Living in Grace: Obedience, Transformation, and Eternal Focus

 

Summary

In Titus chapter 3, we are reminded of the importance of being subject to authorities and obeying the government, regardless of our personal opinions about their actions. This teaching challenges us to pray for those in power, whether they are acting wisely or foolishly. As believers, we are called to continue doing good, reflecting our spiritual maturity in Christ. Our words and actions should demonstrate love and gentleness, not hatred or judgment. We must crucify our minds and hold ourselves captive to the teachings of Christ, ensuring that our thoughts and words align with His love and grace.

The passage also emphasizes the need for humility and a willingness to change. Just as we change our clothes daily, we should be open to changing our minds and hearts, allowing the Word of God to transform us. This transformation is essential for living in right relationship with others and with God. We are called to be gentle, meek, and willing to change for the glory of God, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and stubbornness.

Furthermore, the sermon highlights the significance of being renewed by the Holy Spirit. This renewal requires daily engagement with the Word of God and prayer. Without this, we risk drifting away from God and losing our spiritual vitality. The Holy Spirit's renewal brings freshness and vitality to our lives, enabling us to love others genuinely and live as examples of God's glory.

Ultimately, our citizenship in God's kingdom calls us to be examples of His love and grace, not to be consumed by the temporary issues of this world. We are reminded that the blood of Calvary's cross has set us free, and our focus should be on living for eternal life with Christ. Our mission is to win others to Jesus, not to judge or condemn them. By living out these principles, we can truly reflect the love and mercy of God in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Obedience and Prayer for Authorities: As believers, we are called to obey and pray for those in authority, regardless of our personal opinions. This obedience reflects our spiritual maturity and commitment to God's Word. By praying for leaders, we align ourselves with God's will and demonstrate love and grace. [01:25]

- Transformation Through Humility: Just as we change our clothes daily, we must be willing to change our minds and hearts. This openness to transformation allows the Word of God to renew us, enabling us to live in right relationship with others and with God. Humility and a willingness to change are essential for spiritual growth. [07:16]

- Renewal by the Holy Spirit: Daily engagement with the Word of God and prayer is crucial for spiritual renewal. The Holy Spirit brings freshness and vitality to our lives, helping us to love others genuinely and live as examples of God's glory. Without this renewal, we risk drifting away from God. [17:33]

- Living for Eternal Life: Our focus should be on living for eternal life with Christ, not being consumed by the temporary issues of this world. The blood of Calvary's cross has set us free, and our mission is to win others to Jesus, not to judge or condemn them. By living out these principles, we reflect God's love and mercy. [23:18]

- Love and Mercy Over Judgment: Our role as believers is to love and pray for others, not to judge or condemn them. By focusing on love and mercy, we align ourselves with God's character and fulfill our mission to win others to Christ. This approach fosters unity and reflects the heart of God. [25:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:25] - Obedience to Authorities
- [04:14] - The Power of Words
- [05:07] - Speaking No Evil
- [05:48] - Meekness and Prayer
- [07:16] - Embracing Change
- [08:41] - Preaching Love and Unity
- [09:49] - Characteristics of the Unsaved
- [11:07] - The Kindness and Love of God
- [14:26] - Seeing Beyond Tunnel Vision
- [16:34] - Respect and Prayer for Government
- [17:33] - Renewal by the Holy Spirit
- [20:11] - The Importance of Relationship with God
- [23:18] - Living for Eternal Life
- [25:55] - Love and Mercy Over Judgment
- [27:20] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Titus 3:1-7

Observation Questions:
1. According to Titus 3:1-2, what are believers instructed to do in relation to authorities and others? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on obedience and prayer for those in power? [01:25]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our words and our spiritual maturity? How does this relate to the instruction in Titus 3:2 to speak evil of no one? [04:14]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of being renewed by the Holy Spirit, and what daily practices are emphasized to facilitate this renewal? [17:33]
4. What does the sermon say about the significance of living for eternal life, and how does this perspective affect our view of temporary worldly issues? [23:18]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the call to be subject to authorities in Titus 3:1? What might be the challenges and benefits of this obedience in today’s context? [01:25]
2. The sermon compares changing our clothes to changing our minds and hearts. How does this metaphor help us understand the concept of transformation through humility as described in Titus 3:2? [07:16]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the renewal by the Holy Spirit impacts our ability to love others genuinely? How does this relate to the teachings in Titus 3:5? [17:33]
4. How does the sermon’s emphasis on love and mercy over judgment reflect the message of Titus 3:4-5? What implications does this have for our interactions with others? [25:55]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you disagreed with someone in authority. How did you respond, and how might the teachings from Titus 3:1-2 guide you to respond differently in the future? [01:25]
2. Consider your daily routine. What specific changes can you make to ensure you are engaging with the Word of God and prayer regularly, as encouraged by the sermon? [17:33]
3. Think of a person or group you have judged harshly in the past. How can you shift your perspective to one of love and mercy, as the sermon suggests? [25:55]
4. Identify an area in your life where you have been resistant to change. How can you apply the sermon’s message of transformation through humility to this area? [07:16]
5. The sermon emphasizes living for eternal life rather than being consumed by temporary issues. What is one practical step you can take this week to focus more on eternal values? [23:18]
6. How can you actively demonstrate the love and grace of God in your community, especially towards those who may not share your beliefs or values? [04:14]
7. Reflect on your current spiritual vitality. What actions can you take to invite the Holy Spirit’s renewal into your life, as described in the sermon? [17:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience as a Reflection of Spiritual Maturity
In Titus chapter 3, believers are reminded of the importance of being subject to authorities and obeying the government, regardless of personal opinions about their actions. This teaching challenges individuals to pray for those in power, whether they are acting wisely or foolishly. Obedience to authorities is not just about compliance but reflects spiritual maturity and a commitment to God's Word. By praying for leaders, believers align themselves with God's will and demonstrate love and grace. This obedience is a testament to one's faith and trust in God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. [01:25]

Titus 3:1-2 (ESV): "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."

Reflection: Think of a leader or authority figure you struggle to respect. How can you begin to pray for them today, asking God to guide their decisions and actions?


Day 2: Embracing Change Through Humility
Transformation through humility is a key aspect of spiritual growth. Just as people change their clothes daily, they must be willing to change their minds and hearts. This openness to transformation allows the Word of God to renew them, enabling them to live in right relationship with others and with God. Humility and a willingness to change are essential for spiritual growth, as they prevent the pitfalls of pride and stubbornness. By embracing change, believers can reflect the glory of God in their lives and relationships. [07:16]

James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been resistant to change. What steps can you take today to open your heart to God's transformative work?


Day 3: Renewal by the Holy Spirit
Daily engagement with the Word of God and prayer is crucial for spiritual renewal. The Holy Spirit brings freshness and vitality to believers' lives, helping them to love others genuinely and live as examples of God's glory. Without this renewal, there is a risk of drifting away from God and losing spiritual vitality. The Holy Spirit's renewal is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires intentionality and dedication. By seeking renewal, believers can maintain a vibrant and dynamic relationship with God. [17:33]

2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily practice of engaging with the Word and prayer to invite the Holy Spirit's renewal in your life?


Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Believers are called to focus on living for eternal life with Christ, not being consumed by the temporary issues of this world. The blood of Calvary's cross has set them free, and their mission is to win others to Jesus, not to judge or condemn them. By living out these principles, they reflect God's love and mercy. This eternal perspective shifts priorities and influences how believers interact with the world around them, emphasizing the importance of living for God's kingdom. [23:18]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: What is one worldly concern that has been consuming your thoughts? How can you shift your focus to an eternal perspective today?


Day 5: Love and Mercy Over Judgment
Believers are called to love and pray for others, not to judge or condemn them. By focusing on love and mercy, they align themselves with God's character and fulfill their mission to win others to Christ. This approach fosters unity and reflects the heart of God. Love and mercy are powerful tools for transformation, both in the lives of believers and those they interact with. By embodying these qualities, believers can create a more compassionate and understanding community. [25:55]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's love and mercy through you today? What practical steps can you take to show them this love and mercy?

Quotes


Here in Titus chapter 3, put them in mind, that means all of us, Paul was speaking to Titus, put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers to obey magistrates. We are to obey this government even if I don't like it. And I know that may not sit well with you or may not sit well with many people that will watch this broadcast, but the word of God teaches whoever's in power, we are to pray for them. [00:00:01] (40 seconds)


to do good no matter how bad the government is doing or how we think they're doing bad we as men and women of god ought to talk good and continue to do good when we throw our words into the conversation we are only showing our level of spirituality in christ we're showing our maturity level in god and i want us to understand what is in our mind is going to come out and most of the time when it comes out especially we're in the heat of the battle it really what we think we apologize oh i'll be i'm sorry but what's in our mind is what's going to come out we need to crucify our mind we need to crucify our mind and hold ourselves captive to the blood of calvary's cross and to do good while everyone else is is throwing hate in everything they say i don't hate anyone amen i think some people are loony loony tunes i really do my opinion i think they're loony tunes [00:01:25] (88 seconds)


We need to refocus our minds, brothers and sisters, here in Titus chapter 3, verse 2. We need to refocus our minds and get our minds on praying for people. Loving people and not speaking evil of them. Because what you may not know, it might be some good at the end that will benefit everyone. On the surface, things may look rough. [00:06:29] (37 seconds)


People do not like to be corrected about what they believe for 20 years and 30 years. People do not like correction. They'll get mad and call you a heretic and everything else, even when you know they're wrong. Because people don't like change. That's another problem with us. We need to be, as believers, meek, gentle, and be willing to change for the glory of God. Now, if I'm not willing to change, how can I do any different? You change clothes every day, don't you? [00:07:16] (36 seconds)


If you get some Jesus in you, you can't talk mean about someone without quickly asking them to forgive you. If you get some Jesus in you, you can't harbor hate towards another person. If you get some Jesus in you, and you repent of all your sins and plead the blood of the cross, of calvary you cannot have malice with anyone you can't have malice with anyone if jesus if jesus is on the inside of you and some of you were looking at me like you think the words gonna come right out in the page here titus chapter three verse four but after that the kindness and love of god our savior towards man appeared that's how i'm set free on this sunday that's how i'm set free because jesus christ of tears grace and mercy followed the appearance and after the crucifixion and him rising from the dead amen and we're living like it's all up to us if we're going to make it this afternoon we're not i don't live like that if the knife comes it's fine if tomorrow comes it's fine if he takes me right now i know where i'm going it is well with my soul we need to live like that jesus the cross has set us free it is taking us from speaking the evil of people [00:12:58] (109 seconds)


You must read or listen to the word of God daily and you must pray daily. If you neglect that, your tendency will move away from God and you could have committed apostasy and lose your salvation. And I do believe that. You must want to hear or read the word of God every day and pray every day. It's your job as a citizen to do that. [00:17:33] (36 seconds)


But if we would fall in love with the Holy Spirit and love the Holy Spirit, he'll renew us and we won't be worried about how we dress, how we feel mentally, or how thick we are if we're renewed in the Holy Spirit. It's the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Every day in my prayers, I say, I love you, Father. I love you, Jesus Christ. [00:19:18] (33 seconds)


Amen. Verse 6 and finally in 7, which he shed on us abundantly his kindness and his love through Jesus Christ our Savior that being justified by his grace we should be made heroes according to the hope of eternal life. Oh my today this is rubbish this is rubbish what is going on in our society today. All the talk is rubbish it will go away like when the trash man picks up your trash or whatever day he picks it up it's all rubbish and it will go to the landfill but the blood of Calvary's cross will never lose its significance the blood of Calvary's cross will never let go of you. Hallelujah. [00:21:36] (78 seconds)


We have an eternal life to live for too. There are some down days down here. But I try my best when I'm feeling down, when I'm feeling rejected, I get on my knees and I go to pray. I'll call someone I know that will encourage me. I have an eternal life in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to look forward to. An eternal life. [00:23:18] (35 seconds)


It is not our job to judge brothers and sisters and children. It's not our job to judge them. It's our job to pray for them and may the grace and the mercy of God be upon their lives. The grace and mercy of God. [00:26:26] (19 seconds)


There's no way I can win you to Christ. Talking ugly about you. There's no way I can spread the seed of hate and win you to Christ. Our job is to win folks to Jesus Christ. Not to turn anyone away. If they've got holy shirts, holy shoes, holy socks on walking up in here. It's our job to love them right where they're at. Amen. [00:27:20] (36 seconds)


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Transcript
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