TEXT: Titus 3:1-8 (esp. vv. 3-7 – Read vv. 1-11)
READING: Psalm 62
SUBJ: The precious effect of remembering the love and kindness of Christ appearing to us and revealing the sweetness of salvation in Christ.
AIM: That our endeavor toward others might reflect a consciousness of “whose we are and whom we serve.
INTR: We must be careful that such a passage as this serves us as more than a proof text. Rather we are to see it as that which is graciously received that if might be freely given to others.
1. This is a text that has oft been addressed both in sermons and references.
2. The foundational truths we see here are critical to understanding the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation. Not right on the gospel means not right.
3. But, we must ever be reminded that living truth in us bears fruit in repentance, faith and compassion toward all men.
THESIS: As we look upon unregenerate and unsaved men, we must be reminded that we are no difference except for the mercy of God and then act toward them accordingly.
I. An exhortation and a reason (vv. 1-3)
1. Sinful behavior is recognized in any culture where any semblance of the image of God remains in men; howbeit, many revel in opposing that image within.
2. Consider the character of the Cretans from Titus 1:12 -- One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. Titus 1:12
3. This may be a reason for this instruction. Might it be applied to us?
1) To be channeled toward good works
2) To witness with gentleness to all men
4. Consider the elements of our old nature and understand from what we are delivered.
1) Foolish – without true spiritual understanding or knowledge of heavenly things.
2) Disobedient – heady and intractable.
3) Deceived – in the way of straying
4) Serving divers lusts and pleasures. Remember the word of our Lord concerning serving two masters.
5) Living in malice – with a desire toward hurting others and enjoying it.
6) Envy – resentment toward the good of others, hateful – deserving to be hated and hating one another.
II. The Love and kindness we experience in a work of grace in Christ (vv. 4-7)
1. The emphasis in the proceeding is to be placed on the fact that we “were” and that Paul would have us see the contrast effected where a work of great grace is done in us.
1) It is good to be reminded of what we were as an aid to sensing what we are.
2) There is a tendency to settle in and become complacent.
2. Consider verses 4 and 6 together in that the thought is completed in verse 6.
3. It appeared, became visible and gave light – the person of Christ Jesus our Lord.
4. God our savior here is not Christ, rather it is He Who sent Christ in the world to display His love and kindness. God is love as in seen in all His overtures to us.
5. Not of works lest any man should boast!
6. But of mercy (not merited, not sought after). His is a mercy of determination and it is the reason for our salvation.
1) The washing of regeneration – New birth in the image of Christ effects personal cleansing. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:18.
2) Renewing of the Holy Spirit – Newness of life – sanctification accomplished.
7. Which He shed on us richly through Christ our Savior (Compare God our Savior v. 4)
1) Justified by His grace – given us in the regeneration and applied by faith
2) Designated as heirs – not made so by a decision. Who ever heard one ask, “who wants to be an heir?”
3) This inheritance is with Christ by which we have eternal life with Him.
III. Exhortation to affirm these truths (v. 8)
1. We return to the thrust of the discourse here – connect this with vv. 1-2.
2. The importance emphasized – “a faithful saying”
3. Consider the danger of seeking to be identified with a truth that bears no fruit of the Spirit in us – evidence that we are partakers thereof.
1) They which have believed in God – relative to the foregoing thoughts
2) Directed to maintain good works.
4. Such is good and profitable to all men. Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. There must be a life to answer the claim.
