… in the world

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If you are faced with a specific reality, you ought to respond in a certain way; you need to take action.

Truth that leads to godliness

Paul writing to Titus…

Paul had left Titus, in about 62-64 A.D. Titus had been an apprentice to Paul for 15-20 years by the time of Paul’s death.

Titus 1:1 NIV

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—

Titus 1:4–5 NIV

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

<Crete map>

Crete

Appoint Godly Elders… to correct and encourage sound doctrine.

Titus 2:11–12 NIV

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Why live a Godly life?

We wait for the return of Jesus who has purified us (14) - waiting can be difficult, waiting brings temptation, waiting brings destraction… but we must remember Jesus while we wait, we must remember that he died to redeem us from wickedness and to purify us… we must remember that:

We were created to do good (14) - we weren’t saved just to ignore God, we weren’t saved to live however we like, we were saved for a purpose, we were saved as part of a plan to transform us and the world, we were saved to do good… to live as our creator has designed us, to live for his glory and our good… we live godly lives because of:

God’s reputation (5) - Each time we give in to sin, each time we have a loose word, each time we go along in comfort doing as Aussies do, we put at jeopardy the reputation of our glorious God. People do malign him calling him a fairytale, calling him a war monger, calling him untrustworthy, calling him a mere tool of oppression… people malign God and his word, because of our behaviour. The Lord doesn’t want his name dragged through the mud by his people; no He was us to be like him, he wants us to consider:

The spiritual well being of others (8,10) - the Christian life is about putting off and putting on, it is about adorning the gospel, it is about living in such a way that the gospel becomes attracted to the outsider, they may even be convicted of their sin; but the prayer is that they woudl have the hope as we do, the same faith as we do, and the same love that we do… all in the Lord Jesus Christ. Is this your hope and prayer for those around you?

Titus 2:15 NIV

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Truth that leads to godliness … in the world.

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Remember… godliness

Titus 3:1–2 NIV

1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Your obligations to rulers…

Your obligations to everyone…

Recall your past

Titus 3:3 NIV

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Lives distinguished…

Lives united…

Repeat the message of grace

Titus 3:4–11 NIV

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Distinctives of grace…

Distractions to grace…

Renew your devotion

Titus 3:12–15 NIV

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Titus’ commitment to serve

v14… devotion to doing what is good.

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Remember godliness

Recall your past

Repeat the message of grace

Renew your devotion