Sunday May 17, 2026

Sermon Title: The Marks of a Gospel Witness

Scripture: (Titus 1:5-9)

Series Big Idea: Grace motivates godly living more than rules ever could  

Sermon Big Idea: Gospel character, not credentials, qualifies leaders for service 

Introduction:

The church in Crete was in chaos, requiring Titus to appoint leaders whose lives were anchored in more than just personality or talent. We will explore how the Gospel sets the church in order by raising up men whose private integrity matches their public calling.

Transformed Relationships reveal a heart captured by Grace (v. 5-6)

A leader’s home serves as the primary proving ground where the reality of his faith is tested through his roles as a husband and father. By demonstrating loyalty and spiritual leadership in private, a man proves he possesses the character necessary to shepherd the family of God.

Doctrinal Conviction empowers the defense of the Gospel (v.v7-9)

The ability to teach must be rooted in a life of justice and devotion, ensuring that theological competency is never divorced from Christian character. Only when a leader is firmly settled in the "trustworthy word" can he effectively protect the flock and silence those who oppose the Truth.

Conclusion:

While the Law reveals our inability to be perfectly blameless, it drives us to Jesus Christ, the only perfectly faithful Shepherd who leads us by His grace. As we apply these truths, we shift our focus from human resumes to the transforming power of the Gospel in every area of our lives.

Titus 1:5-9 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, eds. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Dockery, David S., ed. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Water, Mark. Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Brannan, Rick, and Israel Loken. The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. The Tyndale Reference Library. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Belleville, Linda. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Hebrews. Tyndale House Publishers, 2009.

Platt, David, et al. Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. Holman Reference, 2013.

Phillips, John. Exploring the Pastoral Epistles: An Expository Commentary. Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp., 2009.

Larson, Knute. I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.

Mangum, Douglas, and E. Tod Twist. Titus. Edited by Douglas Mangum and Derek R. Brown, Logos Bible Software, 2026.

AFTER THE MESSAGE

After hearing today's message there may be a decision you have made and you want a pastor to connect with you. We want to make it easy for you. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form and our pastor will contact you.