Living Righteously: Submission, Transformation, and Grace

In Titus chapter 3, Paul instructs Titus to remind the believers in Crete to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work. This call to submission is not about blind obedience but about recognizing that all authority is established by God. Even when rulers are unjust, God uses them to fulfill His purposes, sometimes allowing evil leaders as a form of judgment to turn people's hearts back to Him. The ultimate goal is for believers to live in a way that reflects God's righteousness, which exalts a nation.

Paul emphasizes that believers should not be brawlers but gentle, showing meekness to all. This gentleness stems from remembering our past lives before Christ, where we were foolish, disobedient, and enslaved by various lusts. However, through the kindness and love of God, we have been saved—not by our righteousness but by His mercy. This salvation involves the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, transforming us into new creations in Christ.

The process of transformation is ongoing, as God, like an artist, is conforming us into the image of Jesus. This work is not yet complete, but we can look to Jesus as the model of what we are becoming. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation, doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. This abundant outpouring of the Spirit empowers us to live a life that bears fruit for God's kingdom.

Paul also warns against engaging in foolish controversies and arguments that are unprofitable. Instead, believers should focus on maintaining good works, which are profitable and necessary. The grace of God is a central theme, reminding us that we are justified by His grace and made heirs of eternal life. This grace is not based on our merit but on God's loving favor, which He desires to lavish upon us despite our unworthiness.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Submission to Authority: As Christians, we are called to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that all power is ordained by God. This submission is not about agreeing with every decision but about trusting God's sovereignty and His ability to use both good and evil leaders for His purposes. [01:54]
• 2. Transformation by the Holy Spirit: Our past lives were marked by disobedience and sin, but through the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation is a work of grace, not of our own efforts, and it is ongoing as God continues to shape us. [14:01]
• 3. The Role of Grace: God's grace is not a reward for good behavior but a gift given to us because we are His children. This grace justifies us, erases our past sins, and empowers us to live a life that bears fruit for His kingdom. [22:56]
• 4. Avoiding Foolish Controversies: Engaging in arguments and controversies that do not edify is unprofitable. Instead, we should focus on good works and building others up in love, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions. [37:00]
• 5. Bearing Fruit for God's Kingdom: Our purpose as believers is to bear fruit for God's kingdom. This involves living a life that reflects His love and grace, being fruitful in good works, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us to impact the world around us. [43:01]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:15] - Introduction to Titus 3
• [01:11] - Submission to Authorities
• [02:13] - God's Sovereignty Over Rulers
• [03:20] - Consequences of Evil Leadership
• [04:44] - Righteousness Exalts a Nation
• [05:02] - Paul's Teaching on Authority
• [06:06] - Role of Peace Officers
• [07:14] - Peter's Teaching on Submission
• [08:24] - Call to Gentleness and Meekness
• [10:12] - Remembering Our Past
• [12:44] - Transformation Through Christ
• [14:01] - Work of the Holy Spirit
• [17:04] - God's Artistic Work in Us
• [20:55] - Abundant Outpouring of the Spirit
• [22:56] - Justification by Grace
• [25:23] - Erasing the Past
• [30:29] - Hope of Eternal Life
• [33:17] - Affirming Truths Constantly
• [37:00] - Avoiding Foolish Controversies
• [42:31] - Maintaining Good Works
• [43:01] - Bearing Fruit for God's Kingdom
• [45:34] - Closing and Benediction

1. What are the three things Paul instructs Titus to remind the believers in Crete to do in Titus 3:1? How do these instructions relate to the concept of submission to authority? [01:11]
2. According to Romans 13:1-2, what is the source of all authority, and how should this influence a believer's attitude towards governing authorities? [01:54]
3. In the sermon, how does Paul describe the transformation that occurs through the Holy Spirit? What is the ultimate goal of this transformation? [14:01]
4. What does Paul warn against in Titus 3:9, and why are these actions considered unprofitable? [37:00]

1. How does the concept of submission to authority in Titus 3:1-2 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty over rulers, both good and evil? [03:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that remembering our past lives before Christ can influence our current behavior and attitudes towards others? [10:12]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of grace in a believer's life, particularly in relation to justification and the erasure of past sins? [22:56]
4. What might be some modern examples of "foolish controversies" that believers should avoid, according to the sermon? How can focusing on good works be more beneficial? [37:00]

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with submitting to authority. How can the understanding that all authority is established by God help you navigate similar situations in the future? [01:54]
2. The sermon emphasizes transformation by the Holy Spirit. Identify one area in your life where you feel the Holy Spirit is working. How can you cooperate with this transformation process? [14:01]
3. Consider the role of grace in your life. How can you remind yourself daily that God's grace is not based on your merit but is a gift? What practical steps can you take to live in this truth? [22:56]
4. Think about a recent argument or controversy you were involved in. Was it profitable or unprofitable? How can you focus more on building others up in love rather than engaging in fruitless debates? [37:00]
5. Bearing fruit for God's kingdom is a key takeaway from the sermon. What specific good work can you commit to this week that reflects God's love and grace to those around you? [43:01]
6. How can you actively avoid being a "brawler" in your interactions, as Paul advises? What practical steps can you take to show gentleness and meekness in your daily life? [08:24]
7. Identify one person in your life who may be struggling with understanding God's grace. How can you share the message of grace with them in a way that is both loving and impactful? [22:56]