“Review: Character, Grace, and Works in Titus” (Titus 1–3)

Series: “Titus: Godly People, Godly Church,” #18Text: Titus 1–3

By: Shaun Marksbury Date: September 15, 2024

Venue: Living Water Baptist ChurchOccasion: PM Service

Introduction

This morning, I alluded to Ephesians 2 and 4 as we consider the building of the church. The Holy Spirit was at work in the apostles and prophets, building a foundation. The Master Architect designed a building, and now the people of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, are at work putting everything into place. We must follow every detail exactly for the structure to stand strong and fulfill its purpose.

We see the blueprint for the church in the pastoral epistles, such as the Book of Titus here. The church is God’s “building,” and everything we do must be built upon the foundation He laid. This not only includes leadership or membership or other questions of structure, but also the character and the grace which comprise the plumbing and electrical of the building.

To close this series on the Book of Titus, we’re reflecting on the apostle Paul’s instructions concerning the essential traits of a healthy church. This evening, we see that a godly church is characterized by strong leadership, established in grace, and devoted to good works. In this message, we will review each chapter and key paragraph in Titus to understand the complete vision for a godly church.

First, the character of a godly church (chapter 1)

The first four verses give us the introduction to this letter. Paul opens with a strong focus on his apostolic authority and his mission. He underscores the truth of the gospel, which is in accordance with godliness and rooted in the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2). This truth forms the foundation of a godly church: it’s built on sound doctrine, a correct view of God’s promises, and an unwavering hope in His eternal purposes.

We then move on to a section that took us weeks to examine, vv. 5–9. There, Paul directs Titus to appoint elders in every city, giving him the rubric to use in the selection process. Godly leadership is essential to the church, as is the structure of the polity. We noted that many Southern Baptist churches in particular have strayed from their founding, replacing an elder-led leadership structure with a single-pastor model, a deacon-led model, or a congregation-led model. We should seek to have the most biblical model possible.

This underscores the importance of having the right men at the helm of the ship. The character of a godly church begins with godly leadership, and we must not look elsewhere than the Spirit-inspired outline here. Some churches don’t know this in the pastoral search process, looking for people who have a business degree or some other credential the Lord doesn’t command. We should instead look for men whose lives are simply “above reproach” (v. 6), who are faithful in their family life, self-controlled, and holding firmly to sound doctrine. This passage highlights that the leaders of the church must reflect the very character of Christ.

We then move to vv. 10–16 as we continue considering the character of a godly church. These verses teach us by way of contrast. Paul warns against false teachers who disrupt the church for personal gain (v. 11). A godly church must guard itself against such divisive influences! We must sometimes call out false teaching and teachers, for they are rebellious, “empty talkers, and deceivers" (v. 10). A key mark of a godly church is discernment — knowing how to refute error and protect the purity of the gospel — and a commitment to church discipline.

This doesn’t mean that we are people always looking to pick a fight. In fact, we’re more interested in investing ourselves in one another for mutual edification. This is a result of God’s grace, as we see next.

Second, the grace in a godly church (chapter 2)

In this chapter, Paul shifts from the character of church leadership to the conduct of every believer in the church. He urges Titus to teach “things fitting for sound doctrine” (v. 1). This flows to each group within the church, as we see through v. 10.

As such, everyone — older men, older women, younger women, and younger men — has specific instructions about how they should live in light of the gospel. Older men are called to be temperate, dignified, and sound in faith. Older women are to be reverent, teaching younger women to love their families. Young men are to be examples of good deeds, maintaining purity and integrity. Bondservants or slaves are also to be submissive and show themselves as trustworthy in all things, with application today to the workplace.

Regardless of their social position or station, every Christ should live in such a way that “they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” (v. 10). Thus, this isn’t moralistic teaching (do this, don’t do that). Rather, this passage emphasizes how grace transforms every aspect of life. The grace of God shapes how we live, not just individually, but as a community. The relationships in the church are guided by mutual care, discipleship, and a commitment to holiness. Even in difficult circumstances, the grace of God enables believers to live lives that reflect the gospel.

That’s underlined in the next verses. In vv. 11–12, we get to not only the theological heart of this chapter, but also the letter as a whole. These verses are the hub for any godly church. We cannot have a godly church through fleshly effort or simple conformity to biblical principles. Rather, we need the grace of God instructing and transforming each of us for His glory!

We read here of the appearance of God’s saving grace. V. 11 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” This grace isn’t just a theological idea, a category known in soteriology to be defined on some paper a seminary student submits. This is a powerful, transformative move of the Holy Spirit which saves us. It then teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live righteously in this present age (v. 12).

Now, this doesn’t mean that leadership and structure is unimportant. It must be, however, all directed by the Holy Spirit. When an elder is operating properly, as Titus was, v. 15 applies; Paul instructs Titus to speak these truths with authority, not allowing anyone to disregard him.

A godly church, then, is lead from the front by the grace of God. It not only proclaims the gospel of grace, it lives it in the lives of all its members, young and old. As that happens, it engages in new works, bringing us to the final point.

Third, the works of a godly church (chapter 3)

In the final chapter, Paul turns to the practical theme of good works. In the first couple of verses, we read that a godly church is known by its actions. Paul reminds Titus to instruct the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good deed. The godly church is not inward-looking but outwardly focused, showing kindness, gentleness, and humility to all people.

We saw in the first two verses that this starts with authorities. We noted that Christians are never called to a blind obedience, such as if an official commands us to sin. However, our default position should be that of being good citizens.

Paul then shifts in the third verse to reminding us of the believers’ past condition. He says, “For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures.” This is a humbling reminder of the mercy God has shown to each one of us. Members of a godly church recognize that every good work we perform is a response to the grace and mercy that God has poured out on us.

This is accentuated in vv. 4–7. We read about the kindness and grace of God appearing and saving us. The church is not built on human merit or effort, but on the mercy of God, who has saved us by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Our salvation is not by works of righteousness, but by God’s grace. This is a reminder that the works of the church must flow from the work of God in Christ, empowered by the Spirit. Our good works result from the good news of Jesus Christ.

That brings us to v. 8. There, Paul emphasizes that this message is trustworthy, and that believers should be careful to engage in good deeds. Again, good works are not the foundation of salvation, but they are the necessary fruit of it. A godly church is full of people who are actively engaged in good deeds, which demonstrate the reality of the gospel in their lives. We care about doing good for all people.

Good works include keeping the church pure. In the next verse, Paul warns against foolish controversies, genealogies, and disputes about the Law, which are “unprofitable and worthless” (v. 9). The church must stay focused on the gospel and avoid division. A godly church is marked by unity built around the truth and the avoidance of unnecessary quarrels that can distract from its mission.

Finally, we come to Paul’s personal remarks in vv. 12–15. In these closing verses, we also see the importance of good works and supporting those who labor in the gospel. He instructs Titus to help Zenas and Apollos, and to ensure that the church learns to engage in good works to meet pressing needs (v. 14). We see the importance of building a godly legacy within the church. So, a godly church is not just a teaching church but a serving church, meeting needs and supporting the work of the ministry.

Conclusion

As we review the Book of Titus, we see a clear picture of what a godly church looks like. It’s marked by character, as seen in the godly leaders and believers who are shaped by sound doctrine. It’s grounded in grace, the transforming power of the gospel, which teaches us to live in holiness. And it’s demonstrated through good works, the fruit of a life transformed by the kindness and mercy of God.

May we, as a church, strive to embody these truths, living lives that honor God, adorn the gospel, and serve others for His glory.