Titus 3 Part 6

Titus 3 Part 6

Amazing Grace

Titus 3:7 (NIV) — 7 so that, having been justified by his GRACE, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:7 NIV

so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Amazing Grace

Much-loved hymn

John Newton composed “Amazing Grace” on New Year’s Day 1773.

Originally introduced as the conclusion to a sermon, encouraging reflection on God’s blessings and faithfulness.

Set to music and popularized through the hymnal Southern Harmony in 1850.  

The music reinforced the hymn’s emotional and theological content.

It is an emotional song.

Amazing Grace

“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, / That saved a wretch like me! / I once was lost, but now am 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!

Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares, / I have already come; / ‘Tis grace hath bro’t me safe this far, / And grace will lead me home.

It is definitely emotional.

It’s because we don’t get what we deserve.

We can be some pretty ungrateful people sometimes.

Let me show you how amazing that grace is!!

Let’s get the context.

Verse 4

Because of… “The goodness and loving kindness of God.”

Romans 5:8 (NIV) — 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 NIV

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God showed His love through action.

Verse 5

He saved us.

Not by our works or good deeds.

We asked the question:

“If you died today and stood before God and He asked, ‘Why should I let you into heaven?’ — what would your answer be?”

Verse 6

A benefit of that salvation was his Holy Spirit being “poured out” upon us.

It’s through this Holy Spirit we have the victory.

Verse 7

I want to point out three things.

Our position, our privilege, our promise (hope).

Our Hope

Justified by His Grace – Our Position

What “Justified” Means

Legal term. Courtroom language.

Declared righteous.

Not made perfect — declared right.

Romans 5:1 (NIV) — 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 5:1 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

You were not rehabilitated into acceptance.

You were declared righteous by grace.

How?

It Is By His Grace

Not effort - Not church attendance - Not good behavior - Not moral reform

“By His Grace”

Grace is: Undeserved– Unearned – Unrepayable

A man goes to court he’s guilty there’s a fine to pay.

We Might Become Heirs – Our Privilege

Justified → Become Heirs

Salvation is not just forgiveness.

It is family inclusion.

You were: Dead in sin - Outside the care and protection of God - Without hope

Now you are: Adopted – Included – Given an inheritance

What do we inherit?

Eternal life – God’s Kingdom – God’s presence – God’s guidance – God’s provision – God’s Blessings – A new heaven and new earth.

We don’t just go to heaven. There is so much more.

According to the Hope of Eternal Life – Our Promise

Biblical Hope Is Certainty

Hope in Scripture is not “I wish.”

It is confident expectation.

Titus 1:2 (CEB) — 2 Their faith and this knowledge are based on the hope of eternal life that God, who doesn’t lie, promised before time began.

Titus 1:2 CEB

Their faith and this knowledge are based on the hope of eternal life that God, who doesn’t lie, promised before time began.

This kind of hope: Anchors the soul – Soothes suffering – Outlasts disappointment

The Fallout of Sin.

Justification

What is good is a doctrine if we can’t apply it to our lives

Being justified is a legal status with God.

Our sin does not void that status.

Our standing before God remains secure.

But there is a fallout resulting from our sin.

A Damaged Relationship.

Our relationship with God experiences a disruption.

That broken relationship requires restoration.

There is a tension between you and God.

The resolution to this tension is confession and repentance.

When we feel conviction, guilt or shame. That is the work Holy Spirit in our lives correcting our behavior.

The Loss of Joy.

When we sin, we lose the joy of our salvation.

Sin undermines joy in the Christian life.

The joy of the Christian life is our communion with God/Jesus.

Sin breaks that communion.

Sin directly damages our joy.

Psalm 51:12 (NIV) — 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation

Psalm 51:12 NIV

Restore to me the joy of your salvation…

The discipline of the Lord. Hebrews 12

Action that Leads to Life.

Don’t focus on the sin.

Look at justification as motivation that fuels a godly lifestyle.

Being declared righteous will leads us to seek righteous living.

Let righteous become our new master.

ILLUSTRATION

The Holy Spirit and God’s word is your guide.

Both will give you the power to overcome.

To stand in the face of spiritual warfare.

Pursue righteous like your life depends on it.

We are heirs

God’s own family

Titus 3:7 (NIV) — 7 so that, having been justified by his GRACE, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:7 NIV

so that, having been justified by his GRACE, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Our certain hope.

This ole world is hard. And full of uncertainty

Can you sing it?

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound…