Passages: Titus 1-3
Big Idea: Jesus’ people live so others can see how good Jesus is.
Ages: 5-7
Titus is a letter written by Paul to Titus, his ‘true son in the faith’. Titus had accompanied Paul on a series of journeys in the past and now Paul was giving Titus the task of bringing order to a network of house churches on the island of Crete.
Paul tasks Titus with the role of growing healthy communities of faith. Communities in which God’s truth would be both taught faithfully and lived out. Knowledge of God’s truth leads to transformed lives.
Titus' first task was to appoint leaders. Leaders who know and love God’s truth. Leaders whose lives have already been transformed by this truth. Men of integrity, whose life at home is consistent with their public life.
When God’s people fail to live transformed lives God’s Word is discredited (2:5), people in the community make accusations against them (2:8) and the Christian message is not seen as compelling (2:10). The power of the gospel is seen in transformed lives. In Titus chapter 2, Paul describes what that transformation looks like. The motivation behind this transformation is the gospel of grace. Jesus died a shameful death, gave up his honour, to rescue and redeem his people. God’s grace motivates God’s people to say ‘No’ to sin and to live productive, self controlled, godly lives.
Christians are to participate in community life but not assimilate with those around them. They were to be distinct and different, consistent with the gospel of grace that has saved them, so the others will see and be compelled by the power of this good news.
The unit comes complete with stories, pictures, suggested songs/memory verses, games, drama activities, crafts, large and small group activities. A resource pack full of crafts and activity sheets is also included.