Titus 3:1–11 (NLT) PROBLEM } New Christians still tangled in old systems of institutional corruption. SOLUTION } Jesus’ disciples have new & improved power for wise self control & humble submission. God transforms his church by empowering believers with a new & improved to authority. Titus 3:1–11 (NLT) Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2…Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. God’s unmerited kindness & love toward us stirs up BOTH a new desire & new power to treat others the way he’s treated us. 3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Remain hyper-focused on teaching this good news & doing these good works for the benefit of . 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. This news is powerful enough that it can generate new & improved kinds of pple who are able to… What now? Avoid slandering & quarreling. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Avoid foolish discussions & quarreling. 9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. Avoid divisive people. 10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. The apostle Paul’s strategy for transforming corruption in the public community is humble submission & winsome heart transformation. a. What approach do you perceive to be our modern church’s strategy to subvert corruption? 2. Paul wants our church leaders to remain hyper-focused on both teaching this good news & doing good works for the benefit of everyone. a. Why do you think it’s so challenging to avoid all the things Paul warns about? (slandering, quarreling, foolish discussions, divisive people) 3. The people who are in power over our society are slaves to many lusts & pleasures. Their lives are full of evil and envy. a. How could (or is) God’s kindness & love toward you help(ing) you deal more humbly & gently with them?