Titus 2:11-15

Purified, Peculiar, People of God.

Set Time/Prayer

Loving Father, cause our hearts to burn within as the Holy Spirit opens up the sacred Scriptures to us, in Jesus name I pray, Amen

Introduction

After Paul has given his son in the ministry. Titus some divinely inspired instructions and qualifications for church leaders and how the various groups of people are to live and conduct themselves in the church. This chapter closes by letting and reminding the people that they do this because of all that God had done for them.

Transitional Sentence

In our Bible text today we will unload and unpack what the Lord God has done that will exhort and encourage us to live as “Purified, Peculiar People of God.” (peculiar comes from the KJV, and the AMP Bible) To bring some clarity and understanding to the word peculiar. The word is centers on divine ownership and treasured status, not some odd or weird behavior as our modern English has made it out to be. The word comes from the Latin pecilium which means private property. So in the Roman culture and context of this word it refers to savings accumulated by any enslaved persons the law protected as their own. With the understanding Paul borrowed that term and word to express the kind of ownership God claims of we who have been redeemed after being lost. Good God Almight.

Main Points

Let us stand and read today’s focal text: Titus 2:11–15 “11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

The grace of God has appeared to Purified, Peculiar People of God. Ephesians 2:8–9 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This appearance comes by revelation not by human flesh or works. Matthew 11:27 “27 “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” Matthew 16:16–18 “16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” The purified, peculiar, people of God are the ones chosen by God: Titus 1:1 “1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,” Then made up of the elders, overseers, older men, older women, young women, young men, and slaves. That is nothing but God’s grace . This grace is referring to God’s unmerited favor, God’s goodness and extreme kindness, God’s compassion and mercy towards undeserving sinners. Luke 18.10-14 the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple. The old Hymn Speaks of this this grace appearing. Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind, but now I see 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed

Verse 2 The Purified, Peculiar People of God are instructed to deny and live. We are not to be like King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:10 “10 All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor.” Verse 11 instructs the Purified Peculiar People of God how to live out a transformed life. We must make the connection between what God has done for us and how we must respond to that. Salvation is not just a one time event or experience that is disconnected from our daily behavior. Salvation cannot be fully experienced when you are not expected to live a different kind of life. When you have fully grasped, realized and recognized that the amazing grace of God has appeared to you in the person of Jesus Christ you will be truly motivated and inspired to reject, and deny and an all destructive patterns and behaviors and pursue kingdom values and principles. Self-control, uprightness, and godliness will come into alignment and rhythm with your relationship with yourself, others, and the Lord God. We daily demonstrate the power of the gospel as our conduct and behavior becomes a visible testimony of the reality of God’s grace. Philippians 2:12 “12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;” The verse work our your salvation, not work for your salvation. Romans 12:1–2 “1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Let your lips, life, and love show forth the grace of God. Four Bible verses to help you deny and live. Romans 13:13–14 “13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Colossians 3:1–3 “1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Philippians 4:8 “8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:13 “13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Verse 13 The Purified Peculiar People of God are looking for the appearing of the glory our great God and Savior Christ Jesus. Simple put if you are caught up in ungodliness, wordly desires, living in a bunch of nonsense daily, you will not be looking for and having hope in seeing the appearing of the glory of Christ Jesus. You are to busy striving and stressing to surrender and submit. People want solutions and happiness not a Savior and holiness. Having that blessed hope means that we live with the continual expectation and anticipation that the Lord Jesus Christ could return at any time and moment and should shape and dictate our daily choices and priorities. With that hope by the power of the Holy Spirit we live out a pure and godly life in and unholy and ungodly world. The pain, problems, and pressure are so very pale when you compare to the glory that we believers someday experience. That is what brings encouragement and peace in the midst suffering. We are anchored in a reality that far exceeds any and all current or future circumstances. This hope rests on the promises of God not mere human speculations. This hope will never ever disappoint. Bible support and references. Romans 8:18 “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 “17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” Hebrews 6:19 “19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,” 2 Corinthians 1:20 “20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 “9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Quote by A. W. Tozer

“Only a Christian has a right to hope, for only he has the power of God to give substance to his hope.” I would just add not only the power of God but also the faithfulness of God.

4. Verse 14 The Purified Peculiar People God are zealous for good deeds. Before I go any further, let me give you some theological insight that supports the deity of Christ and the Trinity. This verse as a continuation of verse 13 the great God and Saviour Christ Jesus gave Himself for us. In John three sixteen it says that” For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” So we see the Father giving the Son and we see the Son giving Himself. Jesus gave Himself no one else was qualified to redeem us. No one else was all God and all man at the same time. No one else live and perfect life and knew no sin. No one else could bear our sins in His own body. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 1 Peter 2:24 “24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” Jesus Christ gave Himself to redeem us and to cleanse us for His own use and eager zealous to do good works, deeds. We are not to be lazy or slothful. Psalm 100:2 “2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.”

Romans 12:11 “11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;” We have been ransomed and are called to become excited and enthusiastic about acting in ways that please God. We bring the balance against a world that is orientated to doing evil. When evil or misfortune strikes Christian need to be first responder eager and zealous to do something good. Not only then but doing good when unexpected. I get so excited when some you respond back to the weekly spiritual check up I text to you. It is not to embarrass you but to to encourage you to be mindful of the activities of God. "Use me Lord I am available to You.” I want to challenge all of us present and online, when you first get out bed say these words for the next seven days. “Lord us me I am available to You.”

5. Verse 15 The Purified Peculiar People of God speak, exhort, reprove and will not be disregarded. Speak about God grace, salvation, godly things, the blessed hope you have, the appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus, Jesus giving Himself for you, your redemption, exhort those who living righteously and doing good works, deeds, and those who are struggling in their walk of faith. Reprove correct those who have erred and continue err. Do it with love, grace, compassion, and a spirit of gentleness. Do it with authority and remember other believers have authority to reprove correct you when you are out of order.

Conclusion/Application

Conclusion: In Titus 2:11-15, the apostle Paul explains the transformative power of God's grace and how it should impact the lives of believers. This passage emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, showing self-control, godliness, and obedience to God's will. Therefore As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that honors God and reflects His grace in our lives. We should strive to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives, being a light to the world and bringing glory to God through our actions and attitudes. By submitting to God's will and allowing His grace to transform us, we can walk in obedience and fulfill the purpose for which He has called us. Let us seek to apply the teachings of Titus 2:11-15 in our daily lives, striving to be a living testimony of God's love and grace to those around us. Remember you are not the one doing by yourself it is God working in you. Philippians 2:13 “13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Response 

“LORD WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME TO DO?LORD SPEAK AND I WILL TRUST AND OBEY”

Firm in the Faith and in God- Keep pressing on to Higher Ground 1. I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Refrain: Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven's table land; A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2. My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Tho' some may dwell where these abound, My pray'r, my aim is higher ground.

Finding Faith in God- Remember you have been redeemed. 1 Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! redeemed through His infinite mercy— His child, and forever, I am.

Refrain: Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! Redeemed, redeemed– His child and forever, I am.

2 Redeemed and so happy in Jesus, no language my rapture can tell! I know that the light of His presence with me doth continually dwell. [Refrain]

Fallen from the Faith and in God- Jesus is tenderly calling you back home1 Jesus is tenderly calling you home, calling today, calling today. Why from the sunshine of love will you roam farther and farther away?

Refrain: Calling today, calling today, Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

2 Jesus is calling the weary to rest, calling today, calling today. Bring Him your burden and you shall be blest; He will not turn you away. [Refrain]

Far from the Faith and God-You can have victory in Jesus I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood's atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory. Chorus O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.

Prayer

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