We stand between two appearings

We Stand between two Appearings!

Introduction:

In fact we do stand between two appearings of Christ.  He has already come once to reveal Himself to mankind.  He lived, died, paid the penalty for our sins at His first coming.

We are now to live as he commanded of us.  We to live as God’s word instructs today.

But one day, time will cease.  The sky will break open.  The King of Kings will come back. 

Questions?  

H.P. We are to live holy, upright lives as we await His coming.

Purpose  To know how we are to live today, and tomorrow.

Review of key points

I.  Grace is from God

II. Grace teaches us (12)

III. Our hope is in His second coming (13)

Text:   Titus 2:11-13

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Context: Titus’ task on Crete was to appoint elders in each city. 

Crete is in the med. sea. south of Turkey.

It is 148 long.

First missionary journey—Paul and Barnabas.

Paul wanted Titus to organize the churches.

He wanted to promote men who lived exemplary lives before the people.

He was also instructed to teach:

Older men (2:1)

Older women

Encourage young men

Teach slaves to be submissive

I.  Grace is from God

            A.  Jesus was man. At His first appearing

INCARNATION

TALKING MY LANGUAGE

·         He was born of woman.

·         He lived, breathed, hurt

·         Lived the Law perfectly Romans 8:1-2

            B.  Jesus was God. John 1:1-2

·         He was from the beginning

·         He gave Himself as our ransom

            C. Grace is from God

·         Grace is his election (Titus 1:1; 2 Tim.1:9-10; Romans 8:29-30)

·         Salvation (room to breath) is from Sin

·         Has appeared in the incarnation of Christ. 

John 6:35-44; 10:14-16; Romans 1:3-4

            D. Some errors about Jesus in the early church.

                        Council of Nicea – 325 a.d.  Arius said Christ is not eternal

                        Council of Constantinople – 381 a.d. Christ was not fully human

                        Council of Ephesus- 431 a.d. Christ not fully divine—was Christ fully man united in one person?

                        Council of Chalcedon 451 a.d. His humanity was swallowed up in His deity.  He was not a true man.

Declared that the human and divine natures of Christ were united in one person.

Implications:

If Christ had only been a man He could not have died for the past, present and future sins of those who believe.

If Christ had been only divine He would not have properly identified with the created—in could not have died for man’s sin.

So the creator became like the Created.  He as much man… if not God at all.

            D. Has appeared to “All men” all “types of men”

I.  Grace is from God

II. Grace teaches us (12) importance of knowing correctly what grace means

            A. To say No or deny worldly passions

            B. We must unlearn our old ways

            C. We must say no to the ways of the world

            D. Live controlled lives by the Spirit

            E. Upright, Godly lives

When do we do this?  Now! 

Peter uses the term, “peculiar people.”

I.  Grace is from God

II. Grace teaches us (12)

III. Our hope is in His second coming (13)

            A. Our hope is sure

            B. His coming is unexpected or abruptly

            C. His coming will be glorious

            D. There will be no more chances or time.

First coming – baby in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Second coming—He is the conquering King- astride a white horse, who called Faithful and True.  With Justice he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.

Rev. 19: 11-16

First time—He was the suffering servant, who bled and died.

Second coming – He is the resurrected One who treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.

Applications:

Grace is given us by God.

Grace instructs how to live.

We have the hope of His second coming.

Titus 2:14

Christ has redeemed us (we are His having been bought with His blood)

He did so that we may live holy, correct, righteous lives before Him for His glory.

He bought us so we are eager to do good.

This is what Titus was to teach.

This is what we are to learn today.

We stand between the first and second coming.

Let’s live are children of the coming King.