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Titus 1

¹⁰ For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. ¹¹ They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. ¹² One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

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Talk Sheet Questions

1. How do you think the instruction about elders (5-9) relates to the end of chapter one (10-16)?

2. As described in these verses, what are the church troublemakers like?

3. As modern prophets, what does popular music say about us? Does Portland have a reputation that might make it into a letter to us?

4. Do you know anyone who professes to know God, but denies him by their works? How does that happen?

5. Do you think the church will face more problems from inside the church or from outside the church? Explain.

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Prayer

Pray that God will protect his church!

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