The Aroma of the Cross

Sermon Notes: March 5, 2017 Titus 2:11-14 Short Review Briefly summarize the message. Look for the following main points: 1. How does what we believe affect what we consider to be ‘sensible’ in living life? 2. How does experiencing the grace of Christ change us? (vs. 14) 3. What kinds of good deeds draw attention to the God of grace? Some Questions for Discussion: Focus the discussion on: How are the good deeds of Christians different from other good deeds so that they bring glory to the Father? (Mt. 5:16) 1. What are some of the ‘good deeds’ you’ve heard about recently in the news, or witnessed personally? 2. Look up the video – if possible watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBllzlO5KGA 3. Are these acts necessarily motivated by a religion? 4. What is it about these acts that makes us ‘feel good’? 5. Do the acts in the video/or other good deeds glorify God? Do they seem to fulfill Mt. 5:16? 6. Should Christians do such good deeds? (Comment on the end of Titus 2:14, and 3: 8; as well as Matthew 5:16) 7. What is the ‘sensible’ way to live if we believe the gospel and trust in Christ’s death and resurrection? 8. What does our text say moves us as Christians to do good works? (2:11, 2:14 beginning, and the whole context.) 9. How does experiencing Christ’s grace differ from knowing about Christ’s grace? What difference do the two make in how we live life? 10. Read John 13:34. How has Jesus loved us? Discuss what it meant for Him to do the good work of the cross. How do we love AS He loved us. 11. How might our good works be different because they carry the ‘aroma of the grace of Christ’ – the ‘scent of the cross?’