Titus Session 5.5
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Titus 2 has given us instruction to passed on to several different people groups.
First, teach the older men and older women. Give them specific instruction.
Second, the older generation was then to teach the younger generation what had been invested in their lives. They were to pass on the truth.
Third, slaves were instructed to live as examples of Christ “so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
Paul is helping Titus establish a culture within the Christian church that was above reproach.
Cretans were not quite used to such a standard of life. Remember from Titus 1:12 Paul declares
One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”
Christians were NOT to look like or sound like the average Cretan! Again, the idea was to show them the God who does not lie. The idea was to confront the cultural deception they had been living in and more of the same regarding lifestyle wasn’t going to cut it!
And again… the same applies today in the way we choose to intact with this world as believers. We are in this world, but not of this world. But things can get really confusing if we leave areas of our lives open for reproach.
Tonight we finish out chapter two with what I am calling the wrap up with the universal truth. he brings it all together by presenting the “why” behind truths he just laid out. he wants Titus to make this connection in his heart… but also in the hearts of the people he is leading.
The Universal Truth
The Universal Truth
Paul sums it all up as the chapter comes to a close. Look at Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
God’s grace has “appeared” and has offered salvation to all people.
What or who is this appearance? Jesus Christ. And the cross is now somewhat of a calling card for all sinners to come home. Jesus paid the price on the cross, and now instead of being a symbol of suffering and shame, it is a symbol of hope and salvation.
The undeserved gift of Christ is proof of God’s undeniable level of grace. He gave all… so all could live. Jesus came to offer salvation to all who would call on His name. And now He has commissioned His church to do the same until He returns.
Our message is that offering of salvation. This is not only our spoken message but also the message we are to live out! Our life is to be lived as one who has been saved from this world - and it should attract others to seek that same salvation in Jesus. This should be our response to what Jesus has done for us!
Romans 6:13 says
Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
I find it interesting… there are many “church models” out there that give a road map on how to be a certain kind of church.
Simple church - pick one thing you are really good at and run with it.
Purpose-Driven Church - find your identity and purpose God has for you
Seeker-Friendly - Meet the felt-needs of the lost in hopes they will connect and go deeper.
Attractional Model - work to make the church appealing to a lost and hurting culture.
Many times congregations will work to play the right kind of music, have the right decor, wear the right cloths, offer the right coffee, say the right words, stay to the right schedule, etc. But that is NOT how Paul would define attractional!
Jesus is attractive just as He is! He is our healer, our provider, our protector, our comforter, our Savior, our redeemer, our deliverer, and our friend! He gives us peace, he gives us hope, He gives us joy, He gives us life, He gives us purpose, He gives us direction, He gives us freedom and He gives us victory!
Here’s the deal. We need to live as those who have been healed, provided for, protected, comforted, saved, redeemed, and delivered. We need to walk in His peace, His hope, His joy, His life, His purpose, His direction, His freedom, and His victory! THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE AS THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BROUGHT FROM DEATH TO LIFE!
Our life is to be the “offering” of the salvific message of Jesus!
Secondly, we are to say NO to ungodliness… We are to REJECT the things that are not of God.
This means we have to curb our worldly passions… we have to keep those fleshly impulses in check.
This means we have to demonstrate our self control… in this present age. We need to say yes to the ways of the Lord and NO to the ways of this world.
And the pressure is on, church. Mark my words… we are being tested right now. Our level of compliance is being examined through the push of a vaccine.
I am not anti-vaccine or pro vaccine. I believe every person should make the choice that is best for them. NO, this vaccine is NOT the mark of the beast… but that mark is coming. And I do believe our level of compliance is being examined in this season.
The world is going to continue to push for compliance and yes, there is a day coming when a person will either take the mark or lose access to everything. Will we have the faith and trust in God necessary to say NO to the systems of man… and yes to the provision and protection of God?
The pressure to say yes to the ungodly things of this world is going to increase. I pray our resolve to say no to such things will also increase. I pray our faith will remain strong as we remain in Christ.
And Then comes that last sentence… the sentence that ties it all together.
Live in the way of the Lord. Teach others to do the same. Correct people when needed with authority. DO NOT LET ANYONE DESPISE YOU.
That last phrase… was it said out of pride? Was it said out of offense? No… it is said in the same manner we have been talking about regarding reproach.
Do not give those who would oppose the truth any ammunition to use against you. As the Spirit of God is working to break the chains of deception in Crete, may the people of God be examples of truth for the people of Crete to see.
Young or old… it doesn’t matter. Slave or CEO… it doesn’t matter. What matters is who you ultimately serve. Is Jesus Christ the master of your life…have you fully aligned your will to His?
Closing
Closing
God’s grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness… and for good reason.
One, ungodliness goes directly against our being an example of Jesus. It sends a very confusing message to an already confused world.
Two, ungodliness leads us away from Jesus. It draws a person back into the life-draining ways of the world.
Three, Jesus is coming back soon. He is our blessed hope… and we do not want to miss out on what He has in store!
The key is to STOP making excuses for ungodliness.
If Only I was a bit younger… if only I was a bit older… If only I had more money… If only I had a better title or less stress or more authority - then I could be what Jesus wants me to be.
No matter where you find yourself in life… Jesus is WORTHY of our full devotion. He is WORTHY of all honor and praise.
Will you offer His message of salvation and grace to the lost?
Will you say no to ungodliness and to the ways of the world?
Will you live a life that is above reproach… not for personal gain… but for God’s glory?
Choose to honor Him In all you do… no matter what.