Open in prayer
Open with each member of the group sharing a prayer request, and then pray for one another.
Scripture reading
Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, showing all gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, and disobedient, being deceived, being enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, being hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Saviour and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.
Titus 3:1-8
1. What did you find difficult to grasp or fresh in this passage?
Paul reminds Titus to teach submission to authorities, kindness, and gentleness. Then he grounds it all in the gospel. As the sermon said: “Every religion in the world says climb. Pray harder. Give more. Try better. Be good enough. Christianity says God came down. That’s the scandal of grace.” The commands in verses 1-2 are not a ladder to climb. They are the fruit of grace already received.
Was there anything in this passage that struck you as new, surprising, or hard to understand? Perhaps the command to submit to authorities? The reminder of what we once were in verse 3? Or the connection between mercy and good works? Share what stood out to you.
2. How does verse 3 shape the way you look at others who are still trapped in sin?
Paul writes, For we too were once foolish, and disobedient, being deceived, being enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, being hateful, detesting one another. The sermon pressed this home: “Remember what you were like. Your memory of who you were fuels humility… Paul isn’t stirring the dark memories of your past to pull you down. He’s stirring the dark memories of your past to remind you that you were once rotten, and now you don’t have to be. That old-self died with Christ. You get to live differently now that He is in you.”
Why is it important to remember what we were before Christ when we relate to unbelievers? How does remembering your past produce gentleness toward those still trapped in sin?
3. What is the relationship between God’s mercy and our good works?
Paul says God saved us “not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy.” The sermon drew the line clearly: “We do not do good works to be saved. We do good works because we are saved. Loved-saved, mercy-saved, grace-saved saints do good works.” The gospel is the engine. Good works are the carriages. The engine moves. The carriages follow.
How would you explain to someone the difference between doing good works to be saved and doing good works because you are saved? Why does this distinction matter for how we live the Christian life?
4. How does the Trinity work together in your salvation?
Paul shows us God our Saviour appearing. The Holy Spirit washing us and renewing us. The Father pouring out His Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. The sermon said: “Each member of the Trinity has a part in saving us… And what is this washing? It is the Spirit cleansing us from the filth of verse 3. What is this renewal? It is the Spirit making us new. Not a fresh coat of paint. A new heart. And He poured out His Spirit abundantly. Not a trickle. A flood.”
Why does it matter that all three persons of the Trinity are involved in your salvation? How does this strengthen your assurance that grace will complete what it has begun in you?
5. What urgent need is God calling you to meet this week?
Paul says, Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. The sermon gave clear criteria: “First, it is pressing. It cannot wait. Second, it is real. It is a need, not a want. Third, it is within your reach… Fourth, it is gospel-aligned… Fifth, it starts with the household of faith.” And then the preacher asked: “Look around. Who is in urgent need? A widow whose electricity is about to be cut off. A family fleeing abuse who needs safe lodging. A brother who lost his job and cannot feed his children. A sister who is ill and cannot cook or clean.”
Press deeper here. Don’t stay general. What specific, urgent need is God calling you to meet right now? Is it within your reach? Is it gospel-aligned? What concrete step will you take this week to meet it? And if the need is beyond your capacity, have you made the elders or Yolanda aware so the church can respond together?
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.