THINK ABOUT IT: Leaders see an OPPORTUNITY in every PROBLEM.

Titus 3:8-15 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. 12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

TODAY’S MARCHING ORDER: Push through SYMPTOMS and focus on SOLUTIONS.

Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

• SYMPTOM: Devoting too much TIME to people who dispute the TRUTH.
• GOSPEL SHIFT: Gospel-centered people give GRACE not PERMISSION.
• SOLUTION: Multipliers lead people to the truth without becoming OVERBEARING.

Titus 3:12-13 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.

• SYMPTOM: Allowing ENVY to get in the way of UNITY.
• GOSPEL SHIFT: Gospel-centered people value COLLABORATION over COMPETITION.
• SOLUTION: Multipliers lead the way to unity through SERVICE.

Titus 3:14-15 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

• SYMPTOM: Never moving from a CONSUMER to a CONTRIBUTOR.
• GOSPEL SHIFT: Gospel-centered people refocus their PURPOSE to PEOPLE.
• SOLUTION: Multipliers find joy in what they GIVE not just what they GET.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Would you describe yourself as an optimist or a pessimist? Do you think most leaders are optimists and why?
2. Read Titus 3:9-11. Think of a conversation you’ve had recently that was not helpful, rude, or simply an argument that didn’t go anywhere. What should you have done instead of listening to them?
3. Read Titus 3:12-13. Is it important for SMCC and any church in general to have unity? Why?
4. Have you ever thought of yourself as simply a consumer of ‘church’? If you made it out of the consumer stage - what are some realizations that made you want to contribute?
5. Read Titus 3:14-15. What is one take away from this series that has brought clarity in what means to be a person of influence?