The Difference The Gospel Makes

Learning Devotion to Good Works

This morning we conclude our study through the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 3:12-15. We see in our text that the Apostle Paul gives final instructions to Titus. These closing remarks include instructions to meet him in Nicopolis, to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey, a note about greetings, and finally a benediction. In the middle of these instructions is an echo of the main theme we’ve seen throughout the letter. "Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful" (Titus 3:14). Titus 3 informs us that since the grace of God is with us, we are to be learning devotion to good works. In response to God's grace, we are moved in gratitude to show grace, help those who proclaim this grace, and devote ourselves to doing good to others. These good works can look like the gift of physical presence, supporting partners in the gospel, and helping cases of urgent need. May our good works flow not from an attempt to earn the grace of God, but from the overflow of having already received it.

The Difference The Gospel Makes

This morning we continue in our study through the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 3:1-11. After giving instructions to Titus about godly living in the home in chapter two, now in chapter three the Apostle Paul gives instructions to the church in how they relate to the world. The text could be organized into three main sections. First, there’s instructions on Christian living among outsiders (vv. 1-2). Secondly, there's teaching about who we were and what God has done (vv. 3-7). Thirdly, there’s instructions on what Titus is to insist on, what he’s to avoid, and who he’s to reject (vv. 8-11). This structure emphasizes that the gospel is the basis for godly living and the baseline for the church. The gospel shapes our public witness and is to be the standard by which we evaluate doctrine and differing voices. The gospel is to be kept central for both our public witness and doctrinal purity in unity. We are to be godly and do good works in the world to display the difference the gospel makes.  May God help us to be careful to devote ourselves to good works, to living in such a way that does good to others, builds them up, shows the difference the gospel makes. May this grace activate us, may this mercy mold us into people ready to do good works.

The Grace That Trains Us

This morning we continue in our study through the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 2:1-15. In the text we see that the grace of God trains us to live in a way that makes the beauty of the gospel visible to the world. First, we see what does this way of life, the teaching that accords with sound doctrine, look like? (vv. 1-10). Secondly, we see why we should live this way (vv. 11-14). Finally, we consider how this way of life comes about (v. 15). May God enlighten and empower us to grow in the grace and knowledge our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we be trained by the grace of God so that in everything we may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. May we live in such a way that makes the beauty of the gospel visible and displays the goodness of Jesus to others.

Elders Who Embody the Truth

This morning we continue our study of the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 1:5-16. Since knowledge of the truth leads to godliness, those who profess and teach this truth must demonstrate it through their lives. The leaders of the church must embody the truth otherwise their very lives undercut, distort, and unsettle the faith of others. Leaders can either adorn, demonstrate, or display the truth or they disfigure, distort, and deny it. The good news of the Christian faith is not something that is merely explained through words, it is embodied in transformed lives. The passage could be grouped into the following 3 main sections: 1) The call to appoint elders (v 5), 2) The qualifications of elders (vv 6-9), and 3) The call to correct false teachers (vv 10-16). May God give us grace to not simply explain the gospel, but embody the truth that others may see its goodness, truth, and beauty.

Accords with Godliness

This morning we begin a new study through the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 1:1-4. In typical fashion Paul opens with who the letter is from, who the letter is for, and a blessing. In Titus we have one of the longer and more complex salutations in all of the Pauline letters. In this opening greeting, we find a kind of overture that introduces the key themes of the letter. Paul writes that the knowledge of the truth accords with godliness that's rooted in the hope of eternal life. What you believe is reflected in your behavior. Right belief leads to right behavior. The gospel leads to godliness. God's grace leads to good works. This is the main message of the letter of Paul to Titus. May we receive grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior as we grow in the knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness.