"The Final Judgement"

March 30, 2025

FBC Baxley

am service

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Welcome radio and online guests…

** I want you to know, GOD LOVES YOU!

*We have all entered with different burdens, problems, etc., we are all here seeking God’s will, way and plan.

Some rescued, redeemed, Some Saved….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

“The Final Judgment”

Titus 2:11-15

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

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.

15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

PRAY-

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Three Points:

The Presentation of Grace vv.11-12

2. The Promise of Glory vv.13-14

3. The Priority of Godliness vv.14-15

Introduction:

On March 18, 2025, the state of Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman Jr., sparking renewed debates about the fairness and finality of capital punishment. (nitrogen-hypoxia)

His appeals reached the highest courts, but the verdict remained unchanged.

This earthly judgment, however, is temporary compared to the final and eternal judgment of God.

Two judgements

Great White throne Unbelievers

Judgement seat of Christ Believers

One day, every person will stand before the righteous Judge, Jesus Christ, to give an account.

The question is: Are we ready?

Paul’s letter to Titus reveals three key truths about God’s grace and the coming judgment:

1. The Presentation of Grace (v. 11-12)

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people." (v. 11)

The word "appeared" (Greek: epiphaneia) means a sudden and glorious manifestation.

This refers to Christ’s first coming, where God’s grace was made visible.

Dr. Thomas Schreiner notes in the NICNT that this grace is the foundation of salvation, universally offered but effectually applied through faith.

This grace is not passive—it teaches (Greek: paideuō, meaning to train or discipline) us to reject sin and pursue holiness.

We are called to say "No" to ungodliness (asebeia, irreverence toward God) and worldly desires (kosmikai epithumiai, cravings for temporal pleasures).

Adrian Rogers said, "Grace is not simply leniency when we sin. Grace is the enabling gift of God to overcome sin. Grace gives us power, not just pardon."

2. The Promise of Glory (v. 13-14)

"While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." (v. 13)

Believers live with anticipation of Christ’s return, the second epiphaneia, when He will come as Judge and King.

Christ "gave Himself" (v. 14) to redeem (Greek: lutroō, meaning to set free by paying a price) us from all wickedness and to purify a people for Himself.

His second coming will not bring grace to all but justice to those who reject Him (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

H.B. Charles Jr. reminds us, "The return of Christ is not a fairy tale. It is a promised reality. We must live each day with urgency, knowing that He is coming again."

3. The Priority of Godliness (v. 14-15)

"These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority." (v. 15)

As we await judgment, we must live zealous for good works (zēlōtēs kalōn ergōn—eager and passionate about doing what is right).

True saving faith is evidenced by obedience and holiness (James 2:17).

17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

We must proclaim truth with boldness, knowing that God's authority backs His Word.

The Reformers emphasized Sola Scriptura, emphasizing that all doctrine and practice must be rooted in God’s unchanging revelation.

Adrian Rogers stated, "It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills."

Living godly lives is not an option but a command in preparation for the final judgment.

As Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Holiness is not the way to Christ, but Christ is the way to holiness."

Life Applications:

Receive God's Grace – Salvation is available to all, but it must be personally accepted. Have you received Christ’s redeeming grace?

2. Rest in God’s Glory – Live with anticipation of Christ’s return, making daily choices that reflect an eternal perspective.

3. Reflect Godliness – Our faith should be evident in our works, proving that we are set apart for Christ.

Conclusion:

Earthly judgments are temporary, but God's judgment is final.

His grace has appeared, His glory will return, and our godliness should be evident.

Are we prepared for the final judgment?

Let us live in light of eternity!

PRAY

Invitation

“Are you born again?”

“Have you surrendered/repented to Jesus?