This sermon is an in-depth exploration of the Book of Titus, emphasizing the importance of righteous living, proper church leadership, and the inseparable link between faith and behavior.

Introduction and Context

The pastor expresses his gratitude for the insights gained from the Book of Titus, highlighting its emphasis on God’s purpose for church leadership and righteous living. He points out that Titus focuses on the need for proper leadership in churches and the problem of false teachers who deceive for personal gain.

God’s Sovereign Purpose

• Leadership and Righteous Living: The sermon underscores God’s command to appoint elders in the church (Titus 1:5) and instructs His people to live righteously (Titus 2:1-10).
• Witness of Salvation: Proper leadership and righteous living serve as a witness to God’s plan of salvation.

The Call to Righteousness

• Groups Addressed: Titus addresses different groups—older men, older women, younger women, and younger men—emphasizing sound doctrine and godly behavior both inside and outside the church.
• Contrasting Worldly Values: The pastor contrasts God’s teachings with the world’s values, urging believers to live honorably and respectfully according to God’s word.

The Heart of Titus

• Gospel Basis: The core of Titus is found in Titus 2:11-15, where Paul provides a theological basis for righteous living.
• Grace and New Living: God’s grace, which brings salvation, also instructs believers to deny ungodliness and live righteous lives. The pastor emphasizes that true recipients of saving grace also follow training grace, leading to a transformed lifestyle.

Salvation and Transformation

• Verses Breakdown: Titus 2:11-14 is read and explained, highlighting the appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, bringing salvation and instructing believers to live godly lives.
• Atonement and Hope: The atonement through Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of His second coming are key themes. Believers are called to live in anticipation of Christ’s return, which will free them from the presence of sin.

Good Works and Zeal

• Redeemed and Purified: Believers are redeemed and purified by Christ to be zealous for good deeds. These good works are a product of salvation, not a means to it.
• Living Out Faith: The pastor stresses that true faith results in good deeds and righteous living. Believers, created in Christ, are meant for good works, prepared by God.

Practical Application

• Sound Doctrine and Authority: Leaders are commanded to teach sound doctrine and live by it. The pastor encourages the congregation to be diligent in living out their faith and to be zealous for good deeds.
• Resurrection and Judgment: The sermon references John 5:28-29 to explain the resurrection of those who did good deeds as a result of their faith. It clarifies that good deeds are evidence of salvation, not the cause.

Conclusion

• Rebellion Against Truth: The pastor calls for dealing with false teachings and emphasizes the need for truth and integrity in the church.
• Call to Faith: Finally, he invites those listening to embrace the truth of the Gospel, believe in Jesus Christ, and receive eternal life.

This summary captures the essence of the pastor’s message, which centers on the transformative power of God’s grace, the importance of righteous living, and the role of good works as evidence of genuine faith.

Main Scripture:
Titus 2:11-15

Proclaim Sound Doctrine
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people,

12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age,

13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.

15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you.

Referenced:

1) Titus 2:11-15
2) John 1:14
3) John 5:24-27
4) Colossians 3:9-10
5) 1 Peter 1:18-19
6) Ephesians 2:8-10
7) John 5:28-29
8) 1 John 5:10-12

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.