Putting on Display the Transforming Power of the Grace of God Pt. 2
Titus • Sermon • Submitted • 36:45
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· 134 viewsWhat does it look like to devote ourselves to good works, so that people can see the transforming power of God's grace in our lives?
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How many of you enjoy watching those DIY remodeling shows on TV? They all have the same basic concept to the structure of the show- Property Brothers, Love It or List It, Etc…, You start off showing the home in disrepair, it is old and worn and tired, it does not function they way it needs to, it is outdated and ugly. Then they spend the bulk of the show telling the story of the renovation- and really all we want to see is the end result. If we could we would skip all of the middle part and just go to the end of the show. Because what are we all waiting to see? The big reveal! Right? That is what we want to see. It is the moment in the program where we all go, WOW!! For many of you, this morning was the first time you have seen the inside of our new church building in person. And in some sense it was just like those big reveal moments. Maybe, you even came inside and looked around and you went, WOW!! It is fun to see the old and worn and tired be transformed into something completely new, isn’t it? We appreciate when we get to see those kinds of transformations.
Titus 3 is all about putting on display the transformation of your lives. It is about God taking what you used to be- spiritually dead, blind, and enemies of God- and by means of the power of His amazing grace transforming us into “a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” It is this transformation that must be put on display for the lost people around us. This is the heartbeat of a healthy church. That is what the letter to Titus is all about. Re-vitalizing local churches. First, we need godly leadership in the church. Then, we need one another ministry taking place where the mature saints teach the less mature saints and we all grow into Christlikeness. Then we need to take our lives that have been transformed by the grace of God and go out into our community and interact with our neighbors and make friends with as many people as possible in our Jerusalem- so we can put on display the transforming power of the grace of God.
Titus 3:8 calls that being careful to devote ourselves to good works- because that is excellent and profitable for people.
8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Why is becoming a people devoted to good works excellent and profitable for people? Why is that what our community really needs? Because, when you interact with people and they see a life purified for Jesus’ own possession, when they see a life of someone who is enthusiastic for good works- its just like those transformation DIY moments- people see the power of the grace of God and they go WOW! And there is nothing amazing about our own selves- but when people can get just a taste of what God’s grace can do to a life- that is truly amazing.
Our problem is too often we loose that focus. We live lives that are primarily political rather than transformational. We live lives that are primarily material rather than transformational. We live lives that are primarily recreational rather than transformational. We even live lives that are primarily institutional or mechanically religious rather than transformational. When we get off track, when we get our focus off of the main thing- that is NOT helpful to anyone. And it certainly isn’t excellent and profitable for people around us.
So how do we keep our focus on that which is excellent and profitable for all people? How do we live lives that put on display the transforming power of the grace of God?
Paul answers that question by imploring Titus to revitalize the local churches in Crete by causing local church believers to dwell deeply and carefully and intently on the powerful grace of God.
Faith Baptist Church if we are to become a revitalized local church / a healthy local church every soul in this church must dwell deeply and carefully and intently on the powerful grace of God at work in their lives.
How? In our text this morning I find three truth relationships that will help us put on display the powerful grace of God in our lives.
What I mean by truth relationships is that first Paul reminds us of our spiritual identity in Jesus Christ- this is essentially a rehearsing of the power of the grace of God that is true of every single born again person. Then out of this spiritually identity comes a series of commands or practical implementations of the powerful grace of God. And this is how God’s grace is put on display in our lives. First, we must dwell deeply on the spiritual identity that is true of us and then we must take practical steps of obedience (practical implementations) of God’s grace. Spiritual Identity - Practical Implementations. Identity - Implementation.
Truth Relationship #1- Redemption / Submission Relationship
Truth Relationship #1- Redemption / Submission Relationship
Spiritual Identity
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.
Redeemed from all lawlessness
Purified for Jesus Christ as a people for his own possession
Who now have the ability to be enthusiastic for good works
Heart Attitudes: Joyfully submissive and Eagerly Obedient
By the way these truths centered around the grace of God are really important.
V. 15- declare these things, exhort, rebuke, let no one disregard you.
3:1- Remind them
3:8- Insist on these things
Practical Implementation
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
Remember what has God’s grace done in your heart? You have been freed from a lawless sinful heart.
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Now because you are no longer lawless, because you are no longer a rebel. Because you have forsaken your wicked way and your unrighteous thoughts and you have turned to the Lord. Because you are now joyfully submissive to the Lord- submit yourselves to rulers and authorities, be obedient, be ready for every good work.
How do we put on display the powerful grace of God in our lives? We obey our local government.
How does obedience to our government show people in our community that our lives have been transformed by God’s grace?
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Follow the logic of these verses:
Why should we submit ourselves to the governing authorities? Because there is no authority except from God- those that exist have been instituted by God.
So if we rebel against the governing authorities that have been instituted by God who are we really rebelling against? Whoever resists the authorities resist what God has appointed- and by the way- those who resist will incur judgment.
So now we need to understand the flip side of this argument. When we joyfully submit to our governing authorities who are are we really submitting to? We are joyfully submitting ourselves to God.
When we submit to government we are showing our community the importance of submitting ourselves to God Himself. And when we joyfully submit to government we are putting on display hearts that have been redeemed out of all lawlessness. We are putting on display hearts transformed by the powerful grace of God. Friends, this is excellent and profitable for all people. When we submit to government is gives our neighbours a chance to see our once rebellious hearts now joyfully submissive to a sovereign God- and that encourages and invites other people to experience the powerful grace of God in their own hearts as well. It points people to the gospel.
When we don’t submit to government we are sending the exact opposite message- that you can do what you want, that you don’t have to obey, that it is a good thing to be a rebel. We are actually doing harm to our ability to display the grace of God.
Illustration:
What if our kids acted this way? What if our kids told us- I will submit to your authority, but only if I agree with the rules you put in place over me. If you tell me to do something that I don’t like, I’m not going to listen to what you say. What kind of household would that produce? My youngest has recently learned the word, “NO.” It seems like that is one of the first words that kids pick up on isn’t it? So, my one year old will sometimes walk around the house shouting “NO.” When they are one its cute. But, when they become 10,11, 12 and older it’s not cute anymore. Sometimes, my kids ask me “Why?” Why do I have to do that? Sometimes, I give them the answer because God put me in a position of authority over you and you need to submit yourself to my authority. Because, when you obey me you are really obeying God.
I had to have a conversation with my boys during this pandemic about why we weren’t meeting in person for our church services. And I told them that just like I tell you that you have to submit to my authority, God has told me that I have to submit to the authority of government. And I don’t like it that we can’t assemble in person, but I still have to submit. It was powerful teaching tool. Why should my kids submit if I am not leading by example? I want my boys to imitate me as I imitate Christ. It was a neat moment to tell my boys- we have been redeemed from all lawlessness by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross-so let’s not live any longer with a lawless heart. Let’s live joyfully submissive lives to the Lord!
Refutation:
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Not there- we still were able to assemble and stir up one another unto love and goods works. And here we are this morning beginning the process of assembling back together face to face.
I am also thankful for the religious liberties that we have in our country and I don’t think we should easily give them up. But we must do it peacefully and in accordance with the law.
What I am talking about is our heart attitude in response to government. As a believer are you responding to government from a lawless heart- No one is going to tell me what to do!!! That is a problem.
Application:
Why?
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.
Because we have been redeemed from all lawlessness. God’s grace has transformed our hearts! And the most profitable and excellent thing for all people is when our church lives out our spiritual identity. When people see our hearts transformed by God’s grace and they go WOW! And what does that lead to? An opportunity to share the gospel!
Truth Relationship #1- Redemption / Submission Relationship
Truth Relationship #1- Redemption / Submission Relationship
Are you putting on display the transforming power of the grace of God in your life?
Are you joyfully submitting to government?
Are you showing our community the necessity of submitting ourselves to God’s authority?
Are you showing other people the joy of surrendering to God by laying down our arms if you will?
Are you showing people that you don’t have to be a rebel anymore? God’s grace can transform you heart! God’s grace can purify your life and make you into a person for His own possession! God’s grace can take the most rebellious heart and cause that person to become an enthusiast for good works!
Are you embracing and living out the first truth relationship? Redemption / Submission?
Truth Relationship #2- Mercy / Leniency Relationship
Truth Relationship #2- Mercy / Leniency Relationship
Here the Identity / Implementation are flip-flopped. Paul starts with the implementation and then moves on to the identity.
Practical Implementation:
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Speak evil of no one:
βλασφημέω- to slander v. — to charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone. Don’t commit character assassination. (Warning about participating in conspiracy theories)
29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,
65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Conspiracy Theory- (Joe Carter- Gospel Coalition) “Conspiracy theorists may contend it is not slander when the claim is true. For that to be the case, though, they must have knowledge the conspirators are involved in a specific secret plot—and knowledge is what they never have.”
Be like Jesus! Don’t speak evil of other people! Continue entrusting yourself to Him who judges justly.
Avoid Quarreling:
Unhostile adj. — inclined or disposed to peace (whether in war or in personal relations). To be peaceable.
It’s like a breath of fresh air right now in our culture for you to be so transformed by God’s grace that you just are inclined to peace.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Be Gentle:
Lenient adjs. — merciful or tolerant of slight deviations from moral or legal rectitude. Not insisting on every right of letter of law or custom, yielding, gentle, kind, courteous, tolerant.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
“GENTLE”
Sometimes when my kids are pouring the ice tea, they line up their glasses in a row and they have to make sure that every single glass has exactly the same amount of liquid in it, because if one child got even a drop more in their glass that would be unfair. Justice would be violated and the world itself would cease to spin. Hearts transformed by grace become more and more gentle, yielding, courteous, lenient. I don’t have to insist on every right of letter of law or custom. I can just be lenient to people.
Show perfect courtesy toward all people
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. πραΰτης
the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness, meekness
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
“Gentleness”
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
“Meekness”
21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
“Gentleness”
Social Media posts/code of conduct: Remember don’t slander other people, be peaceable, be lenient, show perfect courtesy toward all people!
Spiritual Identity:
This is the why! Why should we act this way?
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
Foolish- unintelligent, dull-witted
Disobedient- not complying with commands of those in authority.
Led Astray- to be misled (deceived) to wander about aimlessly
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Slaves to various passions and pleasures- Maybe you still struggle with this.
Passing our days in:
Malice- depravity (perversion) n. — the perverting of virtue and moral principles from their purposes to evil ends.
Envy- envy n. — spite and resentment toward the success or possessions of another.
Hated by others-
& Hating one another-
Before you speak evil of anyone, before you pick a fight, before you refuse to be gentle, before you throw courtesy out the window- remember who you were before the grace of God! Why? Because we used to be beneath the power of sin. We were slaves to our sin nature. We are no better than anyone else in this world- the only difference is the powerful working of the grace of God in our lives.
In a letter written in 1940 C.S. Lewis said this,
When you pray for Hitler and Stalin how do you actually teach yourself to make the prayer real? The two things that help me are (a) A continual grasp of the idea that one is joining one’s feeble voice to the perpetual intercession of Christ who died for these very men.
(b) A recollection, as firm as I can make it, of all one’s own cruelty; which might have blossomed under different conditions into something terrible. You and I are not at bottom so different from these ghastly creatures.
BUT NOW! NOTICE YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST!
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Be overawed by how God has treated you and then go out and treat other people in the exact same way! Out of the goodness and loving kindness of God and out of His mercy and his richly lavished grace be that for others. Mercy / Leniency. Let people see your hearts transformed by the powerful grace of God and you treat them the way Jesus treated you. That is excellent and profitable for all people. That has to be our focus.
Illustration:
Sometimes it is difficult to parent 6 boys. Some of the things that they try to pull you look at what they do and you are tempted to think- idiots! How stupid can you be- and then I become a not nice person- I become a harsh person. But, what is really helpful is to remember what it was like when I was a young. What were the stunts that I pulled when I was their age. And, I was even more idiotic. And I realize that the only difference is the transforming power of God’s grace. But by the grace of God- I would be hopeless and helpless, lost and afraid. And it causes me to look on my boys with compassion and love. It causes me not to want to condemn them for their behavior, but to help them. It causes me not to be harsh, but lenient and loving.
That is the truth relationship here- Mercy / leniency.
Refutation:
That doesn’t mean that we ignore sin in people’s lives.
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Truth Relationship #2- Mercy / Leniency Relationship
Truth Relationship #2- Mercy / Leniency Relationship
Application:
Are you putting on display the transforming power of the grace of God in your life?
Are you refraining from speaking evil about other people- especially those people that you do not agree with?
Are you seeking to be unhostile and peaceable?
Are you seeking to be lenient in your hearts toward other people?
Are you seeking to be perfectly courteous and gentle to others?
Have you been overawed lately by the mercy of God toward you?
Do you see yourselves as once being exactly like the unsaved people around you?
How has the wonderful mercy of God caused you to have a lenient heart toward other people?
This is excellent and profitable for all people!
Are you embracing and living out the second truth relationship? Mercy / Leniency?
Truth Relationship #3- Hope / Devotion Relationship
Truth Relationship #3- Hope / Devotion Relationship
Spiritual Identity:
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Practical Implementation:
8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Devoted to good works- because they are excellent and profitable for people- Excellent and profitable according to the hope of eternal life. When you have a convinced hope of eternal life it drastically changes what is excellent and profitable.
Area #1- We will not get off track or lose our focus
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
Unprofitable and worthless according to the hope of eternal life.
10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
Area #2- We will devote ourselves to interdependent ministry
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.
V. 12- Titus was only going to stay with the churches in Crete for a season- Maybe we can have a Titus like ministry to other local church who are in need of revitalization.
Speed them on their way- see that they lack nothing.
14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
Tim Smith- River and Phillip and Peace and Joseph, helping another church plant a church. All because we are people with our hope set on eternal life.
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Truth Relationship #3- Hope / Devotion Relationship
Truth Relationship #3- Hope / Devotion Relationship
Are you embracing your identity as an heir of the hope of eternal life?
Are you living more for your true life when Christ appears? Or are you living for this world only?
Are you getting sidetracked and off focus?
Are you a person who enjoys causing division? Are you always arguing about something?
Are you greatly concerned and involved in interdependent ministry?
Are you seeking to supply cases of urgent need with believers around the world?
Are you being careful to devote yourself to good works that are excellent and profitable for people.
Faith Baptist Church if we are to become a revitalized local church / a healthy local church every soul in this church must dwell deeply and carefully and intently on the powerful grace of God at work in their lives.
Spiritual Identity: Redemption / Mercy / Hope
Practical Implementation: Submission / Leniency / Devotion
Let’s grow together and help one another put on display the power of the Grace of God in our lives.