• About Bob
  • Bob’s Music Box Collection
  • Books by Bob
  • Music by Bob
  • Nimuel Chhatria – India Missions
  • Photos by Bob

Small Group Bible Study

~ Small Group Discussion Questions Verse by Verse Through the Bible

Small Group Bible Study

Tag Archives: good works

Why Insist on Doctrine? Titus 3 verses 8 through 9

15 Saturday Apr 2017

Posted by robertjgood in bible study, Christianity, Listening Prayer, New Testament, Santification, Titus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

doctrine, good works

Titus 3 verses 8 and 9

8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty.

——–

Context: Paul described the work of the Trinity in our justification in the previous verse 5-7.

This saying is trustworthy-

A) saying

  • lóg-os means something said.
  • Some English versions have the previous verses from verse 5 through verse 7 shown within quotations to make clear to the reader the saying to which Paul is referring to in this verse.

B) Trustworthy

  • Meaning Paul’s revelation about the work of the Trinity in our justification can be trusted.

and I want you to insist on such truths-

A) insist

  • di-ab-eb-ai-ó-om-ai
    dee-ab-eb-ahee-o’-om-ahee; means to confirm thoroughly by words, to asseverate.
    Webster defines as-sev-er-ate to affirm or declare positively or earnestly.

Discussion Questions:

  • In addition to the below benefit given by Paul, what other benefits do you see by earnestly affirming doctrinal truths such as those in the previous verses?
  • Why do you think some denominations devalue doctrinal teachings?
  • Why do you think music in the modern church today has less doctrine than hymns of the past?
  • Why do we see less emphasis on catechisms today compared to the past?
  • Webster defines Catechism as a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers.
  • http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/bfm2000.asp
  • http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/

so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works –

  • Previous verses 5 through 7 never spoke directly about engaging in good works, yet Paul teaches that the doctrine of our justification will cause believers to be intent in doing good works.

A) intent

  • phron-tí-zō means to exercise thought, to be anxious.

B) engaging

  • pro-ḯs-tē-mi means to stand before, to preside, or to practise.
  • Webster defines preside as to be in charge of something.
  • Webster defines practice as ..
  • To do something again and again in order to become better at it.
  • To do (something) regularly or constantly as an ordinary part of your life.
  • Therefore, doctrine should cause us to be anxious to preside over and practice good works.

Discussion Questions:

  • Why do you think the doctrine of the Trinity’s work in our justification causes us to be intent to engage in good works?
  • Can you name some good works Paul may have had in mind?

These things are good and beneficial for all people –

  • These things is referring to the trustworthy sayings and other similar truths.
    Doctrinal truth is good for all men, not only believers.

A) beneficial

  • O-phél-i-mos means helpful, serviceable, advantageous.

Discussion Question:

  • All would agree that common moral teachings are good for all men, but how is specific Christian doctrine good for all – including unbelievers?

But avoid –

  • Meaning to not engage, or to stay on the perimeter with regard to the following discussions.

foolish controversies –

A) foolish

  • mō-rós means dull or stupid (as if shut up).
  • English uses the word moron.
  • The sense seems to be to avoid unlearned or uninformed questions.
  • 2 Timothy 2:23 (YLT) and the foolish and uninstructed questions be avoiding, having known that they beget strife,
  • 2 Timothy 2:23 (KJV) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

genealogies –

  • John Gill commentary state these genealogies refer to Jewish “elders, Rabbis, and doctors, by whom their traditions are handed down from one to another…”
  • It seems there was a controversy in Crete about from where some teachings were handed down. This type of controversy must have been started by those false teachers with Jewish connections mentioned in chapter one of Titus.

Quarrels and fights about the law-

  • Meaning arguments about interpretations of Moses’ ceremonial and civil laws or possibly man made religious commands also mentioned in chapter one.
  • It cannot mean the moral laws of Moses as these could not be called useless and empty as mentioned below.
  • It cannot mean the requirement of keeping the law for salvation since Paul argues against this in many of his letters showing that this topic should not be avoided.

because they are useless and empty-

  • Arguing about names and various ceremonies is not profitable. Stick to doctrine which really matters.

Discussion Question:

  • Can you think of empty and profitless subjects that Christians may argue about today?

——–
Listening Prayer method – a method where you write what you think God would say to you after meditating and studying a Bible passage.
———

Why Insist on Doctrine?

Bob,

Not only stand against sinful behavior directly, but also proclaim My amazing doctrine of grace. This will touch My people’s hearts, and will motivate them to do good works.

Many denominations and teachers water-down My doctrine in their music and in their teachings to avoid offending others. Yet they don’t see they are harming the souls of their own people.

The message of My grace is powerful to effect change in the hearts of My children. I loved them. My Holy Spirit washed them. My Son was sacrificed for them. The show of My abundant love and forgiveness will cause them to resist sin and do all kinds of good works for My glory.

Advertisements

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn
  • Pocket
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Google
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

My Recent Discussion Questions

  • Do You Have Hope To See the Sleeping? 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 13-18
  • Have You Yielded to Faith? Romans 1 verses 5-7
  • Are You a Genuine Son? 你是真儿子吗? Titus 1 verses 4 to 5 提多书 1:4-5
  • Are You Loving Others More And More? 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 9 to 12
  • Are you possessing your own body? 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 1 through 8
  • The English Reformation
  • Nimuel Chhatria India Missions Report November 2017 through January 2018
  • How is God Calling You? Romans 1 verses 1 through 4
  • Titus 1:1-3 Are You Continuing to Spread the Message? 提多书1:1-3 你将继续传播福音吗?
  • How is The Lord Causing You to Abound in Love? 1 Thessalonians 3 verses 9 through 13
  • Has the Tempter Tempted You Away? 1 Thessalonians 3 verses 5 through 8
  • House Church – My 10 Years of Experiences
  • Will You Strengthen Those Who Are Shaken? 1 Thessalonians 3 verses 1 through 4
  • Is There a Crown of Saints on Your Head? 1 Thessalonians 2 verses 17 through 20
  • Will you Pray for the Persecuted and their Persecutors?
  • Nimuel Chhatria India Missions Report – August 2017 thru October 2017
  • Do You Believe the Bible is God’s Word? 1 Thessalonians 2 verse 13
  • Do We Treat Others Like a Father Treats His Own Children? 1 Thessalonians 2 verses 9 through 12
  • Do You Love Others Like a Nursing Mother? 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 verses 5 through 8
  • Nimuel Chattria Missions Report from May through July 2017
  • Are You Courageous to Continue? 1 Thessalonians 2 verses 1 through 4
  • Benefits of a House Church
  • Is the Gospel Echoed Forth by Your Faith? 1 Thessalonians 1 verses 7 through 10
  • Is There Evidence of Your Election? 1 Thessalonians 1 verses 4 through 6
  • Are You Grateful for All of God’s People? 1 Thessalonians 1 verses 2 to 3
  • Do You Savor Servants Like Silvanus? Thessalonians 1 verse 1
  • Have You Given to Apollos? Titus 3 verses 13 through 15
  • Do We Admire God’s Messengers? Titus 3:12
  • Nimuel Chattria Missions Report from February through April 2017
  • The Story of Wellspring Fellowship
  • Do We Love Them Enough to Raise a Red Flag? Titus 3 verses 10 and 11
  • Why Insist on Doctrine? Titus 3 verses 8 through 9
  • Are You Saved by Your Works or the Works of the Trinity?  Titus Chapter 3 verses 4 through 7
  • Are We Kind to Quietly Remind? Titus 3 verses 1 through 3
  • Nimuel Chhatria Missions Report November 2016 through January 2017
  • Are You Being Heard?  Titus 2 verse 15
  • Has Christ’s Cleansing Caused you to be Zealous?  Titus 2 verse 14
  • Are You Being Trained By The Grace and Glory of His Epiphanies? Titus 2 verses 11 to 13
  • What may be God’s Purposes for Suffering?
  • Does your Performance at Work Bring Credit to God’s Teaching? Titus 2 verses 9 to 10
  • Do you Encourage Young Men? Titus 2 verses 6 through 8
  • Why is the Behavior of Women Important to the Gospel Message? Titus 2 verses 3 through 5
  • Are your Gray Hairs a Sign of Dignity or Disgrace? Titus 2 verse 2
  • Does Your Conduct Show Forth Your Cleansing?  Titus 1 verse 15 through Titus 2 verse 1
  • Nimuel Chhatria – India Baptist Missionary Report- August through October 2016
  • Will You Stand Against False Teaching?  Titus 1 verses 10-14
  • The Atheist Delusion Movie – Ray Comfort
  • Do You Have The Character of an Elder?  Titus 1 verses 6 to 9
  • Are You a Genuine Son?  Titus 1 verses 4 to 5
  • Are You Continuing to Spread the Message? Titus 1 verses 1 to 3

Archives

  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • July 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
Advertisements

Blogs I Follow

  • MakeItUltra™
  • Free Gas For Your Think Tank (A blog to jog your mind and unclog your heart . . .)
  • Help Me Believe
  • Fact Based Truth
  • paytej
  • Paradigm Shift
  • josephsdailywalkwithjesus
  • Laura Bon
  • Lead with Grace
  • Jack Flacco
  • Riley Hanna
  • Real as the Streets
  • forgottenhopereunited
  • zacharypierpont.com
  • Tonight's Better Together
  • jamesedwardsharp
  • McSellers Thought Of The Day
  • Full Of Roses Inspirationals
  • My Dreams and Visions
  • ellenkang

Subjects

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 200 other followers

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 200 other followers

Recent Posts

  • Do You Have Hope To See the Sleeping? 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 13-18 April 16, 2018
  • Have You Yielded to Faith? Romans 1 verses 5-7 April 15, 2018
  • Are You a Genuine Son? 你是真儿子吗? Titus 1 verses 4 to 5 提多书 1:4-5 April 7, 2018
  • Are You Loving Others More And More? 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 9 to 12 March 29, 2018
  • Are you possessing your own body? 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 1 through 8 February 21, 2018
  • The English Reformation February 12, 2018
  • Nimuel Chhatria India Missions Report November 2017 through January 2018 February 4, 2018
  • How is God Calling You? Romans 1 verses 1 through 4 January 24, 2018
  • Titus 1:1-3 Are You Continuing to Spread the Message? 提多书1:1-3 你将继续传播福音吗? January 22, 2018
  • How is The Lord Causing You to Abound in Love? 1 Thessalonians 3 verses 9 through 13 December 30, 2017
  • Has the Tempter Tempted You Away? 1 Thessalonians 3 verses 5 through 8 December 19, 2017
  • House Church – My 10 Years of Experiences December 17, 2017
  • Will You Strengthen Those Who Are Shaken? 1 Thessalonians 3 verses 1 through 4 December 9, 2017
  • Is There a Crown of Saints on Your Head? 1 Thessalonians 2 verses 17 through 20 November 18, 2017
  • Will you Pray for the Persecuted and their Persecutors? November 12, 2017
  • Nimuel Chhatria India Missions Report – August 2017 thru October 2017 November 10, 2017
  • Do You Believe the Bible is God’s Word? 1 Thessalonians 2 verse 13 October 7, 2017
  • Do We Treat Others Like a Father Treats His Own Children? 1 Thessalonians 2 verses 9 through 12 September 16, 2017
  • Do You Love Others Like a Nursing Mother? 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 verses 5 through 8 September 2, 2017
  • Nimuel Chattria Missions Report from May through July 2017 August 28, 2017

Previous Discussion Questions

Blog at WordPress.com.

MakeItUltra™

Psychology to Motivate | Inspire | Uplift

Free Gas For Your Think Tank (A blog to jog your mind and unclog your heart . . .)

I want God to ignite my words with a match made in Heaven so that they burn in the heart of everyone who reads them or hears them, making them a furnace that spreads God’s warmth and light around the world.

Help Me Believe

Strengthen the believer. Answer the critic.

Fact Based Truth

Truth based on facts

paytej

Let's seek the truth. Let's share in Christ.

Paradigm Shift

A Godly Perspective To Refocus Every Day

josephsdailywalkwithjesus

A closer walk with our beloved friend.

Laura Bon

Inspiring the world

Lead with Grace

Jack Flacco

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

Riley Hanna

Real as the Streets

Faithfully Authentic

forgottenhopereunited

War Against Suicide and Depression

zacharypierpont.com

all for the glory of Christ

Tonight's Better Together

Date ideas that don't suck

jamesedwardsharp

Musical Notes For The Sent Ones

McSellers Thought Of The Day

Ordinary Thoughts Given By God

Full Of Roses Inspirationals

Christian inspirational photography and poetry

My Dreams and Visions

Dreams and Visions

ellenkang

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
%d bloggers like this: