Local Life - Titus 2:1-8

The Scripture today is convicting, especially to those who embrace the mistaken belief that if you can behave yourself, you are welcome to come to my church.  There are churches/people (churches are the people) which believe these words which I heard a church member boldly announce one day, "They can see the sign out front telling which church we are.  If they can't act like we do they need to find another place to go."  That statement brought tears to my eyes.

Titus still has his work cut out for him, as do we.  He was to promote right teaching which results in right living.  As we study this book we learn there is an order to things; an order to our progression from sinful non believers or fence sitters, to examples of Christian vitality and faith.

Belong, believe and behave are catchy phrases used in this day to explain that we aren't expected to have it all together when we come to church.  We aren't required to know what we believe and why, when we first walk through those doors.  Knowing the proper way to act, to dress, to speak, will come in time.  Our behavior too, will come around in time.

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (Titus 2:7-8)

First we must encourage those we invite to come, join us today and we will sit together. This text is all about being an example to others, not a stumbling block.

Read the Titus 2:1-8 text here.  Listen to the Titus 2:1-8 text here.