Title: Marks of Christian Community.
Scripture: Titus 3:1-8
Date: 11172024
Bible Version: NKJV
BOTTOM LINE: As followers of Christ, we need to be a picture of the destination.
Things Christians Need To Remember:
1. Show Humility towards Others (vv. 1-2)
[Tit 3:1 NKJV]
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
Remind them - The idea here is to keep on reminding. As followers of Christ, we need to keep on being reminded.
To be subject to rulers and authorities, - Paul encourages Titus to remind the congregation to be subject to rulers and authorities.
Christians ultimately serve God, not man. As a result, God knows our motives.
to be ready for every good work, - We are to show humility towards others so that we can be ready for every good work. Good works are divinely appointed actions that include us, benefit others and ultimately bring glory to God.
[Tit 3:2 NKJV]
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
to speak evil of no one - Our testimony as Christ followers is visible to others. The first opportunity we usually have to represent Christ is with our words.
to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men - Paul goes on to remind us that we should be peaceable, gentle and to show humility towards all men. This is not a check-list on how to be a Christian, it’s practical advice on how to represent Christ in our day to day lives.
Gentleness and kindness were characteristics of Jesus’ ministry. —D.L. Moody
This should be part of a Christians life because we know who we are and who others are in the eyes of Jesus.
2. Remember what you used to be (vs. 3)
[Tit 3:3 NKJV]
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
**
For we ourselves were also once….** - Paul reminds Titus what we used to be. Foolish, disobedient, deceived,serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
Remembering where we once were shows us that the fallen nature is not so far from us, and we need constant reminding to stay where we should be in the Lord. —David Guzik
Never forget that your new life in Christ should remind others of the power of God’s grace.
Remembering What God has done in us reminds us to:
1. Show Gratitude to others.
2. Be humble towards others.
3. Be Kind to Others
4. Have Faith
Unbelievers are what believers once were: foolish rebels who were deceived, enslaved, and filled with malice. Believers lose patience with the lost when they forget their own past. —D.L. Moody
3. Remember it’s about salvation (vv. 4-7)
[Tit 3:4 NKJV]
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared - The biggest surprise that some people may have when they stand before the creator of the universe is that they can’t rescue themselves. Only God can rescue us. He did this through Jesus Christ.
He reached out to us long before we reached out to Him. —David Guzik
[Tit 3:5 NKJV]
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us - Salvation is a work of God. It can’t be earned by doing good things for yourself or others. It is according to God’s mercy and grace. He saved us.
Through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit - Regeneration is another way of speaking about the new birth or the second birth (being born again). The idea is that we are spiritually made alive. Paul gives Titus a reminder that we are saved when we are regenerated.
[Tit 3:6 NKJV]
whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior - This was made possible because of Christ Jesus. We are able to be regenerated because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
[Tit 3:7 NKJV]
that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Having been justified by His grace - Paul reminds Titus that as followers of Christ, we have been justified by grace.
We should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. - As believers we have eternal life
We must never put the cart of works before the horse of grace. —David Guzik
4. Remember salvation changes us from the inside out (vs. 8)
[Tit 3:8 NKJV]
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
This is a gainful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly - This is the doctrine that Paul wants Titus to teach.
That those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works- Every Christian should be reminded of the connection between grace and works. It’s God’s grace that is working in us to produce good works.
Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone. —David Guzik
These things are good and profitable to men- Good works bless everyone. The doer, the receiver and the Lord.
Four Ways That We Can Let Our Faith Impact Others Around Us:
1. Serve Others
2. Christ Centric Attitude
3. Show Gratefulness
4. Show an Abundance of Grace
Reflection: What are some things you can do this week to serve others, have a Christ centered attitude, show gratefulness and show grace towards others?
Want to get practical?
🌱 Grow in Community - Join a Life Group
🤲 Join the Mission - I Want to Serve
📒 Devotional - How To Be The Church
🙏 Pray - Intentionally pray for friends, family, and neighbors who don’t know Jesus.
⛪️ Keep Coming Back - Commit to being a part of the local church.