Running the Race - Part 5 [Notes]

If you have ever run a race like a 5K, you understand the satisfaction of finishing well, but also the difficulty of the race. Similarly, living out the Christian faith brings profound joy and fulfillment, yet it comes with its own set of challenges—we can get tired, discouraged, and stumble along the way.

In this series, "Running the Race," we'll dive into the New Testament book of Titus and uncover five key truths that will help us navigate our spiritual journeys with strength and endurance.

We'll also continue to thank God for Pastor Tim's 40 years of faithfully running his race as our Founding and Senior Pastor and earnestly pray for Pastor Josh and our next generation of leaders as they receive the baton to lead our church into the next season ahead.
The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town: one who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion. For an overseer, as God’s administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.
– Titus 1:5-9 (HCSB)
1. Plurality 
The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.
– Titus 1:5 (HCSB)
The plural “elders” indicates that in every church there should be a plurality of “elders.”
– G.W. Knight
2. The family
The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town: one who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion.
– Titus 1:5-6 (HCSB)
3. Character 
For an overseer,  as God’s administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled.
– Titus 1:7-8 (HCSB)
4. Faithfulness to the Word 
Holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.
– Titus 1:9 (HCSB)

Discussion Questions // 

  1. Are you aware of any occasions where a church pastor had to leave ministry because of a moral failure of some kind? What happened and how did this moral failure impact you?  What effect do you think it had on unbelievers?
  2. Why do you think there are so many examples of ministers who seem to live a double life?  What might be wrong with “the system” when it comes to hiring these pastors in the first place?
  3. Read Titus 1:5-9. What are some observations you have from these verses?
  4. What qualifications, qualities or abilities do you think most churches look for when they want to hire a new pastor? How do you think God’s list of qualifications differs from the list most churches use? 
  5. Why do you think so many pastors are able to hide their sinful habits? What could the church do to make sure their pastors are truly godly?  
  6. Read Hebrews 13:7;17-18. How do you think can we, as church members, can support our spiritual leaders?

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Praise You Anywhere // Made for More // Homecoming // The Blessing

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