Part 1 of The Anatomy of a True Church, Titus 1:1-5; 2:1-9 Ptr. Luis Cruz, GCF Durham The apostle Paul described the early Christian church as the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12; Ephesians 4 and 5, all referred to the church as the body of Christ in which Jesus is the head. Paul used the analogy of the human body to describe the structure, the spiritual attitude, the functions of each part and the work of the church to the world. For this part, we will be talking about the structure of a biblical church. 1. Biblical doctrines as the upper spinal column of the church. “4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:4 “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1 • It allows us to understand God and His work. • It allows us to gain a high value of God. • It strengthens our faith and increases our trust and confidence in His Word. • We react according to what we believe. We create goals and plans according to our teachings. • We relate to people according to what we have been taught in the Scripture. • Sound doctrine is at the core of everything we do. It is foundational to our being as an individual and as a church. • It addresses spiritual vagueness. 2. Biblical small groups as the middle spinal column of the church. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good… 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” Titus 2:2-9 Teaching in small groups allows for: • Accountability – challenges us to maturity • Fellowship and learning together • Setting examples to follow – e.g, respect • Doing good even when others are not • Submission to authority • Addresses pride and prospers humility • Words communicated to build rather than destroy 3. Godly leaders as the lower spinal column of the church. “5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. “6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.” Titus 1:5-6 The purpose why Paul left Titus in Crete – to put structure to the church by appointing elders. The basic qualifications are: • Person of integrity • Spiritually matured • Full of wisdom • Heart for the body of Christ • Concerned with teaching, setting godly example, and walking with the Spirit. To structure ourselves biblically, our aim for this year: • Connect everyone to worship God every Sunday. • Growing together in small groups. • Serving God in the church. • Sharing the gospel to our community.