(Titus 016) A Reminder for Missional Living
Church 101 | A Study Through the Book of Titus • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 43:03
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15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Introduction: getting the bigger picture
Introduction: getting the bigger picture
Paul’s charged Titus with an important task.
Paul’s charged Titus with an important task.
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
Paul’s charged Titus with an important task.
Paul’s charged Titus with an important task.
Put what remained into order.
Appoint elders in every town.
Paul’s challenged Titus to teach proper things.
Paul’s challenged Titus to teach proper things.
1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
Chapter 2 was the things that go along with sound doctrine.
Paul isn’t done with this challenge to Titus.
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Paul’s challenged Titus to teach proper things.
Paul’s challenged Titus to teach proper things.
“Declare these things”
The things that are proper and fitting sound doctrine.
Everything we have talked about in chapter 2.
“Let no one disregard you.”
Teaching these things will bring opposition.
Opposition in Crete
Opposition today.
Be ready and teach with such authority and vigor
So as to command respect
Push with such authority that men will listen.
Paul cautioned Titus that Christians will easily forget the mission.
Paul cautioned Titus that Christians will easily forget the mission.
Put them in mind of what is already known.
Set their thinking straight.
Having established the doctrinal basis for grace-motivated obedience, he tells Titus to keep “them”
The churches in Crete
Christians
focused on the mission
Here is what you are to set them in mind to do!
1. Live well. (vs. 1-2)
1. Live well. (vs. 1-2)
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Live well in this present age.
(1)A. Submit to rulers and authorities.
(1)A. Submit to rulers and authorities.
Christians were often looked on with suspicion in the Roman empire.
They were oddly different that the rest of society.
They met in private meetings in homes.
So it was important that they be good citizens.
They were being watched.
By submitting to authority we are showing the world our submission to God.
Paul uses two words to make sure there is not a loophole
Rulers and authorities
Higher and lower powers.
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
(1)A. Submit to rulers and authorities.
(1)A. Submit to rulers and authorities.
When wrote to Titus, Nero was the emperor of Rome.
Nero wanted Christians dead.
Why would God want us to submit even to a hostile government?
When we start living for God, we stop living for self!
Jesus said love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you.
There seems to be a reason for this reminder.
Most likely Jewish false teachers were stirring discontentment and rebellion against the government.
The idea Paul is using is willingly subjecting.
Normal people
Lash out against unfair government.
They resist and rebel
We are not normal people.
14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
(1)A. Submit to rulers and authorities.
(1)A. Submit to rulers and authorities.
We should not look like the world.
Submitting to authority will cause us to stand out drastically!
(1)B. Be obedient.
(1)B. Be obedient.
Various levels of authority.
Whomever we should be obeying.
Those we report to at work.
Civil laws
Parents
Our Christian lives should be marked by obedience
Obedience to each level of authority in our lives.
(1)C. Be ready for every good work.
(1)C. Be ready for every good work.
Obedient is the minimal.
Let’s also do good!
Obedience is - in a sense - neutral.
Good works makes us proactive (but is also obedience)
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
(1)C. Be ready for every good work.
(1)C. Be ready for every good work.
The focus in Titus seems to be doing good to the non-believing world so as to adorn the gospel of God!
Scholars agree that is not specifically Christian works of charity.
But an activities that go with being a good member of society.
Show public spirit in your community.
Paul says be ready.
Be prepared.
Be intentional!!
Living life on mission.
Making daily decisions with the mission in mind.
Be strategic not haphazard.
Don’t miss the opportunities.
We shouldn’t need urged.’
We shouldn’t need to be begged.
We should be zealous.
Eager
Excitedly looking for the next opportunity.
We should be ready for EVERY good work that comes our way.
The context is being prepared and willing to participate in activities that promote the welfare of our community.
When we are known for doing good in the world, there will be more opportunity to escape the accusation that we are opposed to all culture.
We are less likely to be characterized by hatred.
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
(1)C. Be ready for every good work.
(1)C. Be ready for every good work.
Salt not only bring flavor, but worth.
I am convinced we should be adding value to our community in some way.
7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
I am doing things over and above the reason I am on the fire department.
It is to bring value to the fire department and my community.
Seeking the welfare of the city!
"We draw people to Christ, not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it." Madeleine L’Engle
(1)D. Don’t speak evil of anyone.
(1)D. Don’t speak evil of anyone.
Don’t speak against them for the purpose of harming their reputation.
Don’t say anything to or about anyone that would cause harm or impact their reputation. (especially for the sake of harming them)
To be gentle with others.
Speaking evil of no one provides no exceptions.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
(1)D. Don’t speak evil of anyone.
(1)D. Don’t speak evil of anyone.
We need to follow the example of Jesus.
There may be times we are called on to report on someones character.
We may need to address sin with someone.
We should never exaggerate their behavior or do it for the purpose of their harm.
Nor should we find pleasure in it.
We want to have their best interest in mind.
No matter what they have done to us, just as Christ did.
(1)E. Avoid arguments.
(1)E. Avoid arguments.
Not brawlers.
Not looking for a fight.
But patient.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
(1)E. Avoid arguments.
(1)E. Avoid arguments.
Uncontentious.
At best we should be a catalyst in gospel progress.
At least we cannot be a hinderance to gospel progress.
(1)F. Be gracious.
(1)F. Be gracious.
“show perfect courtesy to all people.”
The Cretans could not be exclusive to who we show kindness too.
Remember they lived amongst all kinds of sinfulness.
Let’s think about it this way...
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
(1)F. Be gracious.
(1)F. Be gracious.
We are representing a different kingdom.
We need to make sure we make the King look good! (adorn the gospel)
We are not from here - we are guests in a foreign land.
We should be the best guests we can be!
The word courteous is often translated “meekness”.
Gentle
Meek
Humble
These are qualities Jesus called us to in the sermon on the mount.
Paul said they were the working of and the mark of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Do you show perfect courtesy to people?
What about people with differing political views.
What about people with a different lifestyle.
What about people who’s sin might be particularly off putting to you?
they are all people.
Paul doesn’t tell us to agree with them
Treat them with humility, gentleness, and meekness!
Don’t forget the audience.
This is intended for Christians in Crete.
Telling them how to live in a pagan city.
Paul is saying: don’t be critical of your lost neighbor.
2. Remember who you once were. (vs. 3)
2. Remember who you once were. (vs. 3)
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
Paul reminds the Ephesians...
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
2. Remember who you once were. (vs. 3)
2. Remember who you once were. (vs. 3)
When we start thinking we live in a time filled with more sin than other times,
Remember you and I once contributed to the sinfulness.
When you get frustrated with someone
Remember we were once just like them.
When Paul told Titus who we once were, we see that sin impacts us
Intellectually
Morally
Socially
When we remember that, it helps us understand the world around us.
(2)A. We were once foolish.
(2)A. We were once foolish.
Without spiritual wisdom or understanding.
This is the intellectual impact of sin on the human race.
21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
11 no one understands; no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
(2)A. We were once foolish.
(2)A. We were once foolish.
This is not a foolishness from lack of education.
This is a fundamental ignorance and disregard for spiritual truth.
Blind to God’s law.
(2)B. We were once disobedient.
(2)B. We were once disobedient.
This is what our foolishness got us.
We made a willful choice.
In the same way we are to obey at each level, we were disobedient at each level.
Ultimately...
We didn’t obey God.
We fought against God’s will.
We didn’t obey laws.
If we did it was only for fear of getting caught.
We were living for ourselves only.
We had plenty of evidence of our accountability but we ignored it.
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
(2)B. We were once disobedient.
(2)B. We were once disobedient.
We wonder how others can’t see God but we didn’t see God.
(2)C. We were once led astray.
(2)C. We were once led astray.
Believed the lies of this world.
Duped by false ideas.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
(2)C. We were once led astray.
(2)C. We were once led astray.
We had no understanding of spiritual truth.
Led astray by Satan because we were blind.
We had no understanding or care that we were led astray and disobedient.
With our intellect completely sinful and corrupt, our morals followed.
(2)D. We were once slaves to various passions and pleasures.
(2)D. We were once slaves to various passions and pleasures.
Sin impacted us morally.
We were sucked in.
Chasing every passion we had.
Finding no real fulfillment in the end.
The deception of this world tells us this is what we want to do.
But when we do it we constantly come up empty.
If chasing passions and pleasures is our everything and we see someone else that seemingly has what we don’t then that’s a problem.
(2)E. We once passed our time with malice and envy.
(2)E. We once passed our time with malice and envy.
Now we see the social impact of sin.
Malice - ill will towards others.
This originates selfishness.
Doing whatever it takes to get your own way.
Envy - wanting what others have.
So we dwell on it.
We begin to hate them.
We try to figure out what we can do to get it.
This is how we passed our time.
This is what we thrived on.
Getting our own way no matter what fueled us.
So that led to the next step
(2)F. We were on hated by and hated others.
(2)F. We were on hated by and hated others.
Our lives were full of hate.
We loathed people.
People detested us.
Because of our evil actions.
If you find yourself with resentment like this towards someone that is a problem.
It is a mark of the old nature.
People who consider themselves inclusive and tolerant
Are intolerant of people who aren’t the same way.
It is normal for people to stop talking to someone because they have been hurt.
13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
(2)F. We were on hated by and hated others.
(2)F. We were on hated by and hated others.
Is it any wonder that there is so much division in the world today.
We were once a part of the problem.
They don’t know any better.
We can’t expect them to know any better.
We can’t forget we were once like them.
We also can never forget that they are not the enemy!
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
(2)F. We were on hated by and hated others.
(2)F. We were on hated by and hated others.
Therefore we must treat them with perfect curtesy.
The need the gospel as we needed the gospel.
We cannot hinder gospel progress in their lives.
3. Remember why you are who you are now. (vs. 4-7)
3. Remember why you are who you are now. (vs. 4-7)
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
(3)A. We were saved by God’s loving kindness and mercy, not by our “good” deeds.
(3)A. We were saved by God’s loving kindness and mercy, not by our “good” deeds.
When the goodness and loving kindness of God appeared.
Not when we did enough good things.
Not when we started going to church.
Not when we were baptized.
But according to HIS OWN MERCY!
Grace - God’s unmerited favor.
Getting something we don’t deserve.
Mercy - NOT getting something we DO deserve.
Not only did God’s grace appear at a specific time in world history.
The goodness and loving kindness appeared at a specific time in MY story.
Chosen before the foundation of the world then on January 2, 1989 the goodness and loving kindness of God appeared in my life!
In that moment God washed my sins away.
Our salvation is not some abstract thing.
It isn’t because I believe in some form of a god.
Or even that I believe THE God exists.
James says the demons believe THE God exists.
It isn’t because I somehow gathered enough good things to out weigh the bad things so now life is different.
It isn’t even because I decided there must be more and started looking for God.
It is ONLY because unfathomable grace, goodness, and kindness of God appeared in my life!
I have absolutely no business judging or treating poorly those who are just like I was.
Especially when I had NOTHING to do with the reason I am no longer like them.
This is what Paul is telling Titus to remind the Christians in Crete.
Salvation is more than forgiveness of sins.
(3)B. We were washed by the Holy Spirit.
(3)B. We were washed by the Holy Spirit.
Bathed all over.
Completely made clean from our sin.
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
(3)C. We were made new by the Holy Spirit.
(3)C. We were made new by the Holy Spirit.
God didn’t just was away our sin.
We were dead.
We were useless.
We needed more.
God didn’t just remove something we deserve.
He made us new.
Reborn.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
(3)C. We were made new by the Holy Spirit.
(3)C. We were made new by the Holy Spirit.
We are made new because there was no fixing what we were.
We need to be completely made new.
Trying to fix ourselves before we repent and believe is a futile effort.
We are different from the world because the Holy Spirit made us new.
This (The Holy Spirit) was poured out RICHLY!
We think different.
We act different.
We aren’t better than them.
We also can’t expect them to think and act like us!
(3)D. We were justified by God’s amazing grace.
(3)D. We were justified by God’s amazing grace.
God gave us something we didn’t deserve.
Justification.
The price for our sin was paid and we were declared righteous.
13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
(3)D. We were justified by God’s amazing grace.
(3)D. We were justified by God’s amazing grace.
The first part of verse 13 describes what we were.
But when the goodness and lovingkindness of God appeared He made us alive together with Christ.
Because He forgave our trespasses.
He forgave because the legal record of my sin and its legal demands - death (Romans 6:23) were nailed to the cross.
God didn’t just forget about our sin.
The legal debt I owed was legally paid for.
Therefore I was declared righteous.
(3)E. These are the reasons we are royal heirs.
(3)E. These are the reasons we are royal heirs.
These are the reasons we are children of God.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
(3)E. These are the reasons we are royal heirs.
(3)E. These are the reasons we are royal heirs.
This is the only reason we have inherited eternal life.
This is the only reason we are not royalty.
So, Paul says...
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
This is a trustworthy saying.
This is an admirable truth and useful to people.
Insist on these things.
Be strongly assertive.
Lean in hard to the teaching of these things.
Pastor why do you so often talk about doing good works?
Because the Bible talks about it a lot.
Because we need reminded to do them.
Because Titus was told to insist on them.
Doing good is not a suggestion.
So those who believed will be carefully devoted.
Intentionally strategic.
That we don’t get distracted from or stop doing good works.
Doing so is excellent and profitable for people.
Who are the people it is excellent and profitable for?
All people.
You and I because we are living the life God left us here to live.
The lost community around us because we are being the hands and feet of Jesus and living out His love for them!
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
Us doing good works is profitable for everyone involved!
Scripture leaves no room for passive Christianity.
There is no picture of Sunday only Christians.
It is vitally important that we are intentionally and energetically engaged in doing good.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
4. Keep living well. (vs. 8)
Only by God’s grace we are not what we once were and we need to make sure God’s grace was not in vain.
It is not simply about obeying some rules, but making your life count!
5. Don’t be a part of foolishness. (vs 9-11)
5. Don’t be a part of foolishness. (vs 9-11)
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
5. Don’t be a part of foolishness. (vs 9-11)
5. Don’t be a part of foolishness. (vs 9-11)
We are coming to the end of Paul’s letter to Titus.
We are reading his final charge to Titus.
Like the beating of a drum, Paul has challenged the churches in Crete to maintain sound doctrine and be zealous to do good works.
These are not easy without people causing trouble.
It is imperative that the integrity of the churches be protected.
Avoid foolish
Controversies
Anything that is useless to argue about.
genealogies
Fables
Fairytales at times wondered to be true
dissensions
quarrels about the law
In this context, don’t get caught up arguing with false teachers.
Think before you enter a disagreement with someone.
We cannot waste our time with foolishness.
Put your time towards valuable things.
(5)A. Those who stir up foolishness are unprofitable and worthless.
(5)A. Those who stir up foolishness are unprofitable and worthless.
The context is false teachers.
Don’t engage them.
Don’t get caught up in lengthy discussions.
It is unprofitable to the gospel.
It is time spent NOT advancing the gospel.
The broader application is anyone that stirs up foolish controversies.
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
Divisiveness in church is lethal.
That why so much time is spent teaching unity!
Notice the difference between being in the world and in the church?
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—
10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?
13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
God gives us a pattern to follow.
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
(5)B. Those who stir up foolishness have no place in a local church.
We don’t usually think about divisiveness as a reason for church discipline, but it is.
If a person is stirring up foolishness, we are to have nothing to do with them.
Victor Masters understood this well when he writes, “Sentimentality is an enemy of church discipline. Sentimentality is the love of man divorced from love of truth . . . it cloaks a big lot of hypocrisy and moral decay.”