Living In The Kingdom

Titus 3:8–11 (ESV)

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. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

DT: The pastor must teach with urgency so that believers will devote themselves to good works.

Aim: We will exhibit good works for the sake of the kingdom.

Introduction: I believe there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Many of us will agree that in everything we do that there must be order and discipline. Somehow some forget about that when it comes to the Church.

Our text today addresses the expectation of the believer to represent God’s Kingdom in a way that honors God.

Transition: Paul as you know writes this epistle to Titus, a young pastor, and advises him what to instruct the church he serves as they seek to live as Kingdom people. Paul begins by instructing to:

Devote Our Lives to Good Works (v.8)

Titus 3:8 “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.”

Paul encourages Titus to teach the people in the churches Titus serves as pastor to devote their lives to doing good works.

A couple things stick out in this verse.

Paul states that Titus must “insists” on these things. Meaning Titus must teach with urgency and consistency. Titus must make certain they understand what God expects.

Secondly, Paul says do this, “Insist” so that believers will deliberately devote themselves to good works. Did you get that? Teach them passionately and consistently so that they will do good. Keep it in their face so that they will live righteously.

This term “good works” is not accidental. In fact it is he driving theme of the letter. Paul mentions good works six times in this epistle:

Titus 1:16 “16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

Titus 2:7 “7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,”

Titus 2:14 “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.”

Titus 3:1 “1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,”

Titus 3:8 “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.”

Titus 3:14 “14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

He is not saying that good works are done to be saved. He is saying that good works will be done because one is saved. Do you see it? “That those who have believed in God” The saved will live intentionally. Their hearts will be aimed at doing what is right.

Illustration: When I served in the army, in basic training our drill sergeants were passionate and they taught us how to be soldiers. They repeatedly demonstrated things to us to ensure that we understood and what we learned became second nature for us.

Transition: Likewise, the pastor has this same obligation to teach the word of God with passion and consistency so that the believers will live doing the will of God.

Application: Devote yourself to the Word of God. Devote your life to doing good works. Not the superficial things or the deeds to bring attention to ourselves but be devoted to pleasing God. Live so that people know that you are saved. So that people know that you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

Transition: God’s Kingdom requires citizens who will represent God favorably. The next verse, though, explains that Disruptive Behavior is Prohibited in the Kingdom

Disruptive Behavior is Prohibited in the Kingdom (v.9)

Titus 3:9 “9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

Paul admonishes Titus to take note that there is a different standard of behavior for the believer. The believer does not live worldly and undisciplined. Paul lists four characteristics kingdom people are to avoid.

foolish controversies - matter for dispute, controversial question

genealogies - myths cast in genealogical form

dissensions - discord, strife, contention

quarrels about the law -

These things are of no good for the Kingdom. They bring no value to the church or the the life of the believer.

Illustration: Code of conduct . . .If there were a Christian Code of Conduct. These would be listed. Truth be told the Scripture is the Kingdom Code of Conduct.

Transition: We must live according to the mandates of God and never cause a disturbance in the kingdom.

Application: Do not be a disruption in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom and Kingdom people must reflect God. If you sow discord, stop. If you pick fights, stop! if you look for moments of causing discomfort, stop.

Transition: In the kingdom of God disruptive behavior is unacceptable but when there are those moments, the text tells us that Disruptors Must Be Rejected

Disruptors Must Be Corrected in the Kingdom (vv.10-11)

Titus 3:10-11 “10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

Paul charges Titus to address those who cause issues. Remember in chapter one Paul mentions that there were people who were false teachers and those who were causing contention in the Church.

Paul tells Titus to warn them and if they refuse after twice leave them alone.

Illustration:

Transition:

Application: We cannot be a Church that placates to trouble makers. We cannot allow persons who seek to cause division to halt the progress of the Church. None of us have the right to stir up trouble in the Church.

Neither you nor I have the right to attempt to highjack God’s plan for His Church! We cannot claim to want our church to grow or to expand the Kingdom and destroy it at the same time.

If you know of a disruptor you are charged to warn them and if they refuse to stop leave them alone! Do not empower disrupters, warn them. Disrupters are those who are always complaining about what the Church is not doing but never have time to help. They complain about what is not right and what the church does not have but never give a tithe or an offering.

Illustration: I had someone say to me, after they had been complaining, why do you always bring up money? I responded because everything you are talking about costs money. Without your tithes you make it difficult for the rest of us to accomplish what you are talking about.

Transition: Look the good news is that we do not have to be warped and sinful. We do not have to be condemned!

Conclusion: We have a Savior! Jesus has paid a price so that we can all can live in His Grace.

Jesus died for our sins! Jesus made away!