deeply:
- Engage in worship - Open your heart and mind to God's Spirit moving
- Engage with the sermon - Take notes, reflect, and allow God to speak to you
- Sign up to serve - As our church family grows, the needs grow as well
- Connect with others - Introduce yourself to someone new
- Join practical ministries - Like bringing meals to new parents through the joy train
Life Application
As we live in what one author calls "the age of anxiety, division, and radical individualism," the church becomes even more vital. We've never lived in a more divided, anxious, and individualistic time, with so many people desperate for purpose, community, and connection.
This week, consider these questions:
- How am I currently engaging with the church beyond just attendance?
- What is one step I could take to deepen my connection to the body of Christ?
- Do I truly view the church as Jesus' idea and gift to me, or do I see it as optional?
Remember Paul's words to Titus: "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior" (Titus 1:4). May this grace and peace call us higher and connect us deeper into the beautiful thing Jesus calls the church, so we can help as many people as possible come to meet, know, and follow Jesus.
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