Grace, Good Works, and Christian Unity

November 17, 2024
Pastor Jack

rubiks-cube

Titus 3:1-15

Remind them to be subject to the rulers and to the authorities, to obey, to be prepared for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all courtesy to all people. For we also were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, enslaved to various desires and pleasures, spending our lives in wickedness and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the kindness and love for mankind of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not by deeds of righteousness that we have done, but because of his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist concerning these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and fruitless. Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make haste to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they may lack nothing. But also our people must learn to engage in good deeds for necessary needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. All those with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

Sound Doctrine Matters

Exhortation to Good Works

Titus 3:1–2 (ESV):

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

  • Obey Authorities: Christians are urged to be submissive to rulers and authorities.
  • Should the church, or more directly, should believers have a spirit of coperation, obedience, and submission to authority?
  • Live Peaceably: Avoid rebellion and strive to be gentle, showing courtesy and respect to all people.
  • Church, do we live up to this directive?
  • What are “good works”?
  • What is the purpose of good works?
  • What do “good works” look like in respect to people that we don’t like? Or don’t act like us? Or directly oppose us?

The Transformation Through Grace

Titus 3:3–7 (ESV):

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. 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, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • The Old Life Before Christ (3:3): A reminder of the past sinful state—disobedient, deceived, and enslaved to passions.
  • In our old life, we sat upon the throne of our life, we tried to be the god of our life. In what ways do people do that?
  • The New Life Through God’s Mercy (3:4-6): Salvation comes by God’s mercy, not by works. The Holy Spirit regenerates believers, washing them through the renewal of the Spirit.
  • But, we had a change. What changed?
  • Describe what it means to know who Jesus is as opposed to just knowing about Him.
  • Wiley Translation: “Jesus comes to us saying, ‘Relax, I got this!‘”
  • Justification and Hope (3:7): We are justified by grace and made heirs of eternal life through faith.
  • How are we different after Christ?

Instructions for Christian Living

Titus 3:8–11 (ESV):

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.

  • Emphasizing Good Works (3:8): Good works are a practical outflow of the Christian faith, and believers should focus on these.
  • Do good works come naturally for you?
  • Avoiding Divisive Behavior (3:9-11): Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, and quarrels that cause division. Correct those who are divisive, and warn them, as they are self-condemned if they persist.
  • Jack said that we need to “keep the main thing the main thing”. What is the “main thing”?
  • He also talked about Rubik’s Cube theology. What did he mean by that?
  • How can we build one another up as opposed to tearing one another down?

Personal Remarks and Final Instructions

Titus 3:12–15 (ESV):

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. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

  • Plans for Titus and Others (3:12-13): Paul instructs Titus to join him in Nicopolis and gives guidance about sending Zenas and Apollos.
  • Call for Support and Good Deeds (3:14): Believers are reminded to focus on good deeds and support those in need.
  • Final Greeting and Benediction (3:15): Paul concludes with a blessing and personal greetings to the church.

Thoughts for Reflection

  • How can we show the love of Christ to one another in the church?
  • How can we show the love of Christ to one another outside of the church?
  • How can we put away the Rubik’s Cubes in our lives?
  • How do the lessons from Titus relate to our “Harvest” prayers?
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