Transformed by Grace: Living Out Our Salvation

Titus chapter 3 calls us to remember both the depth of our salvation and the purpose for which we have been saved. Once, we were lost—foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by passions and malice. But God, in His kindness and love, intervened not because of anything good we had done, but purely out of His mercy. Through the generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we have been washed, reborn, and renewed. This is not a result of our own righteousness, but a gift of grace, justifying us and giving us the hope of eternal life.

Understanding the magnitude of this salvation is not just for our comfort; it is meant to transform us. We are called to devote ourselves to doing what is good—not to earn God’s favor, but as a response to the mercy we have received. Paul’s instructions are clear: be subject to authorities, be obedient, peaceable, considerate, and gentle to everyone. Our lives should stand in stark contrast to what we once were, reflecting the character of Christ to the world around us.

Good works are not the means of our salvation, but the fruit of it. We are urged to avoid pointless arguments and divisiveness, focusing instead on meeting urgent needs and supporting others in their journey. The call is practical: help those in need, support fellow believers, and let our actions be shaped by the Spirit’s renewal within us. Each of us has a salvation story, and that story should lead to a changed life—one marked by gratitude, service, and a readiness to do good.

Reflecting on our past reminds us of God’s mercy, and looking forward, we are invited to participate in the good works God has prepared for us. Let us continually return to the wonder of our salvation, allowing it to inspire and empower us to live as new creations, devoted to good works for the glory of God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The radical transformation of salvation is rooted in God’s mercy, not our merit. Remembering who we once were—foolish, disobedient, and enslaved—should humble us and fill us with compassion for those still lost. This honest reflection magnifies the brilliance of God’s kindness and love, making our gratitude and empathy genuine. [09:38]
• 2. Salvation is a work of the Trinity: the Father’s mercy, the Son’s sacrifice, and the Spirit’s renewing power. The washing of rebirth and renewal is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, as the Spirit continually transforms our minds and hearts. This deep, inner change is the foundation for a life that truly reflects Christ. [13:46]
• 3. Good works are the natural outflow of a heart changed by grace, not a means to earn salvation. The call to be peaceable, considerate, and gentle is not just moral advice, but a Spirit-empowered way of life that stands in contrast to the world’s hostility and division. Our devotion to doing good is both a response to God’s love and a witness to others. [18:29]
• 4. The Christian life is not about avoiding sin alone, but about actively seeking opportunities to serve and meet urgent needs. Paul’s practical instructions—to help others, provide for needs, and support fellow believers—remind us that faith is lived out in tangible acts of love. Ask God to open your eyes to the good works He has prepared for you today. [19:44]
• 5. Continually returning to the story of our salvation keeps our hearts soft and our lives fruitful. Like the example of Keith, gratitude for God’s mercy should be a regular part of our prayers, fueling a lifelong devotion to good works. Writing out and praying through your own salvation story can renew your sense of purpose and joy in serving Christ. [22:42]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:15] - Instructions for Christian Living
• [00:33] - The Kindness and Mercy of God
• [01:07] - Devotion to Good Works
• [01:22] - Avoiding Division and Useless Arguments
• [02:00] - Practical Support for Others
• [03:18] - Real-Life Salvation Story
• [06:00] - The Impact of Salvation on Daily Life
• [07:10] - The Gospel as the Source of Godliness
• [08:12] - Our Past: The Dark Background
• [10:21] - God’s Initiative in Salvation
• [12:09] - The Gift of Eternal Life
• [13:46] - Rebirth and Renewal by the Spirit
• [16:12] - The Purpose of Salvation: Doing Good
• [18:29] - Living Out Goodness Toward Others
• [19:44] - Meeting Urgent Needs
• [20:18] - Distinctiveness of Christian Good Works
• [22:42] - Remembering and Responding to Salvation
• [24:17] - Created for Good Works
• [24:41] - Prayer and Commitment

Bible Reading

Titus 3:1-8 (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. 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. 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. 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.

Observation Questions

1. According to Titus 3:3, what are some of the characteristics Paul says described us before we were saved?
2. In verses 4-7, what does Paul say is the reason God saved us? Was it because of anything we did?
3. What does Paul say is the result of the “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”?
4. What instructions does Paul give about how believers should treat others, especially those outside the church?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that remembering our past should humble us and fill us with compassion for those still lost. Why might reflecting on who we once were help us show more empathy to others?
2. The passage says salvation is not because of our good works, but because of God’s mercy. How does this truth affect the way a Christian should view their own good deeds?
3. The sermon describes the work of the Trinity in salvation—the Father’s mercy, the Son’s sacrifice, and the Spirit’s renewal. How does understanding this shape a believer’s relationship with God?
4. Paul urges believers to avoid pointless arguments and divisiveness. Why do you think he emphasizes this, and what might be the consequences if we ignore this instruction?

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to remember our own salvation story and let it fuel gratitude and good works. When was the last time you reflected on how God saved you? How could making this a regular habit change your attitude or actions this week?
2. Paul says we are to be peaceable, considerate, and gentle to everyone. Think of a recent situation where you struggled to be gentle or considerate. What could you do differently next time to reflect Christ’s character?
3. The passage calls us to meet urgent needs and support others. Is there a specific need in your church, family, or community that you feel God is prompting you to respond to? What practical step could you take this week?
4. The sermon warns against getting caught up in pointless arguments. Are there any conversations or debates you’ve been involved in recently that might fit this description? How can you avoid being drawn into unhelpful disputes?
5. The sermon says good works are the fruit of salvation, not the way to earn it. Do you ever find yourself trying to “earn” God’s favor through your actions? How can you remind yourself that you are already accepted by grace?
6. The Spirit’s renewal is described as an ongoing process. Is there an area of your life where you need the Holy Spirit’s renewing work right now? How can you invite Him to transform your thinking or behavior this week?
7. The sermon suggests writing out your own version of Titus 3:3-7 as a prayer. Would you be willing to try this? What might you include if you wrote your own “before and after” story of God’s mercy in your life?