What steps can you take to nurture spiritual growth in others like Paul did? Begin with Relationship - “To Titus, my true child in our common faith” (Titus 1:4). - Treat people as family in Christ, not projects. - Share meals, stories, struggles—life‐on‐life time that earns the right to speak truth. - Paul’s pattern: “We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8). Speak Blessing and Identity - Paul immediately imparts, “Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior” (Titus 1:4). - Regularly remind others they stand in grace and are at peace with God. - Affirm their identity: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Model Authentic Faith - People learn more from what we live than what we lecture. - “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). - Let them see repentance, worship, generosity, and perseverance in real time. Teach Sound Doctrine Clearly - The letter that begins with a greeting moves quickly to instruction (Titus 1:5–9). - Guard them from error; feed them solid truth (2 Timothy 2:15). - Use Scripture openly, trusting its sufficiency (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Pray Grace and Peace Over Them - Every epistle shows Paul praying; spiritual growth is Spirit‐enabled. - “We pray this in order that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10). - Keep a list; intercede by name; tell them you’re praying—it strengthens their faith. Entrust Real Responsibility - Paul left Titus in Crete “to set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders” (Titus 1:5). - Give meaningful tasks: leading a study, visiting the sick, organizing outreach. - “The things you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Encourage Perseverance in Community - Growth stalls in isolation; Paul always connected believers to churches. - “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). - Celebrate progress, speak hope during setbacks, and keep pointing to Christ’s return (Philippians 1:6). |
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