Paul's Epistles – Titus – Part 6: Citizenship and Sinners

Paul's Epistles – Titus – Part 6:

Citizenship and Sinners

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

Online Audio Files | HOF Church Facebook | Truth Digest Facebook

This Document is a Sermon Outline, you may hear the full audio of the actual sermon by following the link Online Audio Files located above for this, and other Full Sermon Audios.  For a complete list of Sermon Outlines, visit TruthDigest.org, or Truth Digest on facebook; for our Official Church website, visit PS127.org, or find us on facebook at House of Faith Church

SERMON INTRODUCTION

Unlike some of the other epistles attributed cautiously to Paul, nearly all agree that without a doubt, Titus is most definitely Paul’s workmanship.

Some thought that because of its strong emphasis on “works”, Paul did not write it. (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14 ), however Titus 3:5 gives the answer to that objection, “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,”

It is clear Paul is pressing the issue of works, not for salvation sake, but in an effort to promote “godliness” which comes from knowledge of the Truth, a godliness which “produces” works naturally as its fruits.

Galatians 5:22-23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

This letter was written approximately the same time, and more than likely the same place as I Timothy.

PREVIOUSLY

Introduction to Titus

Appointing Elders who love what is good

Rebuking False Teachings

Teaching Older Men and Women

Teaching Young Men and Servants

TODAY’S SERMON

Citizenship and Sinners

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

Titus 3 (65 AD, written between I Timothy and II Timothy)

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. ¹¹ You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ¹³ Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁵ Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

The overall message of this epistle to the church is;

God’s ideal for the Christian Church and Christian Workers

I. REMIND THE PEOPLE

a. To be subject to rulers and authorities (Good Citizens)

                                                                 i. To be obedient (not a law breaker)

                                                              ii. To be ready to do “whatever is good”

1. Laws that are against good (Godly things) do not have to be obeyed, but we must take Daniels example

2. Daniel disobeyed the “law” by praying to the true God, doing what was good

3. However, we are to be good citizens and obey laws that are not contrary to God

b. To slander no one

                                                                 i. Slander means the action of making a false statement about someone, damaging to a person’s reputation

c. To be peaceable and considerate

                                                                 i. And always gentle toward everyone

II.      REMIND THEM ALSO

a. At one time we too were foolish

                                                                 i. Disobedient, deceived

                                                              ii. and enslaved by all kinds of passions & pleasures

b. We once lived in malice and envy

                                                                 i. Being hated by one another

c. But when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared

                                                                 i. He saved us

                                                              ii. Not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy

                                                           iii. He saved us! Through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior

                                                            iv. So that, having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs having the hope of eternal life

III.   AND BE SURE TO AVOID CONTROVERSIES

a. And genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law

                                                                 i. Because these are unprofitable and useless

b. Warn a divisive (Heretic in KJV; Sectarian in the LIT) person once

                                                                 i. Sectarian means a person creating or causing a sect or sects

1. In other words division, so heretic (one teaching false doctrine) fits as well if the arguments and quarrels are about genealogies or the Law

a. Some believed in salvation by association with father Abraham

b. Some still wanted to teach adherence to the Law in addition to needing Christ

2. So NIV use of “divisive” is more to Paul’s point

                                                              ii. Divisive means causing disagreements, arguments or hostility between people

                                                           iii. Warn them once, and then a second time

                                                            iv. And then, have nothing to do with them

c. You can be sure that such people (those causing division) are warped (subverted - LIT) and sinful

                                                                 i. Subverted in the Literal translation, meaning to undermine the power and authority of an established system

                                                              ii. In other words, by arguing a system of salvation other than Jesus Christ (genealogy or the Law) you undermine the power and authority of Christ, stating He is not sufficient.

                                                           iii. Paul states, “You can be sure that such people (who do this) are warped and sinful, they are self-condemned

1. They condemn themselves

CONCLUSION –  our people (followers of christ) must devote themselves to doing what is good

In order to provide (love in action) for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Paul stating that if you are a follower of Christ, then you MUST live that love!  You must provide for those who are preaching and teaching the Gospel so that the Word and Salvation may be taken into the world.

And do not live unproductive lives...we cannot all be missionaries, preachers, teachers, etc...but if we cannot be doers in one way, we can be doers in another, we may not be able to bear arms in this battle, but we can offer ammunition, and this is how we can support ministry, either “do” the ministry of missionary, preaching, teaching, or “do” the providing of needs.

Next week we will being a new series.

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?   

CLICK HERE!

Want to hear the audio to this sermon?   

CLICK HERE!

Paul's Epistles – Titus – Part 5: Teaching Young Men and Servants

Paul's Epistles – Titus – Part 5:

Teaching Young Men and Servants

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

Online Audio Files | HOF Church Facebook | Truth Digest Facebook

This Document is a Sermon Outline, you may hear the full audio of the actual sermon by following the link Online Audio Files located above for this, and other Full Sermon Audios.  For a complete list of Sermon Outlines, visit TruthDigest.org, or Truth Digest on facebook; for our Official Church website, visit PS127.org, or find us on facebook at House of Faith Church

SERMON INTRODUCTION

Unlike some of the other epistles attributed cautiously to Paul, nearly all agree that without a doubt, Titus is most definitely Paul’s workmanship.

Some thought that because of its strong emphasis on “works”, Paul did not write it. (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14 ), however Titus 3:5 gives the answer to that objection, “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,”

It is clear Paul is pressing the issue of works, not for salvation sake, but in an effort to promote “godliness” which comes from knowledge of the Truth, a godliness which “produces” works naturally as its fruits.

Galatians 5:22-23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

This letter was written approximately the same time, and more than likely the same place as I Timothy.

PREVIOUSLY

Introduction to Titus

Appointing Elders who love what is good

Rebuking False Teachings

Teaching Older Men and Women

TODAY’S SERMON

Teaching Young Men and Servants

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

Titus 2:6-15 (65 AD, written between I Timothy and II Timothy)

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷ In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰ and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ 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.

¹⁵ These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

The overall message of this epistle to the church is;

God’s ideal for the Christian Church and Christian Workers

I. ENCOURAGE THE YOUNG MEN TO BE SELF-CONTROLLED

a. Self-Controlled

                                                                 i. According to scripture, young men need to be “encouraged” to be self-controlled

                                                              ii. This implies what I believe we all know to be true about young men (and perhaps some older who have chronologically aged but failed to mature), they can be reckless, impulsive, lead by their emotions, poor decision making

                                                           iii. However, the older men should be aware of this because we too were that way, and encourage the younger to be self-controlled, rather, submit to the Spirit of God they receive when they take part of the New Covenant, and allow (do not quench or resist) the Holy Spirit to do a work in them, giving them the ability to be self-controlled.

                                                            iv. In-everything (older men) set an example by doing what is good

1. You MUST be doers of the words you speak!

b. What your teaching should be

                                                                 i. Show integrity - honesty, truth, honor, reliability

                                                              ii. Seriousness - the importance and significance of what you are teaching

                                                           iii. Soundness of speech - reliable, dependable, words that bring security in teaching

                                                            iv. These things will rightly represent the Word of God

c. Why teach in this manner

                                                                 i. So those who oppose you may be shamed because they have nothing bad to say about you.

1. This speaks of legitimate things to say about you

2. Those who oppose you and your teaching will always find false-accusations, lies, rumors, gossip etc...

3. However, to these, they will end up being shamed because they were not true, and those who know you will see and hear the truth, knowing that others are liars.

II.      TEACH THE SERVANTS TO BE SUBJECT TO THEIR MASTERS

a. Servants (Employees) and Masters (Bosses)

                                                                 i. Only speaks to Christian Employees

                                                              ii. We represent Christ no matter where we are or what we are doing

b. Being subject means

                                                                 i. We are the employee, and they are in charge

                                                              ii. Therefore, since you represent the Lord, try to please your boss

                                                           iii. Do not argue or fight back with them (remember, they are in charge!)

                                                            iv. Show them you can be trusted

                                                               v. Do not steal from them (not even time)

1. I have a friend who always waited until he was at work to use the restroom for about 15 minutes every day we worked.

2. He calculated that in 1 year he was in the bathroom for about 65 hours.

3. At $7 per hour, this comes to $455 per year

4. Now, if you have to go, you have to go, but to purposely wait every day to get paid to poop, is not the way we are supposed to be, taking advantage of our boss and job.

c. Why be subject to our boss in the appropriate manner?

                                                                 i. Paul says, “So in every way you will make the teaching about God the savior attractive”

                                                              ii. If we (as Christian Employees) do not try to please our boss, or talk back and argue all the time, steal from them, even time, we show them we cannot be trusted...therefore why would they want anything to do with the God we say we serve?

III.   WHAT IS THE TEACHING ABOUT GOD THE SAVIOR WE SHOULD BE SHOWING?

a. The Grace of God

                                                                 i. which has appeared and offers salvation

                                                              ii. We must explain this and share it with others

b. What it Teaches

                                                                 i. This grace and salvation teaches us to say NO to ungodliness and worldly possessions

                                                              ii. We avoid ungodly behavior

                                                           iii. We live self-controlled lives

1. We can be trusted

2. We do not need rules, laws, punishments, masters to force us to do what is right, because we are self-controlled and chose the right path in all things

3. We chose upright and Godly lives

c. While we wait for the blessed hope

                                                                 i. The appearing Glory of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ

                                                              ii. He gave Himself to redeem us from all wickedness

                                                           iii. And to purify for Himself a people that are His very own

                                                            iv. A people who are eager to do what is good!

CONCLUSION –  These then are the things you should teach

So Paul explains to Titus in the last few verses we have looked at in the recent weeks;

Teach the older men - sound doctrine and to be moderate, serious, self-controlled, calm, sound in faith and charity (love), doing all in patience.

Teach the older women - live in a way that is becoming to holiness, staying away from gossip and false accusations of others, and not drinking much wine, teaching good things.

Teach the young women - to be temperate (by example), to love their husbands and their children, to be tactful, virtuous, keepers of the home, good, obedient to their own husbands (do not listen to men other than your own husband, this keeps women from consorting in the church with married men, and keeps peace in the home when you do not take another man’s word above your husband’s)

Teach the young men - to exercise self-control, doing good in all things, in doctrine being uncorrupt, showing sincerity, sound speech, so no one has just cause to speak against you.

Servants (Christian Employees) - obey your boss, trying to please them, doing well at your job, not talking back, not stealing anything from them (including time), but show you are trustworthy, showing the Doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

The Christian life is an example to others, those younger than us, those we work for, people we know or meet in our daily lives.

As we are here on the earth, we are to live for the Lord, being an example to others while we wait for our Lord to come.

Next week we will look at Paul explaining to Titus about our citizenship in the land we live.

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?   

CLICK HERE!

Want to hear the audio to this sermon?   

CLICK HERE!