Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 14

As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ,27 in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.28

27 Eph. 6:18; Ps. 122:6
28 Rom. 16:1–2; 3 John 8–10

Titus 1:6-8

1. His Domestic Life

6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and

Ephesians 5:17

1. Do Not Be Foolish

17 Therefore do not be foolish,...

17...but understand what the will of the Lord is.

- God is patient with the non-Christian

- God is patient with the Christian

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 13

No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.26

26 Matt. 18:15–17; Eph. 4:2–3

Titus 1:5

1. The Apostle Leaves Titus In Crete For This

5 This is why I left you in Crete,

5...so that you might put what remained into order,

5...and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

Matthew 26:36-44

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.

Ephesians 5:15-16

1. Walk Carefully

15 Look carefully then how you walk,...

15...not as unwise but as wise,...

16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

1. God is present everywhere

Psalm 139:7-10,

2. God is near/imminent

Isaiah 57:15

3. God is in Hell

Revelation 14:10; 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

4. God is transcendent

Psalm 123:1; 1 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!

Psalms 97:9; 9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

Isaiah 6:1; In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up;…

Chapter 26: Of the Church

PARAGRAPH 12

As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.25

25 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6,14–15