Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary
This sermon examines Paul’s warning to Titus about false teachers in Crete who were deceiving believers for financial gain. Drawing parallels to the historical abuse of indulgences by figures like Johann Tetzel in the early church, the sermon emphasizes the critical need for biblical truth and godly leadership. Paul describes these false teachers as “insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers” who upset whole families through their shameful gain-motivated teaching. The sermon calls believers to be grounded in Scripture, maintain personal accountability, and engage in biblical rebuke – not to cancel or cast out, but to convict, reconcile, and restore. True Christian rebuke aims to make people “sound in the faith” and prevent them from turning away from truth.
Key Points
False teachers motivated by financial gain were deceiving believers in Crete
Biblical rebuke is not canceling people out but seeking to convict, reconcile, and restore
Christians must be saturated in God’s Word to defend against deception
Personal accountability is essential for spiritual health and church unity
The goal of confronting error is restoration, not destruction
Lost people have no truth to stand on and need believers to show them hope
Small Group Questions
The sermon compares the false teachers in Crete to Johann Tetzel’s sale of indulgences. What are some modern examples of people using religion or spiritual teaching for financial gain? How can we discern between genuine ministry and exploitation?
Paul describes these false teachers as “upsetting whole families” through their teaching. How have you seen false teaching or unhealthy spiritual influences affect families or church communities? What warning signs should we watch for?
The sermon emphasizes that biblical rebuke is meant to “convict, reconcile, and restore” rather than to cancel someone out. Share about a time when someone lovingly corrected you or when you had to lovingly confront someone else. How did you approach it biblically?
The pastor stated: “Being so hard on someone that they’ve missed the transformative power of the gospel is just as bad as being so soft on someone that they miss the transformative power of the gospel.” How do we find the biblical balance between grace and truth when addressing sin or error?
The sermon calls believers to “keep ourselves in check” through personal accountability. What practical steps do you take to maintain spiritual accountability in your life? How has accountability helped you grow in your faith?
Paul quotes a Cretan prophet saying “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” to make a point about their culture. How does the surrounding culture influence the church today? What cultural lies do Christians need to guard against?
The sermon ends with the image of lost people walking around “with a blindfold on” with no truth to stand on. How does this perspective change how you view and interact with unbelievers? What practical ways can you show them the hope of the gospel?
Key Verses
Titus 1:10-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 7:3-5, Galatians 6:1, Luke 17:3, 2 Timothy 4:2
Application On The Way
This week, identify one area where you need greater accountability in your spiritual life. Reach out to a trusted Christian friend and ask them to help keep you accountable in this area. Also, if there’s someone you need to have a difficult but loving conversation with, pray about how to approach them with the goal of restoration rather than condemnation.
Want to Go Deeper
Additional Scripture Passages: Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 13:17, James 5:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Proverbs 27:5-6, Romans 16:17-18, 2 John 1:9-11, Acts 20:28-31
Personal Reflection Questions:
Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4 where Paul warns that people will “accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” How do you ensure that you’re seeking biblical truth rather than just teaching that makes you feel comfortable? What safeguards do you have in place to test what you hear against Scripture?
Consider Galatians 6:1 which calls us to restore those caught in transgression “in a spirit of gentleness.” Reflect on your heart attitude when you need to confront sin or error. Are you motivated by love and restoration, or by being right and proving a point? How can you cultivate the gentleness Paul describes?