Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Grace

Our salvation is not a result of our own efforts or righteousness but is a gift of God's mercy and grace. This transformation is brought about by the Holy Spirit, who calls us to live lives that reflect God's goodness. As recipients of this grace, we are encouraged to be ready for every good work and to show perfect courtesy to all people. This means actively seeking opportunities to serve others and demonstrate the love and mercy we have received. The transformation through grace is not just a personal experience but a call to action, urging us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [01:33]

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: Who in your life can you show unexpected kindness to today, reflecting the grace you have received from God?

Day 2: The Role of Pastoral Leadership

Effective pastoral leadership involves clear delegation and a focus on what truly benefits the congregation. Pastors, like Titus, are called to affirm what is profitable and avoid distractions, ensuring that the church remains centered on the gospel. This requires discernment and wisdom to prioritize the essentials of faith and to guide the congregation in a way that fosters spiritual growth and unity. Pastoral leaders must be vigilant in steering the church away from meaningless debates and towards the core truths of the gospel. [04:24]

1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Reflection: How can you support your church leaders in their mission to keep the congregation focused on the gospel?

Day 3: Avoiding Foolish Controversies

Not all controversy is harmful, but foolish controversies that replace theology with mythology are unprofitable and worthless. Believers must be discerning, focusing on the core truths of the gospel rather than getting sidetracked by meaningless debates. These distractions can lead to division and confusion within the church, and it is crucial to remain grounded in the truth of God's Word. By avoiding these controversies, we can maintain unity and clarity in our faith communities. [09:16]

2 Timothy 2:23-24 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil."

Reflection: Is there a debate or controversy you are involved in that might be distracting you from the core truths of the gospel? How can you refocus on what truly matters?

Day 4: The Dangers of Speculative Theology

Speculative theology can lead to division and confusion within the church. It is essential to remain grounded in the truth of God's Word, avoiding the temptation to treat it as a puzzle to be manipulated for personal satisfaction. This requires humility and a commitment to the authority of Scripture, recognizing that our understanding is limited and that God's wisdom is far greater than our own. By focusing on the clear teachings of the Bible, we can avoid the pitfalls of speculative theology and maintain a strong foundation in our faith. [20:40]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: Are there areas in your faith where you are tempted to speculate beyond what Scripture clearly teaches? How can you ground yourself more firmly in God's Word?

Day 5: The Importance of Good Works

As recipients of God's grace, we are called to devote ourselves to good works. These actions are not only a response to God's mercy but also serve as a testimony to others, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. Good works are excellent and profitable for everyone, providing opportunities to serve and bless others while reflecting the character of Christ. By committing to good works, we can make a positive impact in our communities and bring glory to God. [02:01]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What is one specific good work you can commit to this week that will demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your life?

Sermon Summary

In Titus chapter 3, we are reminded of the importance of living a life that reflects the grace and mercy we have received from God. We are called to be submissive to rulers and authorities, obedient, and ready for every good work. This passage emphasizes the transformation that occurs through the Holy Spirit, highlighting that our salvation is not based on our own righteousness but on God's mercy. As believers, we are encouraged to devote ourselves to good works, which are excellent and profitable for everyone. However, we must also be cautious to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, and quarrels about the law, as these are unprofitable and worthless.

Paul's instructions to Titus serve as a guide for pastoral leadership, emphasizing the need for clear delegation and the importance of focusing on what is truly beneficial for the congregation. Titus is urged to affirm what is profitable and avoid what is not, ensuring that the church remains focused on the core truths of the gospel rather than getting sidetracked by meaningless debates. This is a timeless message for all believers, reminding us to prioritize the essentials of our faith and to be wary of distractions that can lead us astray.

The historical examples of theological controversy, such as the formation of the creeds and the Reformation, illustrate that not all controversy is negative. However, Paul warns against foolish controversies that replace theology with mythology and biblical convictions with human concoctions. These distractions can lead to division and confusion within the church, and it is crucial to remain grounded in the truth of God's Word.

Key Takeaways

1. Transformation Through Grace: Our salvation is not based on our own works but on God's mercy and grace. This transformation through the Holy Spirit calls us to live lives that reflect His goodness, being ready for every good work and showing perfect courtesy to all people. [01:33]
2. The Role of Pastoral Leadership: Effective leadership involves clear delegation and a focus on what is truly beneficial for the congregation. Pastors, like Titus, are called to affirm what is profitable and avoid distractions, ensuring that the church remains centered on the gospel. [04:24]
3. Avoiding Foolish Controversies: Not all controversy is harmful, but foolish controversies that replace theology with mythology are unprofitable and worthless. Believers must be discerning, focusing on the core truths of the gospel rather than getting sidetracked by meaningless debates. [09:16]
4. The Dangers of Speculative Theology: Speculative theology can lead to division and confusion within the church. It is essential to remain grounded in the truth of God's Word, avoiding the temptation to treat it as a puzzle to be manipulated for personal satisfaction. [20:40]
5. The Importance of Good Works: As recipients of God's grace, we are called to devote ourselves to good works. These actions are not only a response to God's mercy but also serve as a testimony to others, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. [02:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Call to Obedience and Good Works
[01:33] - Salvation by Grace
[02:12] - Avoiding Worthless Controversies
[03:19] - Prayer for Understanding
[03:32] - Titus' Assignment
[04:24] - The Importance of Delegation
[05:06] - Instructions for Pastoral Leadership
[06:10] - Affirming the Profitable
[06:53] - Avoiding the Unprofitable
[09:16] - Understanding Controversy
[10:17] - Historical Examples of Controversy
[12:01] - The Doctrine of Justification
[14:10] - Avoiding Foolish Controversies
[20:40] - The Dangers of Speculative Theology

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Titus Chapter 3

Bible Reading:
- Titus 3:1-11

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Observation Questions:

What specific behaviors does Paul instruct Titus to remind the believers to exhibit in Titus 3:1-2? How do these behaviors reflect the transformation through grace? [01:06]
According to Titus 3:5-7, what is the basis of our salvation, and how does this passage emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in our transformation? [01:33]
What types of controversies and behaviors does Paul instruct us to avoid in Titus 3:9, and why are they considered unprofitable and worthless? [02:12]
How does Paul describe the role of pastoral leadership in Titus 3:8, and what is Titus encouraged to affirm within the congregation? [06:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

In Titus 3:1-2, Paul calls believers to be submissive to rulers and authorities. How might this instruction have been challenging for the early church, and what does it mean for us today? [01:06]
Paul emphasizes the importance of good works in Titus 3:8. How do these good works serve as a testimony to others, and what might be the impact on the community? [02:01]
The sermon mentioned historical examples of theological controversy, such as the Reformation. How can we discern between necessary theological debates and foolish controversies that Paul warns against? [10:17]
Paul advises Titus to avoid foolish controversies and focus on the core truths of the gospel. How can this guidance help maintain unity within the church? [09:16]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you struggle to be submissive to authority as instructed in Titus 3:1? How can you work on this aspect in your daily interactions? [01:06]
Consider the good works you are currently involved in. How do they reflect the transformation through grace mentioned in Titus 3:5-7? What new good work might God be calling you to pursue? [01:33]
Think about a time when you were involved in a foolish controversy or debate. How did it affect your relationships or your spiritual growth? What steps can you take to avoid such distractions in the future? [09:16]
How can you support your church leaders in affirming what is profitable for the congregation, as Paul instructs Titus in Titus 3:8? Are there specific ways you can contribute to the church's mission? [06:10]
Identify a specific theological or doctrinal issue that you find confusing or controversial. How can you seek clarity and understanding while avoiding unprofitable debates? [10:17]
Paul warns against speculative theology that leads to division. How can you ensure that your study of the Bible remains grounded in truth and not swayed by personal interpretations or myths? [20:40]
Reflect on the importance of showing perfect courtesy to all people as mentioned in Titus 3:2. Is there someone in your life with whom you need to practice this more intentionally? How will you do it? [01:06]

Sermon Clips

"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. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another." [00:01:02]

"But when the goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." [00:01:33]

"The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." [00:02:01]

"All of us who have any part in any kind of organization at all understand that delegation is an essential extension of effective leadership. It is really impossible to be a leader of any use whatsoever unless one is willing and able to delegate and to delegate in such a way that people are able to serve effectively." [00:04:08]

"Paul, we see from all of his letters, is someone who is more than willing to do that. He was not only willing to do it, he was able to do it, and you don't see it any clearer than what we find in these pastoral epistles in writing to Timothy as a young pastor and here also writing to Titus." [00:04:35]

"Paul is not saying any kind of controversy is out. That's why it's important to look carefully at our Bibles, and you will notice that the adjective is the thing that keeps us on track. He says I want you to make sure that you avoid foolish controversies, foolish controversies, in other words, where theology is replaced with mythology." [00:14:10]

"Where biblical convictions are challenged by human concoctions, where the discoveries in the Bible that people want to point us to are right up there with the sightings of the Loch Ness monster, absolutely hopeless and worthless stuff, and some people rejoice in that." [00:14:35]

"The Holy Spirit does not provide the genealogies so that we might wander into heedless speculations. And you know what it is, it happens every year. Somebody says, have you read the hidden gospel of Thomas? Did you know that there were three other people whose name was X and if you multiply them and then spin them around three times and turn them upside down and read your Bible backwards you will discover that this is everything that you've ever needed to know about the Bible." [00:16:19]

"When people begin to get a mindset that treats the word of God, the truth of God, as some kind of gigantic jigsaw puzzle whereby they can move the pieces around to suit their own satisfaction, then they will be chaotic, and so these things are to be avoided because they lead nowhere, and they settle nothing." [00:20:40]

"Paul says to Titus make sure that you don't get embroiled in this stuff, make sure that your people don't become masters of this. You will have folks who are able to provide plenty of speculative hot air, and you will have people who have itchy ears that twitch every time there is the sound of this nonsense in the air." [00:18:14]

"The reason it matters, because when you have the inventiveness of these false teachers matched by the curiosity of naive listeners, it may create the impression that there is a sort of meaningful debate and wonderful discovery being made, but not so says Paul because these sort of things are unprofitable and worthless." [00:19:04]

"These things are to be avoided because they lead nowhere, and they settle nothing. They lead nowhere, they settle nothing." [00:21:01]

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Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Grace

Day 2: The Role of Pastoral Leadership

Day 3: Avoiding Foolish Controversies

Day 4: The Dangers of Speculative Theology

Day 5: The Importance of Good Works

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living Out Grace: Focus on Good Works

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