Titus 3:1-8

Remember all that God has done for you and be faithful to walk in obedience

Saved by mercy, transformed by the Spirit, devoted to good works.

1. (V1) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work

Remind them to live as citizens who honor Christ (vv. 1–2)

The Gospel Changes Our Conduct

a) Remind them

The Cretians had a reputation to be rough around the edges

Titus was to constantly remind the Christians under his care to show proper respect and humility towards all people, particularly those in a position of authority

Reminding them every authority has placed their by God

Come under authority, obey the law, be good citizens in your community

Even Jesus obeyed the law, when asked about paying taxes, he said give to Caesar what is Caesar’s

Of course there are times when we must obey God over the law

b) Be ready for every good work

Be ready in season and out of season. Be ready whether it's convenient or inconvenient. Be looking for opportunities to do good.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Ask the Lord to help you recognize an opportunity to do good

They’re are hurting people all around us

Maybe its taking the time to talk to someone

Maybe its inviting a co-worker to church

A simple invitation could be the good work God uses to change someone's eternity.

1.1 (V2) To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle. showing all humility to all men

a) Showing humility to all men

Paul gives a series of characteristics that should define every believer:

Notice that Paul says "all men."

It is easy to be humble toward people we like. It is much harder to show humility toward people who disagree with us, criticize us, or mistreat us.

To "speak evil of no one" means we refuse to tear people down with our words. We don't become known for gossip, slander, or harsh criticism.

To be peaceable means we are not looking for an argument, instead we look for ways to keep the peace

To be gentle means we respond with kindness instead of harshness, even when we have the power to respond differently.

Humility is not weakness. It is strength that chooses to serve rather than demand its own way.

Our speech, our attitudes, and our relationships should reflect the grace that God has shown to us.

b) Jesus as the example

Jesus had all authority and all power, yet He chose compassion over revenge, mercy over retaliation, and service over self-promotion.

When He was insulted, He did not insult in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the Father.

2. (V3) For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lust and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hatful and hating one another

Remember Who You Once Were -The Gospel Produces Humility

a) Paul reminds us of who we once were prior to Christ

Certain times of the year bring back memories of my time of rebellion.

You have your story

Paul has his story

Remembering this work of God builds four things in us.

First, gratitude for how God changed us.

Second, humility as we see that it was His work that changed us.

Third, kindness to others in the same place.

Finally, faith that God can change those who are still in that place.

2.1 (V4) But when the kindness and love of God our savior toward man appeared

Rejoice in What God Has Done (vv. 4–7)

a) But God

God did not leave us in our sin—He met us with His kindness and love.

Our lives describes in Verse 3, foolish, disobedient, and deceived, yet God in His kindness and love appeared to man

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,”

Salvation begins, not with our goodness, but with God's grace.

2.2 (V5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit

a) Not by Works, But by Mercy

Paul makes it clear that we are not saved by our good works.

No amount of church attendance, good deeds, giving, or moral living can earn salvation

Instead, "according to His mercy He saved us."

Mercy is God withholding the judgment we deserve and giving us what we could never earn.

b) He Made Us New

Paul says God saved us "through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

When we placed our faith in Christ, God washed away our sins and gave us a new life

I remember being a young kid and taking my new dirt bike out ridding in the mud. When I was done the bike was completely covered in mud.

But anyone who knows dirt bikes knows that sometimes mud gets into places a hose can't reach. It gets into the bearings, the air filter, the engine, and every moving part. If it sat there long enough, it would ruin the bike from the inside out.

To restore it properly, you had to strip it down to the frame, clean every part, replace what was damaged, and rebuild it. It wasn't just a wash—it was a renewal.

That's what God did for us—but even more. God didn't simply clean up our old life or make a few repairs.

He didn't just improve the old person. Through Jesus Christ, He gave us a completely new life. He washed away our sin, gave us a new heart, and put His Holy Spirit within us. We became a new creation.

The Holy Spirit changed our hearts, gave us new desires, and continues the work of transforming us into the image of Christ.

2.2 (V6-7) Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our savior that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life

a) Justified by grace

Justification means God declares us righteous—not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done.

God not only forgives our sin, He credits us with Christ's righteousness.

Because of the cross, our guilt is removed, our record is cleared, and we are made right with God.

Maybe there is someone here this morning who is struggling to feel righteous, remember it has nothing to do with anything of yourself, but rather what Jesus has suffered

b) Heirs of Eternal Life

We are not only forgiven—we are adopted into God's family.

An heir receives an inheritance because of relationship, not because it was earned.

Our future is secure because our salvation rests on God's grace.

3. (V8) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be carful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men

Continue Living Out the Gospel (v. 8)

The Gospel Produces Good Works

a) Be Careful to Maintain Good Works

After reminding us of God's mercy, grace, and salvation, Paul says, "Be careful to maintain good works."

The phrase "be careful" carries the idea of giving thoughtful attention. Good works don't happen by accident. They require a heart that is surrendered to God and a life that is ready to serve.

Good works do not save us—they are the evidence that we have been saved.

Because of all that you have in Christ, be faithful. Be diligent. Be intentional about living for Him every day.