Meeting# 12 of 12 | This Week’s Leader: David Goodno

INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the twelfth and final meeting of the Called Men’s Growth Group Fall
2025 semester. Reminder: Please monitor FV.church/events for more information about when the Winter 2026
semester will begin.

Tonight, we are finishing the SOAP study* of Titus. (*SOAP study: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer and
Questions.)

Reminder: there is no specific prerequisites or formal “membership” required to attend. The purpose of tonight is to
come together, read and study God’s word, develop an understanding, grow in our faith and have a friendly discussion.

Please keep in mind that we are all in different places of our faith journey; we all come from various backgrounds, have
different points of view. It does not matter if you’ve been a believer for 10 seconds, or 10-years; everyone is welcome;
everyone has value; everyone has a voice.

If there are different points of view, we should not feel attacked or be hostile to one another; it is our different points
of view that add to the discussion. We came together tonight as friends and brothers in Christ. And we should leave
the same (as friends and brothers in Christ). Often there is no right or wrong answer; just interpretation of scripture
and even Biblical scholars don’t always agree; ultimately, JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

Paul is the author of this letter to Titus. Biblical scholars date the letter mid-60s AD; so somewhere between 60 and 64
AD; with most scholars believing it to be written in 63 AD – which would place Paul’s letter to Titus in between the first
and second letter to Timothy - between his first and second imprisonment in Rome (before he wrote 2 Timothy) to
guide Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete. Paul had visited Crete with Titus and had left him
there to minister. Crete had a strong pagan influence because this small island may have been a training center for
Roman soldiers. Therefore, the church in Crete needed strong Christian leadership.

Crete was a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. It had a large population of Jews. The churches there were
probably founded by Cretan Jews who had been in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Paul knew that the churches in Crete
needed strong spiritual leadership but could not stay in each church. Those chosen to serve in the churches were to
lead by sound biblical doctrine.

Paul wrote to Titus who was ministering on the island of Crete. Paul purpose in the letter was to encourage Titus in
organizing the churches on the island. Paul gave Titus the standards for choosing leaders and how to provide sound
teaching. Paul instructed Titus to teach the believers on the island of Crete to watch out for false teaching (similar to
what Paul instructed Timothy who also was facing false teaching in Ephesus) and remember the foundations of their
faith. Now in our time (modern-day) we can use Paul’s letter to Titus to strengthen our own faith, to lead us in our
spiritual growth and discipline.


Key Themes of Titus: The central theme of Titus is the inseparable link between faith and practice, belief and
behavior. Paul warns to avoid false teaching, as well providing instruction in Christian living and qualifications for
church leaders.

A Good Honorable Life – It is important to remember that it’s not our service or just living a “good-life” that
saves us, but it is through our faith in Christ Jesus. Our salvation is a gift, and only comes through our
acceptance, and faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith and Christ working within us, that ultimately transforms us and
works on us from the inside out. He changes our thinking, our priorities and behavior. Things that were once
important when we followed world, are not necessarily that important when we started following Christ Jesus.
Through our faith in Jesus, we are led to sacrifice ourselves and do good works for others. We should keep in
mind that by living a good honorable life, we are witnessing to others through our actions and behavior. We can
lead others to Jesus by many methods, but one of the most impactful ways is leading by example.

Character – Titus’s responsibility in Crete was to find and appoint elders in the church to maintain proper
organization and discipline. Which is why Paul listed the qualities needed for Elders’ Conduct in homes out of
the public eye reveals one’s fitness for service to the church. It’s not enough to be educated or to have a loyal
following to be a Christian leader. One must have self-control, spiritual and moral fitness, and good character.
Who we are is just as important as what we can do.

Church Relationships – Similar to character, we need to form and develop healthy relationships with other
church members and to reach the unchurched/non-believers. We should strive to mentor others and help them
grow in their faith. To build each other up, not tear each other down. New believers should find a mentor and
learn what it means to be a Christ follower; it’s more than just wearing a title of “Christian” - but being a
follower of Christ; to strive to be like Jesus. To chase after Him and let Jesus work on us spiritually, mentally and
physically. We should not be critical of one another or gossipers, as all of us are works in progress. We ALL fall
short of the Glory of God.

God wants us to be strong leaders, but with humility and gentleness. Paul’s message in Titus teaches us to be obedient
to authority, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle and courteous and to be prepared for every good work. We do not need
to be domineering, self-assertive, arrogant or seek rivalry/competition. The letter to Titus gives us a very different
picture – to be confident, and full of God’s grace and mercy; so that we are free of hatred or living of the world, with
worldly desires. We are to be full of Godly desires!

PRAYER: This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your
word. Lord, give us strength and wisdom to know the words to say when spreading the Good News. Lord let us not
say our words, but speak YOUR words through us, so we can effectively minister to others. Lord we do not know what
the future brings, but we know with you our lives are better.
In Jesus’ name – Amen

Read: Titus Chapter 3

Key verses for discussion:

• Think back through your past history, was there a time when you fully devoted yourself to a sport, a job or a person? What did this devotion cost you? What did you gain? If you are willing share with the group/Discuss among the group.
• What do we think it means to “always be ready to do what is good” and” to do good”? – Discuss.
• What are the barriers Christians face in doing good? – Discuss.
• What do we think holds Christians back from wanting to be more devoted to God?
• If we are not devoting our time, effort and life to doing what is good, what are we devoting it to?

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Paul makes it clear to Titus that he wants believers to devote themselves to doing what is good. We too should
devote ourselves to doing what is good.

But where do we find motivation on days when we just don’t feel like it? The devotion Paul speaks of does not
come from working to please someone. It comes out of the thankfulness of what God has done for us. Gratitude
gives us motivation in times when we are tired or distracted by other competing priorities. (tv, movies, sports etc.)
If someone were to ask you, what God has done for you lately? Could you answer? - discuss among the group.
FYI: We should always be ready to have an answer for this question. Hint: for new believers, God is ALWAYS doing
something in our lives; the more we get to know Him; the more we have a relationship with Him, the more in-tune
we are with him and can discern His voice from the competing noise (life’s distractions).

(Chapter 3, verses 1-7) -

• As Christians our first priority and allegiance is to Jesus as our Lord. But we are also to obey our Government; its leaders and laws (as long as those laws do not direct us to worship someone/thing instead of God).

Read: Acts 5:29-42
Romans 13:1-7

• Many people think that freedom means doing whatever we want, but God gives us guard-rails for a reason. Not limiting what we do leads us down a pathway for sin and becoming a slave to sin. We have freedom in Christ; that is freedom from sin. We are to humble ourselves and be obedient to God.

Read: 2 Peter 2:19-22

(Chapter 3, verses 8-15) -

• Paul emphasized that all believers must always be doing what is good and he made it clear; goodworks are not optional. Our salvation freed us from sin, but to be committed and faithful to God means that we are to cast off the desires of this world and serve our Lord. It is important that our good works do not save us, it is not by our works; it is our FAITH in Jesus. But it is by our faith that leads us to desire to do good works to serve God.
• Paul warns Titus, just as he warned Timothy not to get involved in foolish arguments or spiritual pedigrees – that is spiritual genealogies. (e.g. “I know more because my father and grandfather were pastors”, or “My linage on 23&Me and Ancestry.com shows that we are descendants of ____(King David)”… etc.) You are who you are, and you know what you know - but knowledge and confidence is only part of being a servant of Christ. Just because you were born of someone great or had a long line of pastors in your family does not mean that, that person’s worth is better than someone else - God can use anyone, even you and me. Throughout the Bible, God uses flawed, imperfect people and often the righteous people are the ones who are pompous, ungodly and in need of humbling. Remember: Humble yourself or be humbled. Paul’s message means we should avoid petty quarrels, or discussions that lead us away from Christ. Paul’s message however does not dismiss us from studying the Bible or ignoring difficult Bible passages or various interpretations of scripture.

Read: James 4:1-10

• The letters of Paul to Titus and Timothy are Paul’s last writings and are the end of Paul’s life and

ministry. These letters are important to us today because they give vital instructions for church
leadership and its congregation. These letters provide a solid foundation and model for all Followers
of Christ.

(IF THERE IS TIME)
Have group do a Google Search:  Who is Artemas in Titus 3:12?

Artemas was a Christian mentioned in the New Testament's Epistle to Titus (Titus 3:12), who Paul considered sending
to Crete so Titus could leave and meet Paul at Nicopolis, which was on the western coast of Greece. It was necessary
for Titus to leave soon because travel by sea was dangerous and difficult in winter months. (And Paul intended to
spend the winter at Nicopolis.)
A faithful companion and co-worker of Paul, Artemas is described as a reliable and trusted minister. Early Christian
tradition identifies him as a bishop of Lystra and one of the Seventy Disciples.

Tychicus was also another of Paul’s trusted companions. (See: Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7)

• Biblical reference: Artemas is mentioned in Titus 3:12, where Paul writes to Titus, "As soon as I send Artemas to you, or perhaps Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis". Paul intended for Artemas or Tychicus to take over Titus's duties in Crete so that Titus could come to Nicopolis to meet him.
• Character and role: Paul's choice of Artemas indicates he was a capable and trustworthy leader. He is seen as a "beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant" who served as an important liaison between Paul and the churches.
• Later tradition: According to tradition, Artemas later became the bishop of Lystra, a city in Asia Minor. He is also venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

DEEPER DIVE:
Artemas was a trusted Christian companion and co-worker of the Apostle Paul, mentioned only once in the New
Testament in the book of Titus 3:12. Paul planned to send either Artemas or Tychicus to Crete to fill in for Titus, so that
Titus could join him in Nicopolis, where Paul intended to spend the winter.

Key details about Artemas:

• Role in the Early Church: Paul's willingness to send Artemas to take over Titus's significant pastoral duties in Crete indicates that Artemas was a reliable and capable leader in the early Christian community.
• Biblical Mentions: His name appears exclusively in Titus 3:12, suggesting he was a lesser known but valued associate, one of many who labored in the background of the apostolic mission.
• Tradition: According to early church tradition (specifically the list of the Seventy Disciples attributed to Hippolytus), Artemas is believed to have been one of the seventy disciples commissioned by Jesus and later served as the Bishop of Lystra.
• Name Origin: The name "Artemas" is Greek, likely a contraction of Artemidorus, meaning "gift of Artemis," reflecting the common cultural context of the time.
• Faithfulness: His obscurity highlights the idea that faithfulness, not fame, defined usefulness in the early church, as his service was valuable enough for Paul to entrust him with important responsibilities.

Beyond this single verse, very little historical information is known about Artemas.

Other questions to explore:

• What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
• What and where is this happening?
• What makes what was happening meaningful?

• Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
  • Who is involved?
  • How do they respond to God?
  • What character traits do you notice about them?
• What is the significance of their involvement?
• What do you think is the key message?
• Did anything that surprised or stood out to you? What was it? Share with the group and discuss.
• Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group.
• Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?

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• Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and research.
• Biggest takeaway?

Monitor www.fv.church/events for more information about the next semester. (Mid-January!)

Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway,
Wheaton, Illinois.
3. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens-
true-images-revolution/
4. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
5. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible
(HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
6. Life Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Timothy / Titus; copyright 1998, 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

August 2025:
_x_ 001, 08/27 1 Timothy Introduction & 1:1 – 20. (20 Verses)
September 2025:
_x_ 002, 09/03 1 Timothy 2:1-15 & 3:1-16. (31 Verses)
_x_ 003, 09/10 1 Timothy 4:1 – 16. (16 Verses)
_x_ 004, 09/17 1 Timothy 5:1 – 25. (25 Verses)
_x_ 005, 09/24 1 Timothy 6:1 – 21. (21 Verses)
October 2025:
_x_ 006, 10/01 2 Timothy Introduction & 1:1 – 18. (18 Verses)
_x_ 007, 10/08 2 Timothy 2:1-26. (26 Verses)
_x_ 008, 10/15 2 Timothy 3:1-17. (17 Verses)
_x_ 009, 10/22 2 Timothy 4:1 – 22. (22 Verses)
_x_ 010, 10/29 Titus Introduction & 1:1-16 (16 Verses)
November 2025:
_x_ 010, 11/05 Titus 2: 1-15 (15 Verses)
_x_ 011, 11/12 Titus 3:1-15 (15 Verses)*
*Last meeting, please monitor www.fv.church/events for more information about the next semester. (Look for it mid-January!)