Leading Like Jesus – Part 7

Titus 3:9-15

Scripture Reference

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Introduction

This sermon concludes our series on “Leading Like Jesus” from the Book of Titus. Dr. Terry LeQuieu focuses on the closing instructions Paul gives Titus about whom to avoid and whom to embrace in leadership and church life. These aren’t merely administrative tips; they are spiritual guidelines rooted in the Scriptures that protect the church, strengthen leaders, and preserve the testimony of Christ. For young adults preparing to lead—whether in a home, a workplace, or in the church—this message is a sober, biblical call to discernment, courage, and godly association.

“Tonight on the Book of Titus. Hopefully there’s been some things that we’ve all been able to learn and gather from this book.”

Quote from Preacher

This introductory quote sets the tone: Titus is more than a pastor’s manual; it is a manual for godly leadership and for every believer who influences others. Paul’s final charge to Titus is practical: draw lines where Scripture draws them—avoid what harms and pursue what builds up.

Outline

1. Avoid the Destructive Crowd
   1. Foolish Questions — Avoid those who habitually dispute the clear teachings of God with mere speculation. Paul warns that such questions breed strife, not faith (cf. 2 Tim. 2:23). Distinguish between the hungry, humble questioner and the contentious skeptic whose aim is to unsettle.
   2. Genealogies — Family Pride — Avoid entitlement based on heritage. Church decisions must stand on Scripture, not on who’s pew donated what. Family history does not merit spiritual authority; Christ’s sacrifice does.
   3. Contentions — Friction Promoters — Avoid the naturally contentious person who stirs the pot for strife. Remember, our warfare is spiritual, not interpersonal; avoid those who turn it into petty fighting.
   4. Strivings About the Law — Futile Positions — Avoid endless nitpicking over Scripture to undermine plain truth. The Bible is the final authority; continual quibbling over clear teaching is unprofitable and destabilizing.
2. Reject the Heretical and Fractious
   1. Heretic After Admonition — A person who persists in heresy after correction is to be rejected. Scripture directs removal of those who bring a different gospel (Gal. 1:8–9; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5).
   2. Subverted and Sinning — Heretics are perverted in their doctrine and often in life; they are “subverted”—twisting what God made straight. When sin is public and persistent, church discipline is necessary to protect the flock.
   3. Self-condemned — Such persons are often aware of their wrongdoing and its consequences; their continued rebellion condemns them. The church must act in love and truth, sometimes by separation.
3. Associate with the Faithful Workers
   1. Helpers in Difficulty — Paul promised to send Artemis or Tychicus; God supplies co-laborers to assist leaders in hard seasons. Accept and welcome God’s appointed helpers.
   2. Helpers in Deficiency — Bring and care for fellow servants like Zenas and Apollos so “nothing be wanting unto them.” The church bears one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).
   3. Learn and Maintain Good Works — The faithful should learn to continue good works for necessary uses so they are not unfruitful (Titus 3:14). Attendance, discipleship, and participation train a people for ministry.
   4. Laborers and Love — Paul’s closing greetings remind us that we are part of a larger family of laborers. Greet those who love the truth, and persevere in grace for mutual encouragement.
4. Ten Practical Leadership Principles (Final Charge)
   1. Show Love by Doing What He Says — True love for God is obedient action (John 14:15).
   2. Just Say No — Refuse sinful enticements; a simple “No” can be a complete and biblical answer (Prov. 1:10).
   3. Watch for Red Flags — Be prudent, foresee danger, and avoid it (Prov. 22:3; 27:12).
   4. Let God Cover Sin — Confess and let God be the judge and forgiver; His covering is greater than our hiding (1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13).
   5. Keep a Clear Conscience — Live so you can stand before God without offense (Acts 24:16).
   6. You Cannot Stay Neutral — Take a stand for truth; neutrality equates to complicity (Rev. 3:16).
   7. Silence Can Mean Approval — Speaking out is sometimes required; silence may condone error (Prov. 17:15 application in context).
   8. Give Your Friends a Choice — Offer friends the choice to follow God with you or walk another path (Amos 3:3; Prov. 18:24).
   9. Discipline Is Good, Not Bad — Biblical reproof and correction are expressions of love and pastoral responsibility (2 Tim. 4:2).
   10. Two or Three Can Help — God’s design is teamwork; church decisions and support are exercised together (Eccl. 4:9–12; Deut. 19:15 principle).

Summary

Paul’s closing counsel to Titus is straightforward and unambiguous. Protect the church by avoiding those who sow strife, undermine Scripture, or persist in open sin. Embrace and support the faithful workers God sends, care for one another in need, and cultivate a people who learn to do good works. Leadership according to Titus is not about popularity or compromise; it is about faithfulness to God’s revealed Word, wise discernment, and loving obedience. The church survives and thrives when leaders and members together shun destructive influence and pursue godly fellowship and service.

“God’s word says it, and that settles it for us.”

Quote to Ponder

This succinct statement captures the preacher’s conviction: Scripture is the final court of appeal. When disputes arise, when culture presses, and when opinions clash, the Bible is not to be negotiated away.

Application for the Week

Practical steps for faithful living and leadership in light of Titus 3:9–15:

1. Audit Your Associations — Make a short list of five people you spend significant time with (friends, coworkers, small-group members). Pray and evaluate: Do they encourage godliness or stir up contention? Commit to drawing clearer lines where Scripture demands it.
2. Practice Saying No — Identify one request, invitation, or habit this week that would compromise your walk with Christ. Say “No” without an elaborate explanation. Trust God to honor your obedience.
3. Engage in Church Life — Attend corporate worship and at least one discipleship gathering this week. Learning and growth happen in the body; faithful attendance equips you for “good works.”
4. Support a Fellow Worker — Find a fellow believer (another Christian, a missionary, or a ministry leader) who needs tangible help or encouragement. Provide a meal, give financially if you can, or send a note of thanks and prayer.
5. Address Public Sin Biblically — If you are aware of open, unrepentant sin in the church, bring the matter to your pastor or elders with humility and evidence. Follow Matthew 18’s process—seek restoration but uphold church discipline when necessary.
6. Keep a Clear Conscience — Examine your heart each morning this week in prayer. Confess any known sin and commit specific, practical steps to remove temptation (avoid certain places, delete apps, set accountability). Live so you can say with Paul, “I have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men” (Acts 24:16).
7. Speak Up When Needed — If you witness erroneous teaching or harmful behavior, respectfully yet firmly raise the concern with a pastor or elder. Silence can be mistaken for approval—act in love and truth.
8. Choose Your Circle — Give a friend, family member, or coworker a clear choice: join you in godly pursuits (church, Bible study, service) or pursue another path. Pray for them and remain loving, but be resolute in your walk with Christ.
9. Volunteer in a Ministry — Use one gift this week to serve. Even small, faithful acts of service strengthen the church and demonstrate practical obedience to Titus’ command to maintain good works.
10. Memorize and Meditate — Memorize Titus 3:8 and Titus 3:9 this week. Meditate on them daily and ask the Lord to help you avoid what is unprofitable and to pursue what is profitable in His sight.

May God grant you wisdom to discern, courage to separate when Scripture commands it, and grace to embrace and serve those whom He sends. Remember: leadership is less about power and more about faithfulness to God’s Word and love for His people.