Grace Church Metropolis
Titus 3 Part 7

      • Titus 3:8NLT

  • Titus 3 Part 7

    Devoted to Good Works

    Titus 3:8
    Titus 3:8 (NLT) — 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
    Titus 3:8 NLT
    This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
    Obsession
    We can be obsessed about a lot of things.
    A TV show
    A person – celebrity
    I knew of a woman that was obsessed with collecting magazines.
    She had a lot of issues.
    Obsession is not always healthy
    I have an obsessive personality
    Obsessive people can be compulsive, it can be all consuming, unbalanced, and even harmful.
    If you have ever meet someone that is obsessed with “signs of the times” you will know how off the wall and dangerous it can get.
    David Koresh is a prime example.
    Obsession is something that controls you.
    Paul is calling for something different.
    Devotion
    Unlike obsession, devotion is a deliberate and healthy dedication to something meaningful.
    Being devoted to something has these characteristics.
    It’s purposeful, steady, well balanced, and very often life-giving.
    Devotion involves discipline and commitment, but it does not consume a person in an unhealthy way.
    This morning, we are being called to devote ourselves to good works.
    Let us dig into the word and see what that looks like.

    The Gospel is Trustworthy

    “This is a trustworthy saying”
    This refers to all that was say before this verse in particular verses 4-7.
    Titus 3:5 (NLT) — 5 He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
    Titus 3:5 NLT
    He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
    “It’s the gospel combined with the Holy Spirit that did it’s work in your life and brought you to “a saving knowledge” of Jesus.
    Note: The gospel is God’s Good News that salvation is found in Jesus Christ.
    Jesus himself is the gospel, not merely its messenger; the good news resided in his life, teaching, and atoning death.
    The Gospel is the foundation of the Christian life.
    Everything else flows from it.
    It’s what we put our faith in.
    What we put our hope in.
    We even govern the church based on the gospel.
    And importantly for today how we live our lives.
    The gospel must take center stage in the life of the church.

    Insist on the Gospel.

    “I want you to insist on these teachings”
    The gospel must be taught - preached with conviction.
    I love preaching on the struggles and problems we all face.
    I saw this sermon "Finding Calm in a Crazy World" – how to deal with stress and anxiety.
    I don’t think really anything wrong with it.
    But when it takes the place of the gospel.
    When don’t call sin by what it is.
    When we leave off repentance because we don’t what to offend someone.
    Just maybe the path to “Finding Calm” is at the foot of cross weeping over our sins.
    Just maybe “Finding Calm” is “Finding the Gospel” and not 6 ways to destress.

    Being Godly is Being Careful

    “So that those who have believed in God may becareful” ESV
    This is intentional
    The word “careful” means intentional, thoughtful, deliberate.
    Salvation changes priorities.
    Faith produces intentional living.
    We think differently about how we live.
    People that cuss…
    Let me ask?
    How do my actions reflect Christ?
    What about your words?
    Attitude?
    We are being reminded because if we are honest we forget.

    Devoted to good works.

    “to devote themselves to good works”
    Devote = “to be active in helping, to be involved in giving aid”
    This means to give attention to, focus on, commit yourself to.

    To be intentional

    Notice how this works.
    Many people get this backwards.
    Salvation is first (verse 4-7)
    Then good works (verse 8)
    Good works are the evidence of salvation.
    Not the cause of salvation.
    We come to Jesus with nothing except humility.
    Giving Aid
    Jesus taught us this in the parable of the Good Samaritan
    It’s not about you.
    Although there are benefits.

    Good works display the Gospel

    The gospel changes your life.
    Through kindness, generosity, serving others, helping those in need.
    A healthy tree naturally produces fruit.

    The Benefits

    “These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
    Good works bless others.
    Good works strengthen the church.
    Good works point people to Christ.
    Also benefits us.
    Good works strengthen our faith
    Good works bring joy and fulfillment.  
    Good works strengthens our Christian character.
    Good works strengthens our relationships
    Good works increase our influence for the gospel.
    Good works keeps focused on the right things.
    Good works bring an eternal reward.

      • Titus 3:8NIV2011

      • Titus 3:5NIV2011

Grace Church Metropolis
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