Sermon Tone Analysis

Instructions/Standards for the church

Ever buy something that needs to be put together?

What comes with it?

Instructions, right?

Well the church needs instructions too and that is what this series has been about (remember 1Tim3:15).

We have our instruction manual the Bible and it needs to be read and applied if you want to put together the church correctly, or to build a healthy church.

Paul instructed Timothy about conduct (1Tim3:15)

Paul gave many instructions to Titus too, may we review briefly.

Set things in order (Tit1:5-9)

Reason things need to be set in order (Tit1:10-16)

Speak, instruct things for sound doctrine (Tit2:1-10)

For you are recipients of God’s abounding Grace (Tit2:11-14)

As recipients, be obedient to authority (Tit3:1-7)

(Transition) this leads us to today for final instructions to the churches in Crete from Paul to Titus, for next week are personal instructions and remembrances.

Today we are looking at things that makes us profitable for the kingdom and things we should avoid that would make us unprofitable or useless for the kingdom

So, here are the points:

Things that make you profitable (Tit3:8)

Things that make you unprofitable (Tit3:9-11)

Profitable things

This morning we are drawing close to closing out this series instructions/standards for life as the church.

We are going to look at some profitable things, but also things that can render you unfruitful too.

Any opening thought on this verse?

Now, keeping in mind let’s ask some questions of the scripture.

What is a trustworthy statement being given here?

The things that Paul wants to speak to Titus, but is addressing in the letter

How are these trustworthy things being conveyed to Titus?

By the Epistle, and being done confidently

What are the trustworthy things?

That if you believe in God you should maintain good works

Now may we expand on what is profitable?

This is something Paul wanted to affirm constantly (v.8)

This is something that Paul himself did, while writing to Titus in several places (Tit2:7, 14, 3:1, 14)

Titus be an example!

Then there is the example of Jesus Himself

Zealous for good deeds and ready for every good deed

and instructions for others regarding good works, good deeds

How can we maintain, engage in good deeds?

Roll of Good deeds/works

What they are not (Eph2:8-9; Tit3:4-7)

We are not saved by them as noted in Eph2:8-9 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Or maybe the reminder from last week.

We are recipients of God’s grace, that cleanses us, justifies us and makes us heirs.

You were created for them (Eph2:10; Tit2:14)

EPh2:10 “10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

And we read recently in Tit2:14 (no need to read again, but it does apply for a great example for us.

They bring glory to God (Mt5:16; 1Pt2:11-12)

Mt5:16 as many may remember is about letting our light shine and bring glory to Godby doing it, now look at what Peter says.

We need to stop for a minute and ask some questions of 1Pt2:11-12.

What are the instructions given in (vv.11-12)?

Abstain

Keep your behavior excellent

Why are the instructions given (vv.11-12)?

Because the fleshly lusts wage war against the soul

That they only thing they can slander you on is your good deeds, and by them you bring glory to God.

They demonstrate our faith (Jm2:14-17)

Have everyone turn to James2.

Jam2:14-15 “14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works?

Can that faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,”

Jm2:16-17 “16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”

They are good and profitable to men (tit3:8)

I know recently asked about self-examination when it comes to being recipients of God’s grace, God’s abundant grace and it’s impact.

Does it move us to good works?

Does good works play a part of our walk with Christ?

Good works we can do

Spiritual

Sharing the grace of God with others (1Pt2:9-10)

Sharing God’s grace, God’s mercy, why? because you are God’s own possession all so proclaim Him!

Encouraging one another (Heb3:12-13)

Restoring one another (Gal6:1-2; Jm5:19-20)

In looking at (Gal6:1-2) what are we called to do, and how are we to do it?

James say’s it like this.

Jm5:19-20 “19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Good works that are physical in nature

Jesus did good physical works too (Lk7:22)

He even told the disciples to do the same works, you can look up(Mt10:7-8)

May we turn together and see what we can learn about physical works in (Mt25:34-40)

(Below scriptures are not on the screen, be sure everyone turns there so we can glean from them together)

What physical things, good works do you see in the (Mt25:34-40) passage?

Hungry, give something to eat

Thirsty, give something to drink

Stranger, invite them in

Naked, clothe them

Prison, come to visit

Another way of doing good works, is to use your spiritual gifts for physical service (Rom12:3-8)

Good works are not exclusive to men, you can read about great women of faith who did physical good works too (i.e.

Act9:36-39) with Tabitha (Dorcas).

(Transition) So, ask yourself what kind of good works am I doing?

Am I doing spiritual or physical good works?

For there are other works that are unprofitable whereas what we have already looked at are profitable.

What is unprofitable?

Paul gives words, warnings about things that are not profitable, or are unfruitful to Titus.

Things he refers to as “foolish.”

Let’s glean together

What sticks out to you in this passage?

Let’s now turn and glean together

What is the instruction given (v.9, 10)?

What is the description given (v.9)

What is the reason given (v.11)?