Titus: A Winsome Witness for a Watching World - The Mission of the Church - Titus 3:1-15

THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
“The Love of God has Appeared”

(Titus 3:1-15)

For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.

Message Slides

Contemporary Significance (Titus 3.1-11) - Walter Liefeld

John Stott on Salvation - Stott

Authentic Evangelism - Swindoll

Potential Creeds in the Pastoral Epistles - Wilson

Salvation - Packer

Regeneration - Packer

Explanation Titus 3.1-11 - Bill Mounce



Exposition
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness,
but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration
and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through
Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made
heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (
3:4-7) NASB

Pastoral: Holy Living before a Watching World  (3:1-11)

    • Remind: Respect for Authority (3:1-2).

        • Remind (ὑπομιμνῄσκω) “bring back to thought”

        • Present Active Imperative: Consistent, Ongoing, Intentional

    • Respond: Transformed by the Grace of God (3:3-8).

    • Warning: Avoid Foolish Controversies (3:9-11)

Private: Personal Remarks: "Meet me in Nicopolis…" (3:12-15)

Application

Relevance: Practical Points (3:1-15)

    • Transformation: Your “walk” talks louder than your “talk” talks (3:1-3).

    • Trinity: Each member of the Trinity has a role in our salvation (3:4-7).

    • Confidence: God’s involvement keeps us secure and confident (3:7).

    • Relationships: Who will you ask to meet you in Nicopolis? (3:12).


      God designed the church to be a community
      transformed by the lavish grace of God.


Home Church Questions

Respect authority and live peaceably (vv . 1–2).

    • How does our attitude toward authority impact our witness?

Verse 3 reminds us of who we once were before Christ.

    • Why should we remember our past without living in it?

    • How does remembering where we came from change how we treat others who don’t yet know Christ?

Titus 3:4-7 presents a clear picture of the gospel.

    • How does Paul describe the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

    • How does a Trinitarian view of salvation bring confidence and security to your walk with the Lord?

Paul warns Titus to avoid “foolish controversies” (vv. 9–11).

    • What might “foolish controversies” look like for believers today (Think about online or in-person possibilities)?

    • How can we discern when to speak up and when to step away from unhelpful debates?

Paul’s personal note (vv. 12–14) feels surprisingly warm.

    • What does this verse reveal about Paul’s view of relationships in ministry?

    • Who is in your group of trusted friends?  How can you encourage them?



Pray for the Unreached: The Wollo Amharain in Ethiopia

Most Wollo are subsistence farmers living in towns. While some are Christian, they are predominantly Muslim and often rely on spiritual customs in times of need. Pray for believers to bring Christ to the Wollo, for peace with the government, and for a growing movement of disciples and churches among them.


Finances
Weekly Budget      34,615
Giving For 10/12    24,028
Giving For 10/19    49,938
YTD Budget          553,846
Giving                   496,984
OVER/(UNDER)    (56,862)


The 2025 Operation Christmas Child Details!

•   Shop Smart, Pack More - Visit The GO Store in Downtown Conway for approved shoebox items at a fraction of retail cost — you may be able to pack 2 or 3 boxes for the price of 1! Be sure to bring your boxes back to Fellowship during collection week!
•   Build a Shoebox Online - Share God’s love without leaving home! In just a few clicks, you can choose toys, hygiene items, and school supplies, add a note and photo, and send joy to a child in need.
•  Serve During Collection Week - We need MANY volunteers for National Collection Week, November 17–24.
                           For more information or to sign up, go to fellowshipconway.org/occ


New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.

How to Study Your Bible - Led by Chris Moore
Go deeper in God’s Word - Learn how to study Scripture for yourself! Join us for Part 3 of “How to Study Your Bible” beginning November 16 - November 30, 9:00 a.m., and gain tools to understand, engage with, and live out God’s Word.  Sign up at  fellowshipconway.org/equipping.

Let’s Make a Difference Together!
Fellowship is deepening our connection with Theodore Jones Elementary—where one of our Home Churches has already been building meaningful relationships with students and families.  This fall, we have an amazing opportunity to serve and show the love of Christ right here in our community by providing, packing, and delivering Thanksgiving boxes to families in need.  Get all the details and sign up at fellowshipconway.org/register.

Feed The Need
Be a part of something BIG — we’re gearing up for Feed the Need and need 30 passionate volunteers to help sort, box, and collect food donations at the Walmart Neighborhood Market, plus anyone can participate by shopping at partner grocery stores and dropping off items with our team. This is our moment to come together, take action, and make a real difference — let’s Feed the Need!  Sign up at
fellowshipconway.org/register.
 
Belize Medical Mission Trip Info Meeting
Join us on Sunday, November 2, from 12:15 to 2:00 PM in the Library/Conference Room to learn all about the upcoming Belize trip! We’ll go over important details and answer your questions.  Please indicate what area you have an interest in as well as your lunch box option. If you have questions, please reach out to Gale Allen at 901-603-5893 or through email at bglaallen@sbcglobal.net  Register at
fellowshipconway.org/register by October 30.

Join a Home Church
Home Church small groups are about building a deep community where we are transformed into the image of Christ and serve a broken world for the sake of the gospel.  If you are not in a Home Church, we encourage you go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch or stop by the Connection table in the Atrium.

Fall Back Next Sunday
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday night—because we want to see your bright and rested faces at church next Sunday!