This small group discussion guide draws directly from the sermon “Showcase - Harris Creek Sunday Morning | 11a |” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
Small Group Discussion Guide
"Hold the Line: Truth, Love, and the Church"
Based on Titus 1:10–16 | Harris Creek Baptist Church
A Note to Facilitators: This week's sermon addresses some topics that may feel sensitive or personally close to home for group members. Your goal is not to debate or convince, but to help your group engage honestly with Scripture and with each other. Create a safe, grace-filled space where people can ask real questions and share genuine struggles. You don't need to have all the answers — your job is to guide the conversation, not to be the expert. Trust the Holy Spirit to do the deeper work.
OVERVIEW
In this sermon from Titus 1:10–16, the message confronted the reality of false teaching that has crept into the modern church — not from outside enemies, but from within. Using the vivid, personal story of a lost son and a broken household rule, the sermon called the church to three responses: don't let corrupt counsel contaminate the church, correct others out of genuine care and concern, and share Christ with people who are spiritually lost. The central conviction is that silence in the face of sin is itself a failure of love, and that truth and love must always travel together.
BEFORE YOUR GROUP MEETS
Suggested Reading: Titus 1:10–16 | Matthew 18:15–17 | Ephesians 4:15
Pray for your group — that members would feel safe to be honest, that the Spirit would guide the conversation, and that the focus would remain on grace and truth together, not judgment.
Estimated Total Time: 60–90 minutes
SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER
(5–10 minutes)
Opening Question — Choose ONE:
Option A (lighter, story-based):
"Think of a rule you had growing up that seemed unnecessary or annoying at the time — but looking back, you now understand why it existed. What was it, and what changed your perspective?"
Option B (slightly more reflective):
"Has there ever been a time when someone told you a hard truth that you didn't want to hear — but it ended up being one of the most loving things anyone ever did for you? What was that like?"
[Leader Tip]: Let this question breathe. The icebreaker is designed to warm the group up emotionally and relationally before diving into heavier content. Don't rush to the next section. If the room is quiet, share your own answer first to model vulnerability.
SECTION 2: SCRIPTURE READING
(5 minutes)
Have someone in the group read the passage aloud. Invite the group to listen for words or phrases that stand out to them.
PRIMARY TEXT — Titus 1:10–16 (NIV)
"For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach — and that for the sake of dishonest gain. One of Crete's own prophets has said it: 'Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.' This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth.
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
SUPPORTING TEXTS — For Reference During Discussion:
Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV)
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Matthew 18:15 (NIV)
"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over."
1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV)
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."
Brief Context for Facilitators to Share:
Titus was a young church leader left by the Apostle Paul on the island of Crete to organize new churches and appoint godly leaders. The island had a reputation for moral looseness, and false teachers — many of them insiders claiming religious authority — were leading people astray. Paul's letter to Titus is urgent and direct: the church must be anchored in truth, led by people of integrity, and willing to speak clearly even when it's uncomfortable.
SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(30–45 minutes)
Work through as many questions as time allows. Questions are organized from observational to deeper application. You don't need to cover every question — choose what fits your group best.
THEME A: Recognizing False Teaching
(Titus 1:10–11 | 2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Question 1 (Observational — Start Here)
"What stood out to you most from Sunday's sermon — whether it challenged you, surprised you, or resonated with you? Why?"
[Leader Tip]: This is your temperature-check question. It tells you where your group is emotionally and spiritually before you go deeper. Some people may express discomfort or disagreement — that's okay. Acknowledge their honesty and let it become part of the conversation rather than shutting it down.
Question 2 (Interpretive)
"In Titus 1:10–11, Paul describes false teachers as 'rebellious,' speaking 'meaningless talk,' and being 'deceptive.' In your own words, what do you think makes a teaching 'false' — and how is that different from someone simply having a different opinion or interpretation?"
Follow-up if discussion stalls:
"What's the difference between a secondary issue where Christians can disagree, and a core teaching where the church must hold a firm line?"
Question 3 (Reflective)
"The sermon described how false teaching often doesn't come from obvious outsiders, but from people who 'sound religious' and seem to know God. Why do you think that makes it more dangerous — and how does it change how we evaluate what we hear?"
[Leader Tip]: This question is designed to help the group think critically without becoming paranoid or suspicious of everyone. If needed, redirect toward the principle: the test is always Scripture, not personality or reputation.
THEME B: Truth and Love Together
(Ephesians 4:15 | 1 Corinthians 13:6 | Matthew 18:15)
Question 4 (Personal)
"The sermon offered two phrases worth sitting with: 'Truth without love — you're a nuisance' and 'Love without truth — you're negligent.' Which of those two tendencies do you think comes more naturally to you personally? Which one is harder?"
Follow-up:
"What does it look like practically to hold both truth and love together in a real relationship — with a friend, a family member, or a coworker?"
[Leader Tip]: This is one of the most personally revealing questions in the guide. Give people space to be honest. Avoid letting this become abstract or theological — keep bringing it back to real relationships and real situations. Introverts may want a moment to think before sharing, so don't rush.
Question 5 (Application)
"The sermon used the image of a doctor who cares enough to tell a patient the truth about their health. In what ways does that image shape how you think about speaking truth to someone you love who may be heading in a harmful direction?"
Follow-up:
"What makes that kind of honest, caring conversation feel risky? What would need to be true about a relationship for it to happen well?"
Question 6 (Community)
"Matthew 18:15 shows that Jesus himself had a process for addressing sin in relationships — starting privately, then with a few others if needed. What would it look like for our group to actually practice this kind of accountable, caring community with each other?"
[Leader Tip]: This question invites the group to think about their own community, not just abstract principles. It may surface both hope and hesitation. That's healthy. If someone expresses fear of judgment, affirm that accountability done well is rooted in love, not condemnation.
THEME C: Professing vs. Possessing Faith
***(Titus 1:15–16)*
Question 7 (Interpretive)
"Titus 1:16 says some people 'claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.' The sermon pointed out that even the demons believe the right facts about Jesus. What's the difference between believing information about Jesus and actually knowing and following Jesus?"
Follow-up:
"How does that distinction show up in everyday life — in the way someone actually lives, relates to others, or makes decisions?"
Question 8 (Personal — Invitation to Reflect)
"The preacher shared honestly that for years, he had what he called a 'demonic faith' — all the right beliefs, but no real heart change or life transformation. Have you ever experienced a season like that, or known someone who did? What changed — or what would need to change?"
[Leader Tip]: This is a sensitive question that may touch on someone's personal salvation or spiritual history. Treat it with care. It's not an interrogation — it's an invitation to honest self-reflection. If someone seems uncertain about their own faith, this is a pastoral moment. Don't rush past it. You may want to follow up with them personally after the group.
THEME D: Responding to the Lost
***(Luke 15 | Titus 1:15–16)*
Question 9 (Application)
"The sermon ended with the image of an entire neighborhood mobilizing to find one lost boy — neighbors, friends, police, strangers. The preacher connected that to how the church should pursue people who are spiritually lost. What does that kind of all-hands, no-quit pursuit of the lost actually look like in your daily life and relationships?"
Question 10 (Closing Discussion Question)
"The sermon suggested that when we encounter someone who is 'steeped in false teaching' or living far from God, the answer isn't primarily to correct their beliefs — it's to share Christ with them. How does leading with the gospel change the posture and tone of those conversations?"
Follow-up:
"Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to lead with the gospel rather than with correction? What's one step you could take toward them this week?"
SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION
(10–15 minutes)
Invite group members to reflect quietly for 1–2 minutes before sharing. These questions are personal — no one should feel pressured to share if they're not ready.
Reflection Questions — Choose 2–3:
1. The Watchword Test
"The sermon described Scripture as the only reliable moral compass in a 'dark and decaying world.' On a scale of 1–10, how much is God's Word actually shaping your daily thinking and decisions right now? What would it look like to move that number up one or two points?"
2. The Silence Question
"Is there a relationship in your life right now where you have been silent about something that matters — not because you don't care, but because you're afraid of the awkwardness or the response? What would it look like to speak the truth in love in that relationship this week?"
3. The Gospel Question
"Think of someone in your life who is spiritually lost or living in a way that concerns you. Are you more tempted to lecture them about their choices, or to share Christ with them? What would it look like to lead with the gospel in that relationship?"
4. The Soundness Check
"Paul's goal in rebuking false teaching is that people would be 'sound in the faith' — spiritually healthy. What is one area of your own spiritual life that feels less than healthy right now? What would it look like to bring that honestly before God and your community this week?"
5. The Prodigal Prayer
"The sermon closed with a call to 'never stop praying for those who are lost.' Who is the prodigal in your life — the person you're praying would come home to God? Take a moment to name them silently before God right now."
"This Week" Challenge — Choose One:
📖 Word: Begin or restart a daily Bible reading habit this week using the Harris Creek Bible reading plan (available through the church) or a resource like the ESV Study Bible. Set a specific time and place.
💬 Conversation: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel — not correction, but the good news of Jesus. Pray for them daily this week, and ask God for one natural opportunity to share.
🤝 Community: Reach out to one person in your small group or church this week to check in, encourage, or offer to pray with them. Practice the kind of caring, honest community the sermon described.
📚 Resource: Visit gotquestions.org and look up one topic from the sermon that you want to understand better from a biblical perspective. Come ready to share what you found at your next group meeting.
SECTION 5: PRAYER FOCUS
(5–10 minutes)
Close your time together in prayer. You can pray as a full group, in pairs, or have one person lead. Use these suggested topics as a guide:
Suggested Prayer Topics:
🙏 For Soundness in the Faith
Pray that your group — and your church — would be anchored in God's Word and protected from teachings that lead astray.
🙏 For Courage to Speak Truth in Love
Pray for the courage to have honest, caring conversations with people you love — and for the wisdom to lead with grace, not judgment.
🙏 For the Lost
Pray by name for prodigals, for friends and family members who don't yet know Jesus, and for those in your community who are spiritually searching.
🙏 For the Church
Pray for Harris Creek and for churches everywhere — that they would hold the line with God's Word while remaining a place of radical welcome and genuine love.
🙏 For Personal Transformation
Pray that God would bring soundness and health to any area of your own life that needs it — and that you would be honest with him and with your community about what those areas are.
Suggested Closing Prayer Prompt:
Go around the group and invite each person to share one word or one sentence describing what they want God to do in them as a result of this week's message. Then close in prayer together.
SECTION 6: OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
(For groups wanting to go further)
These questions are for groups with more time, higher biblical familiarity, or a desire to explore the topic more thoroughly.
Deep Dive Question 1 — The Nature of Heresy
"The sermon drew a distinction between sins that are present in the church (which have always been there) and sins that are being taught and endorsed by the church as acceptable or even good. Why does that distinction matter theologically? What changes when a church moves from acknowledging human struggle with sin to officially endorsing that sin as consistent with Christian faithfulness?"
Explore further: Galatians 1:6–9 | Romans 1:18–32 | Jude 1:3–4
Deep Dive Question 2 — The Fear of Man
"The sermon quoted Galatians 1:10 — 'If I was still seeking to please people, I would not be a servant of God' — and Proverbs 29:25 — 'The fear of man is a snare.' What does it look like practically when the fear of man drives our decisions about what to say or not say? And how does the fear of God — rightly understood — actually set us free rather than burden us further?"
Explore further: Proverbs 29:25 | Galatians 1:10 | Acts 5:29
Deep Dive Question 3 — Grace, Law, and the Gospel
"The sermon warned against two opposite errors: cheap grace (you're forgiven, so sin doesn't matter) and legalism (adding requirements beyond what Scripture teaches). How do we hold these in tension? What does it look like to preach and live the gospel in a way that takes both sin and grace with full seriousness — without collapsing into either extreme?"
Explore further: Romans 6:1–4 | Galatians 2:20–21 | Titus 2:11–14
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For Personal Study:
- 📖 ESV Study Bible — Full text with conservative evangelical commentary
- 🌐 GotQuestions.org — Biblically grounded answers to hundreds of questions on faith, ethics, and life
- 📧 Harris Creek Bible Reading Plan — Contact the church or visit harriscreek.org for details
For Further Reading on This Week's Topics:
- The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
- Costly Grace by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (abridged from The Cost of Discipleship)
- True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer
Church Opportunities Mentioned in the Sermon:
- 💰 MoneyWise — October 6 | What God says about finances and stewardship
- 📖 Men's Study / Sisterhood — October 8 | Sermon on the Mount
- ✈️ To the Nations Mission Trips — 17 trips active | harriscreek.org/tothenations
- 🙌 The Net Worship Night — Thursday, 6:30–7:30 a.m. | Open to everyone
QUICK-REFERENCE GUIDE FOR FACILITATORS
| Section | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Icebreaker | 5–10 min |
| Scripture Reading + Context | 5 min |
| Discussion Questions (choose 5–7) | 30–45 min |
| Personal Application | 10–15 min |
| Prayer Focus | 5–10 min |
| Total | 55–85 min |
Final Note for Facilitators: If your group ends tonight with more questions than answers, that's okay — that's often where real growth begins. Your job is not to resolve every tension, but to help people engage honestly with God's Word and with each other. Trust the process. Trust the Spirit. And don't forget to check in on group members who seemed particularly moved, troubled, or quiet tonight.
This guide was prepared for small group use at Harris Creek Baptist Church. For questions about this guide or additional pastoral support, contact your group coordinator or the church office.