The Leadership of the Church - The Messenger is the Message - Titus 1:1-16
THE LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH
“The Messenger is the Message” (Titus 1:1-16)
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
Titus - F.F. Bruce
Titus - Robert Yarbrouch
Titus: The Man and the Letter - Gordon Fee
Crete - Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Crete - Reobert Yarbrough
Proclaiming the Gospel in a Pluralistic Society - Walter Liefeld
Introduction: Mount Vesuvius, Pompey, and Herculaneum
Salutation and Greeting (1:1-4)
EXPOSITION
For this reason I left you in Crete,
that you would set in order what remains
and appoint elders in every city as I directed you (1:5 ) NASB
Pastoral: Appointing Elders in the Church (1:5-16)
• Charge: Set things in order (1:5).
• Character: Qualifications for Elders (1:6-9).
• Need: False Teachers must be rebuked (1:10-16).
- Influence: They Lead Whole Families Astray (1:11).
- Character: They Reject the Truth (1:12-14a).
- Errors: Their Deeds do not Match their Doctrine (1:4b-16).
APPLICATION
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.
They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good. (1:16 ) NIV
Relevance: Practical Points in Reverse Order (1:5-16)
• Problem: Rebellious people in the world and in the church (1:11-16).
• Solution: Rebellious people must be taught the gospel truth (1:6-9).
• Method: The Message is often in the Messenger (1:5-9).
God designed the church to be led by qualified spiritual leaders
who are able to refute false teaching with sound doctrine
and limit its impact in the lives of the community.
Home Church Questions
Paul sets a very high standard for Church Leadership (1:5-9).
• Why is an elder’s character tied so closely to his teaching (vv. 6–9)?
• How might this principle apply to every believer who represents Christ in daily life?
Paul warns that false teachers were “upsetting whole families” (v. 11).
• What examples can you think of where unhealthy teaching has divided your family or churches where you have been involved?
• How should we respond in both truth and love?
Paul emphasizes that often the “messenger is the message” (vv. 5–9).
• When were you inEluenced more by someone’s life than by their words? • Tell a story about someone who had impact on your spiritual journey.
False teachers “profess to know God, but deny Him by their works”.
• What are some subtle ways this danger might creep into our own lives?
• How can we help one another stay authentic and live our lives as a “winsome witness before a watching world.”
Pray for the Unreached: The Wolof of Senegal
They are the largest people group in Senegal, known for their rich culture, Islamic heritage, and historic resistance to French colonial rule. Many now live in cities and work in education or trade. Most still farm peanuts as a key cash crop. Despite access to Christian resources, few follow Christ. Pray for culturally sensitive believers to share the gospel and for Wolof hearts to be open to Jesus.
Finances
Weekly Budget 34,615
Giving For 09/07 38,110
Giving For 09/14 23,974
YTD Budget 380,769
Giving 326,633
OVER/(UNDER) (54,136)
Women’s Retreat
Join us for a powerful weekend of rest, renewal, and connection at the beautiful Red Apple Inn in Heber Springs. Step away from the noise, spend time with the Lord, and cultivate meaningful friendships—both new and old. We’re already praying for you! Early Bird Registration is open through September 28
• Double occupancy: $195 (early) | $215 (after)
• Single occupancy: $375 (early only)
• College students: $100 (4-person room)
Registration includes 2 nights, all Saturday meals, and Sunday breakfast.
Sign-ups close October 12. Register at fellowshipconway.org/women
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.
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 to talk with Michael at the Home church kiosk after service or go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch.
Fellowship College
Are you a college student or between the ages of 18–22? You’re invited to be part of the College Ministry at Fellowship Bible Church! We gather Thursday evenings (6:30 pm) for worship and Wednesday afternoons (1-5pm) for coffee. Contact Andrew at astauffer@fellowshipconway.org
Equipping Opportunities
Fellowship’s Equipping Ministry exists to equip and release our church body to deepen their understanding and experience of God & His word, develop genuine, Spirit-led living, and consistently invest in making disciples. Check out this Fall’s opportunities at Fellowshipconway.org/equipping.
Fellowship Kids at Schaefer’s Pumpkin Patch | October 4 | 10 AM - 12 PM
Join us for a morning of fall fun! Enjoy games, a petting zoo, hay rides, and food trucks. Grab your hay ride tickets at the booth and meet us by the tractor at 11:00 AM for a ride with other Fellowship families. Don’t miss out—it’s going to be a blast!
Special Pack OCC | Pack • Pray • Send — Be Part of the Mission!
On Monday, October 6, join us at Fellowship for a powerful Operation Christmas Child Packing Event! Together, we’ll pack 2,800 shoeboxes to share the love of Jesus with kids in hard-to-reach places. Sessions: 11 AM–1 PM or 6–9 PM (childcare available in the evening for 6 years and under) Let’s fill every box, pray over every child, and send the Good News across the globe!
Fellowship Kids Father/Son Camp out (Kindergarten-6th Grade)
Calling all dads and sons! Get ready for an awesome weekend just for you. We’re planning a fun father and son camp out on October 10-11, at 53 Wasson Road in Conway. We’ll have games, a campfire, and plenty of time to hang out. If camping isn’t your thing, you can still join us for all the activities on Friday night. Saturday breakfast is included. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.