Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...
1 Peter 1:15-16
Welcome to CALLED Men’s Group! If you're looking to move forward in your faith, then this is the place for you! We are a group of men, called by God to understand who He is, who we are, and what we are CALLED to do for Him! We study the Bible & discuss together, find projects where we can give back, and encourage each other in spiritual growth!
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF CALLED:
- Bring a notebook and Bible along with you.
- Do the assignments. (These are not required to come to group, but you will get so much more out of it, if you study and put some work in through the week!)
- Be consistent. (You can come and go week-to-week as you please, but you will get the MOST out of CALLED if you are there every week that you possibly can be!)
- Be intentional about making friends. (Stick around afterward, show up early, strike up conversations. Make some friends that can walk alongside you in this journey of faith!)
Oct 29 Intro
INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the tenth meeting of the Called Men’s Growth Group Fall 2025
semester. Reminder: we meet every Wednesday through November 12, 2025; 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
After tonight’s meeting we only have two more Wednesdays until the end of the semester. Please monitor
FV.church/events for more information about when our next semester will begin.
Tonight, we are starting a SOAP study* of Titus. (*SOAP study: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer and
Questions.)
Reminder that 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.
semester. Reminder: we meet every Wednesday through November 12, 2025; 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
After tonight’s meeting we only have two more Wednesdays until the end of the semester. Please monitor
FV.church/events for more information about when our next semester will begin.
Tonight, we are starting a SOAP study* of Titus. (*SOAP study: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer and
Questions.)
Reminder that 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.
Background & Key Themes:
BACKGROUND: History of the letter to Titus:
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 believing it to be written in 63 AD. Paul wrote Titus ministering on the island of Crete, Paul wrote 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; we thank you for giving us Your Word. Help us to stay strong in our faith and lean into studying scripture. Lord
you are our light and salvation, whom shall we fear? Help us remain and lean into you, lean into us and give us
guidance. In Jesus’ name – Amen
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 believing it to be written in 63 AD. Paul wrote Titus ministering on the island of Crete, Paul wrote 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; we thank you for giving us Your Word. Help us to stay strong in our faith and lean into studying scripture. Lord
you are our light and salvation, whom shall we fear? Help us remain and lean into you, lean into us and give us
guidance. In Jesus’ name – Amen
Scripture:
Read: Titus Chapter 1
Observation, Application, and Questions
Key verses for discussion:
2 Corinthians 7:5-16
2 John 1:5-11
(Chapter 1, verses 1-9) -
Paul wrote this letter 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.
The work needing completion Paul refers to means establishing correct teaching and appointing elders in every
town.
Paul describes qualifications that the elders should have. Paul had given similar instructions for the church of
Ephesus. Note that most of the qualifications involve character, not knowledge or skill. We too should not get
caught up in doubting our abilities and focus on our character and our relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we
are the only Bible other people will read. We should lead by example and strive to live a Godly life.
Read: Acts 14:21-28
Psalm 146:1-10
Exodus 20:1-17
(Chapter 1, verses 10-16) -
Those who insist on circumcision for salvation were the Judaizers, Jews who taught that the Gentiles had to
obey all the Jewish laws before they could become Christians. This regulation confused new Christians and
caused problems in many churches where Paul had preached the Good News.
Paul wrote several letters to many churches to help them understand that Gentile believers did not have to
become Jews first in order to be Christians. God accepts anyone who comes to him in faith.
Paul warns Titus to be on the lookout for false teachers and those who lead others into error. Some false
teachers were just misguided themselves and confused: they speak their misguided opinions without checking
them against the Bible. Others have evil intent and intentionally lead people astray and purposefully cause
confusion. They pretend to be Christians only to gain money, fame or popularity. Anything taught should align
to Biblical scripture. We can recognize false teachers because they will focus more attention on themselves
than on Christ; ask you to do something that will compromise or weaken your faith; de-emphasize the divine
nature of Christ or inspiration of the Bible or urge believers to make decisions based more on human
judgement and emotion than on prayer and biblical guidelines.
Read: Romans 1:8-17
Mark 13:1
Other questions to explore:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the words “chaos” and “mess”? – Discuss among the group.
- Think about a time where you had to organize and clean up a mess, how did you go about organizing and
restoring order? If you are willing, share with the group. - Why did Paul ask Titus to go to Crete? Discuss among the group.
- Why was it important for the elders to be trustworthy? Discuss among the group.
- Do we think there are any similarities between the churches at Crete and our churches today? Discuss among
the group.
-----------------
Paul told Titus to appoint elders and to silence false teachers. He was to strengthen and build up the church in
Crete and remove any false teaching and teachers. For Titus to complete this difficult task, he had to select
leaders of the highest moral integrity. Good character then, is just as important for leaders and followers in
churches today. Like the believers in Crete, we live in a fallen, broken corrupt world that wars against the
development of strong Godly character. The significance of solid Christian character should always be
emphasized in our life. Who we were before doesn’t matter, we should work on who we are now and who we
want to be in our future. We were all made new with Christ, and our goals for our Christian character should
be a priority.
Titus was one of Paul's most trusted and reliable, devoted co-workers. Titus was a Greek (Gentile) believer
whom Paul had previously refused to have circumcised, upholding the principle that salvation is by grace
through faith, not adherence to the Jewish Law. He had also successfully managed difficult situations for Paul
in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 7:5-16
2 John 1:5-11
(Chapter 1, verses 1-9) -
Paul wrote this letter 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.
The work needing completion Paul refers to means establishing correct teaching and appointing elders in every
town.
Paul describes qualifications that the elders should have. Paul had given similar instructions for the church of
Ephesus. Note that most of the qualifications involve character, not knowledge or skill. We too should not get
caught up in doubting our abilities and focus on our character and our relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we
are the only Bible other people will read. We should lead by example and strive to live a Godly life.
Read: Acts 14:21-28
Psalm 146:1-10
Exodus 20:1-17
(Chapter 1, verses 10-16) -
Those who insist on circumcision for salvation were the Judaizers, Jews who taught that the Gentiles had to
obey all the Jewish laws before they could become Christians. This regulation confused new Christians and
caused problems in many churches where Paul had preached the Good News.
Paul wrote several letters to many churches to help them understand that Gentile believers did not have to
become Jews first in order to be Christians. God accepts anyone who comes to him in faith.
Paul warns Titus to be on the lookout for false teachers and those who lead others into error. Some false
teachers were just misguided themselves and confused: they speak their misguided opinions without checking
them against the Bible. Others have evil intent and intentionally lead people astray and purposefully cause
confusion. They pretend to be Christians only to gain money, fame or popularity. Anything taught should align
to Biblical scripture. We can recognize false teachers because they will focus more attention on themselves
than on Christ; ask you to do something that will compromise or weaken your faith; de-emphasize the divine
nature of Christ or inspiration of the Bible or urge believers to make decisions based more on human
judgement and emotion than on prayer and biblical guidelines.
Read: Romans 1:8-17
Mark 13:1
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?
- Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and research.
- Biggest takeaway?
Assignment
- Prepare for next week’s meeting. Read: Titus 2:1-15
Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting. - Think of things that you can do to encourage new believers over the next seven days.
References & Acknowledgements
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.
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.
Schedule:
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:
__ 010, 11/05 Titus 2: 1-15 (15 Verses)
__ 011, 11/12 Titus 3:1-15 (15 Verses)*
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.
_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:
__ 010, 11/05 Titus 2: 1-15 (15 Verses)
__ 011, 11/12 Titus 3:1-15 (15 Verses)*
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.
