Threats To Good Citizenship

Part 3

Text: Titus 3:8-11

Introduction/Review

I.     Remember The Duties Of Good Citizenship. 3:1-2

II.    Remember The Source Of Good Citizenship. 3:3-7

III.   Deal With The Threats To Good Citizenship. 3:8-11

        A.     Believers must devote themselves to good works. v. 8

        B.     Church Leadership Must Avoid Foolish Disputes. v. 9

Lesson:

        C.     Church Leadership Must Discipline Divisive People. vv. 10-11

                1. Church discipline is one of the three marks of a true church.

                2. The goals of church discipline are to restore, preserve and protect

                3. Church discipline is a responsibility delegated by Christ to the officers of His church.

                4. Church discipline is a privilege instituted by Christ for the advantage and welfare of His people.

Reflection:

The mission of the church is to exhibit the marks of the church, which includes the faithful exercise of discipline.

Thus, “when the church is fulfilling the Great Commission through its formal ministry of Word, sacrament and discipline, the whole body is built up and lavished with every good gift to distribute to their neighbors in daily witness and service,” (Michael Horton, Pilgrim Theology, 393).

© John Fonville

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