There is an online trend called “gentle” parenting. It stresses empathizing with your child and leans heavily into explanation over demand. As with everything, how it is handled depends on the parent. As it is, “gentle” parenting might be all well and good, but there is a time when sharp rebukes must be given. Paul desires to be gentle with churches, but the church in Crete needs a stronger hand. Today we hear more about the problems that are plaguing the church there, and how Paul desires to deal with them. Let us ask some questions of our text, and see what answers it has for us:

1. Who needs discipline?

2. What must happen in discipline?

3. What is the desired outcome of discipline?

4. What is the guiding principle in discipline?