I think men need to blow up "accountability groups" and actually start studying scripture together. - via @loswhit #ImagineThat

Above is a tweet that I posted a couple weeks ago and last night was our first night of diving into Titus together with our "blowing up" accountability groups. I walked away very encouraged by the whole night. My wife Laura could tell that our couple's pray was answered by how I talked non-stop about the entire evening. Needless to say, I can't wait for our next time together!

When I shared my hopes and purposes for our time together, I saw many of the men resonating with head nods and smiles. Here are they are:

• I long for solid, godly male friends who will walk alongside me and other men in the church.
• I want to see spiritually healthy friendships, marriages, and families as a result of men wrestling with Scripture.
• I want to see humble, yet confident equipped men who know how to rightly handle the Word of God.
• I want to see men aspire to the offices of Elder and Deacon.

What I saw last night was men laboring together over Titus 1:1-3, laughing together, and ultimately taking a step out of their comfort zones and growing together. I know that the more that we meet together to pore over Scripture, the more this will be common place in our church and our families. We will also be personally deeply transformed as our minds are renewed (Romans 12:2).

Additional Tools/Reminders:

Handouts:

One of the things that I want to get into everyone's hands are the handouts that the men received in their binders. Share them!

• Titus  1- 3 (Observation Sheets)
• Hermeneutical Tools Booklet (from Leadership Resources International)
• Scripture Memory Booklet

Prayer before you start:

I also challenged them men to read through Titus at least five times a week so that they have a deep familiarity with Scripture and so that it takes up residence in their hearts. Before you jump into your reading, I would encourage you to take some time to pray for God's illumination. John Piper uses the acrostic I. O. U. S as he comes to the Bible.

I. Incline my hear to your testimonies. Psalm 119:36 (Since my heart is inclined to sleep and to work and to lots of things other than the Bible.)

O. Open my eyes to see wonders in your word. Psalm 119:18 (Since my heart is so often dull and blind to the wonders of the word.)

U. Unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11 (Since my heart is often divided and distracted in many directions)

S. Satisfy me with your steadfast love. Psalm 90:14 (Since my heart is so tempted to be satisfied in other things.)