Open in prayer
Open with each member of the group sharing a prayer request, and then pray for one another.
Scripture reading
For there are many rebellious people, full of empty talk and deception, especially those from the circumcision party. It is necessary to silence them; they are ruining entire households by teaching what they shouldn’t in order to get money dishonestly. One of their very own prophets said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. For this reason, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of people who reject the truth. To the pure, everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind and conscience are defiled. They claim to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
Titus 1:10-16
1. Observation
Paul has just finished describing the qualifications for elders. Men who can hold the truth and refute error. Now he explains why. False teachers have infiltrated the church. As the sermon said, “False teachers haven’t gone anywhere. They’ve just rebranded. And the church is still vulnerable.” Paul says there are many rebellious people. Not a few. Not isolated troublemakers. Many. They are full of empty talk. They sound impressive but with no substance. And they do it for money, ruining entire households.
Was there anything in Titus 1:10-16 that struck you as new, surprising, or hard to understand? Perhaps Paul’s harshness? The quote from a pagan poet? The connection between what people claim and how they live? Share what stood out to you.
2. Interpretation
Paul turns from the outside to the inside. From what they do to who they are. “To the pure, everything is pure. This is about the heart. The pure in heart see things rightly. Their consciences are clean. Their minds are sound. They discern truth from error. Not because they’re clever. Because they’re clean. But to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. Nothing. Not the food they eat. Not the ceremonies they keep. Not the rules they follow. Not even their prayers. Everything is tainted. Everything is corrupted. Everything comes from a poisoned well.” This is total depravity. The fall has affected the whole person.
Why does Paul make such a sweeping statement? That nothing is pure for the defiled and unbelieving? What does this reveal about the nature of sin and the inadequacy of religious activity to fix what is broken?
3. The difference between knowing God and claiming to?
Verse 16 says they claim to know God, but they deny him by their works. “The word for claim carries weight. They profess to know God. They say the right things. They use the right vocabulary. They claim the right credentials. But they deny him by their works. Salvation always looks like something. Faith always produces fruit. Grace always transforms. These men talk like believers. They live like unbelievers. Their conduct contradicts their confession. Their lives undermine their lips.” Paul says they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
What are some practical ways to distinguish genuine faith from mere profession? Where have you seen this tension—between what someone says and how they live—in your own experience?
4. What false teaching or influence have you been exposed to?
“False teachers offer a solution. But they cannot reach the heart. Their rules cannot cleanse. Their rituals cannot purify. Their myths cannot transform. They offer a surface fix for a deep problem. They treat the symptom but ignore the disease.” Paul warns against paying attention to Jewish myths and the commands of people who reject the truth. These are the extra requirements people add to the gospel.
False teaching doesn’t always look obviously wrong. Sometimes it sounds religious, helpful, or even spiritual. Where in your life—through podcasts, books, social media, or even well-meaning friends—are you most tempted to add requirements to the gospel or drift from the simplicity of grace? Be honest.
5. Is there sin you are coddling?
“You have been purified. Christ has done it. The conscience is clean. The heart is new. The standing is secure. Now live like it. Fight sin. Not to earn approval. You already have it. Fight because you have it. Fight as an act of joyful gratitude. Fight because the Spirit empowers you. Fight so your conduct matches your standing.” Mark pressed the congregation, “Is there sin you are coddling? Is there a habit you are excusing? Is there a pattern you have stopped fighting? Is there a quiet compromise? Is there a secret indulgence? Is there a private hatred? Kill it.”
Press deeper here. Is there a specific sin—a habit, a pattern, a compromise—that you have been excusing rather than fighting? Don’t stay general. What concrete step will you take this week to kill it, relying on the Spirit’s power?
Who can you share this with?
A spouse, a child, a friend, a co-worker. Who can you share something you’ve learnt with?
Closing prayer
Close your group time by taking specific worries to God together. Pray over the tangible needs mentioned in the group, actively trusting the Heavenly Father who knows what you need before you ask.