New Testament Reading Plan Week 36: Titus 1–1 John 2
After identifying himself as an apostle and servant of God, Paul addresses why he left Titus in Crete: to appoint elders in every city who live lives totally different than the Cretan culture. To assist Titus in this task, Paul provides qualifications for leaders (elders) in the church. What are the positive and negative qualifications (vv. 6–9)? Do you think these guidelines are important for today’s Church?
Next, Paul discusses proper Christian conduct in Titus 2. What did he expect of older men and women (vv. 2–4)? What did he expect of younger men and women (vv. 4–6)? What did he expect of servants (vv. 9–10)? Why are believers to behave this way (vv. 8, 10–11)? Reflect on your own life. Where do you fall short in these areas?
In the final chapter of Titus, Paul instructs Titus to remind believers of their duties toward those in authority—and humankind in general. How are believers to act (Titus 3:1–2), and what should motivate them (vv. 3–7)?
First John 1:1–5 and John 1:1–2 reveal a lot about Jesus. How do these two passages help you better understand the Father and the Sont? How does seeing God in this way teach us to see ourselves more clearly? (See vv. 6–9.) What’s the promise in these verses that encourages us?
First John refers to Jesus as both our “advocate” (v. 2:1) and “the propitiation (atonement, or “covering”) for our sins (cf. Rom 3:25; Heb 9:5). John Piper writes, “[Jesus] stands before his Father in heaven, and every time we sin, he doesn't make a new propitiation. He doesn’t die again and again. Instead he opens his portfolio and lays the exhibits of Good Friday on the bench before the Judge. Photographs of the crown of thorns, the lashing, the mocking soldiers, the agonies of the cross, and the final cry of victory: It is finished.” Contemplate the significance of Jesus as your advocate in heaven who has once-for-all declared your sin forgiven.
New Testament Reading Plan Week 36: Titus 1–1 John 2