WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.480 Jesus taught in Matthew 7, 20, that we will recognize true believers by their fruits. 00:00:09.419 --> 00:00:16.480 In keeping with Christ's teaching, then, Paul teaches us in this passage that as those who have been saved by grace, 00:00:16.839 --> 00:00:21.059 we should devote ourselves to good works. That's the main point of this passage. 00:00:21.620 --> 00:00:26.179 And I will expound that in three points. First, he talks about doing good works. 00:00:26.179 --> 00:00:32.060 Second, he talks about speaking the good news. And then third, Paul talks about supporting the spread of the good news. 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:39.939 And doing good works in keeping with the good news of Jesus Christ has been the main theme of this whole book up to this point. 00:00:40.480 --> 00:00:45.420 And the repeated purpose that Paul's reiterated three times in chapter 2 has been, 00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:53.280 so that the word of God may not be reviled. So that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 00:00:53.280 --> 00:00:57.020 So that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior. 00:00:57.100 --> 00:01:03.299 So as you can see in those repeated purpose for the good works that we do, there's a concern, 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:09.620 there's an outward orientation toward preserving the integrity, the credibility of our Christian witness to the watching world. 00:01:10.060 --> 00:01:13.180 And that specific concern is continued throughout this chapter 3, 00:01:13.579 --> 00:01:18.900 and takes particular shape as Paul instructs the church on how to relate to governing authorities. 00:01:18.900 --> 00:01:21.760 And that's what we find here in verse 1. 00:01:22.840 --> 00:01:24.480 Remind them, it says in verse 1, 00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:30.400 to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. 00:01:31.280 --> 00:01:36.400 Now, I want to remind you, two weeks ago I mentioned that in chapter 2, verse 13, 00:01:36.939 --> 00:01:41.240 Jesus was described as appearing, right? 00:01:41.280 --> 00:01:45.340 He says, appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:01:45.420 --> 00:01:46.500 So Paul spoke about that. 00:01:46.500 --> 00:01:51.459 And I mentioned at that time, two weeks ago, that the word appearing and the phrase, 00:01:51.799 --> 00:01:56.060 our great God and Savior, were both expressions that were typically used in the ancient world 00:01:56.060 --> 00:02:00.019 to refer to Greek kings and to Roman emperors. 00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:06.879 They called these rulers great God and Savior, and they called them, their appearance, the appearing, the glory. 00:02:07.219 --> 00:02:11.719 And so when Paul appropriates that language and uses it and applies to Christ, 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:16.879 he's intentionally drawing a contrast between Jesus Christ, the true king and ruler of all, 00:02:17.139 --> 00:02:22.939 true savior of all, from the worldly pretenders who seek to rule and save the people. 00:02:23.379 --> 00:02:28.699 And so he is teaching us through that, that our ultimate allegiance in this life is to the Lord Jesus 00:02:28.699 --> 00:02:31.960 and not to any other rulers and authorities, ultimately. 00:02:31.960 --> 00:02:39.760 Having said that, Paul does not want the Christians in Crete to become known as an unruly and rebellious bunch, 00:02:39.879 --> 00:02:43.960 bad citizens that bring disrepute to the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:02:44.460 --> 00:02:48.439 especially because the Christians in Crete were already known for that. 00:02:48.700 --> 00:02:51.360 They were already stereotyped as being rebellious. 00:02:51.360 --> 00:02:56.700 So this teaching actually goes against the anti-authority grain of our culture as well, doesn't it? 00:02:56.820 --> 00:03:02.700 But scripture consistently, however, teaches, commands believers to be subject to the governing authorities, 00:03:02.800 --> 00:03:04.140 even to non-Christian ones. 00:03:04.560 --> 00:03:08.160 It says we are to be submissive to rulers and authorities, and it says we are to be obedient. 00:03:09.480 --> 00:03:16.620 In the 1830s, American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson captured the spirit of the age in a very appropriate way. 00:03:16.780 --> 00:03:17.480 He said this, 00:03:17.479 --> 00:03:34.799 That still aptly captures the American ethos. 00:03:34.939 --> 00:03:42.419 Our culture praises the indomitable rebel spirit, but scripture praises a humble, submissive spirit. 00:03:42.419 --> 00:03:48.119 But of course, our ultimate allegiance is to God and not to human institutions and authorities. 00:03:48.500 --> 00:03:56.239 That's why in Acts 5, 17 to 42, when the apostles are apprehended and charged not to preach the name of Jesus to people, 00:03:56.759 --> 00:03:58.879 they respond by saying this, 00:03:59.399 --> 00:04:02.319 We must obey God rather than men. 00:04:03.179 --> 00:04:06.259 So even though we are at times called to respond in this way, 00:04:06.259 --> 00:04:12.419 our posture toward governing authorities nevertheless must be submissiveness, not rebelliousness. 00:04:12.799 --> 00:04:16.740 Even when we disagree with our governing authorities, which often happens, 00:04:17.259 --> 00:04:20.399 we must be respectful, not disdainful. 00:04:21.159 --> 00:04:26.439 And even in our expression of formal dissent, we must show regard for them. 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:31.800 Because prideful contempt, even for unjust rulers, it's not Christ-like. 00:04:31.800 --> 00:04:35.900 And though we might win the applause of the crowd for a short time, 00:04:36.500 --> 00:04:40.199 in the long run, it will damage our witness and credibility as Christians. 00:04:41.020 --> 00:04:47.180 Not with just the people that watch us, but also with those very rulers whom we are also seeking to proclaim Christ to. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:53.500 So then having given us that exhortation, Paul gives a general summary exhortation. 00:04:53.600 --> 00:04:53.800 He says, 00:04:53.800 --> 00:05:01.960 Once again, doing good works that's in keeping with the good news that we have come to believe is the main theme of Titus. 00:05:02.360 --> 00:05:04.100 And he says we should be ready. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:06.800 Not unprepared. 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:08.379 Not reluctant. 00:05:09.160 --> 00:05:12.460 But be ready for every good work. 00:05:12.580 --> 00:05:13.439 And with this command, 00:05:13.819 --> 00:05:18.300 Paul moves on from speaking about how we should treat the governing authorities 00:05:18.300 --> 00:05:22.100 to more generally how we should treat the world, the people in the world. 00:05:22.100 --> 00:05:26.700 And that's this part of the good works that we're commanded to do as Christians. 00:05:27.280 --> 00:05:30.379 Paul gives some specific examples of these good works in verse 2. 00:05:30.500 --> 00:05:31.000 Read with me. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:31.740 He says, 00:05:31.820 --> 00:05:34.240 To speak evil of no one, 00:05:34.720 --> 00:05:35.980 to avoid quarreling, 00:05:36.220 --> 00:05:37.160 to be gentle, 00:05:37.520 --> 00:05:40.000 and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:44.160 This is a command that applies to our conduct in general, 00:05:44.560 --> 00:05:46.320 and not specifically toward our governing authorities. 00:05:46.400 --> 00:05:48.100 That's why he says speak evil to no one. 00:05:48.100 --> 00:05:51.879 And that means we shouldn't insult or slander anyone. 00:05:52.960 --> 00:05:55.980 But if you've been with us through this series in Titus, 00:05:56.040 --> 00:05:57.360 you might be wondering at this point. 00:05:57.920 --> 00:06:00.060 But I recall something Paul said in chapter 1. 00:06:00.260 --> 00:06:03.100 Let me go back and remind you what Paul said about... 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:09.060 These are the false teachers in Crete that he's talking about. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:09.399 He says, 00:06:09.399 --> 00:06:12.040 For there are many who are insubordinate, 00:06:12.560 --> 00:06:14.000 empty talkers and deceivers, 00:06:14.439 --> 00:06:16.720 especially those of the circumcision party. 00:06:17.420 --> 00:06:18.620 They must be silent, 00:06:18.740 --> 00:06:22.019 since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for a shameful gain 00:06:22.019 --> 00:06:23.800 what they ought not to teach. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:26.420 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, 00:06:26.699 --> 00:06:27.019 said, 00:06:27.160 --> 00:06:30.240 Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. 00:06:30.920 --> 00:06:32.360 This testimony is true. 00:06:33.180 --> 00:06:35.199 Therefore, rebuke them sharply, 00:06:35.360 --> 00:06:37.160 that they may be sound in the faith, 00:06:37.160 --> 00:06:39.300 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths 00:06:39.300 --> 00:06:42.640 and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 00:06:44.220 --> 00:06:45.460 That's a zinger, isn't it? 00:06:45.580 --> 00:06:49.980 That's quite a severe critique from the apostle Paul himself. 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:53.360 So then is he being hypocritical here 00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:55.420 when he says speak evil of no one? 00:06:55.900 --> 00:06:57.360 I don't think that's the case 00:06:57.360 --> 00:07:00.140 because Paul's not saying that Christians should be naive 00:07:00.140 --> 00:07:02.280 and turn a blind eye to evil. 00:07:02.760 --> 00:07:04.540 We have a prophetic duty 00:07:04.540 --> 00:07:07.100 to denounce the sins and evils of our world. 00:07:07.880 --> 00:07:09.580 And that's what Paul does in chapter 1. 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:11.860 But even then, even as Paul does that, 00:07:11.960 --> 00:07:14.480 recognize that these false teachers that he's talking about 00:07:14.480 --> 00:07:17.300 are in the church as this letter is being read aloud. 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:20.280 So he's addressing them directly, 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:23.040 not just gossiping about them or slandering them behind them. 00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:25.840 And he also says explicitly to Titus, 00:07:25.940 --> 00:07:27.020 rebuke them sharply, 00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:29.520 that they may be sound in the faith. 00:07:29.519 --> 00:07:33.000 That's Paul's purpose in addressing them in this way. 00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:35.819 So what Paul's trying to do here 00:07:35.819 --> 00:07:37.240 when he says speak evil of no one, 00:07:37.299 --> 00:07:41.259 he's getting at a general human tendency to slander others. 00:07:41.839 --> 00:07:45.620 Because our selfishness, our pride, our insecurity, 00:07:46.219 --> 00:07:50.519 they create in us a tendency to speak evil of others. 00:07:50.519 --> 00:07:55.839 We tend to elevate ourselves by bringing others down. 00:07:57.099 --> 00:07:59.579 Or we elevate someone else that we like 00:07:59.579 --> 00:08:02.699 in the presence of that person we want to bring down a notch. 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:08.779 And we make ourselves look good at the expense of others. 00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:11.079 Paul's saying, don't do that. 00:08:11.199 --> 00:08:12.800 Speak evil of no one. 00:08:14.079 --> 00:08:15.480 Similarly, Paul says to Titus, 00:08:15.620 --> 00:08:18.039 remind them to avoid quarreling, to be gentle. 00:08:18.779 --> 00:08:20.980 These two words are related and are paired together 00:08:20.980 --> 00:08:22.519 in 1 Timothy 3.3 as well. 00:08:22.899 --> 00:08:24.639 So he says, don't be quarrelsome. 00:08:25.199 --> 00:08:26.699 There are people in this world, 00:08:27.480 --> 00:08:31.259 I think it's sometimes we can be guilty of this as well, 00:08:31.259 --> 00:08:33.059 but there are people in the world who seem to live 00:08:33.059 --> 00:08:34.100 with the chip on their shoulders. 00:08:35.019 --> 00:08:37.620 It's almost as if they live with their arms up 00:08:37.620 --> 00:08:40.879 in this combative stance in everything they do. 00:08:41.240 --> 00:08:42.840 They're eager to contradict. 00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:47.000 They're argumentative, contentious, 00:08:47.779 --> 00:08:48.779 quibbling and bickering. 00:08:50.200 --> 00:08:52.939 But Paul says we are to avoid quarreling. 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:55.000 We're also to be gentle. 00:08:55.539 --> 00:08:57.299 Gentle is a great word, 00:08:57.399 --> 00:08:59.899 but it doesn't quite capture the nuance of this word. 00:08:59.899 --> 00:09:02.459 It's the opposite really of being quarrelsome. 00:09:03.000 --> 00:09:06.120 It describes someone who is magnanimous and reasonable. 00:09:06.699 --> 00:09:08.559 The same word in ancient Greek literature 00:09:08.559 --> 00:09:10.699 is used to refer to a personal quality 00:09:10.699 --> 00:09:13.740 of not insisting on the minutiae of the law, 00:09:13.899 --> 00:09:16.840 but instead being understanding and gracious toward people. 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:19.919 So Paul's saying, instead of being petty, 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:21.740 be magnanimous. 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:25.360 Instead of being combative, be peaceable. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:27.820 Instead of being contentious, 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:29.960 be gracious with one another. 00:09:31.100 --> 00:09:31.840 And as Christians, 00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:35.519 we are to show perfect courtesy toward all people, he says. 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:37.419 We are to be humble and courteous 00:09:37.419 --> 00:09:38.759 rather than arrogant and rude. 00:09:39.159 --> 00:09:42.019 And we are to behave this way toward all people, 00:09:42.419 --> 00:09:44.320 not just to the rich and powerful, 00:09:45.039 --> 00:09:47.379 not just to the people we like, 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:49.799 but to the poor and the weak 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:52.220 and even to our enemies. 00:09:52.559 --> 00:09:55.439 Show perfect courtesy toward all people. 00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:58.700 But these are difficult commands, right? 00:09:59.700 --> 00:10:01.840 Because our good works are not necessarily 00:10:01.840 --> 00:10:05.679 going to be reciprocated by the people we treat. 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:07.620 People whom we are courteous to 00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:09.419 can be discourteous to us. 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:11.120 People whom we are gracious to 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.500 can be harsh toward us. 00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:15.419 People whom we take care not to speak evil of 00:10:15.419 --> 00:10:17.799 can say all kinds of evil things to our face 00:10:17.799 --> 00:10:18.699 and behind our back. 00:10:19.839 --> 00:10:20.759 Knowing this, 00:10:20.959 --> 00:10:23.439 Paul gives a very highly insightful reason 00:10:23.439 --> 00:10:25.740 why we should behave this way toward the world. 00:10:26.219 --> 00:10:28.059 And this truth can sustain us 00:10:28.059 --> 00:10:29.120 when the going gets tough. 00:10:29.339 --> 00:10:30.479 And he says in verse 3, 00:10:30.579 --> 00:10:31.120 read with me, 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:50.279 When we find ourselves frustrated 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:51.820 with a sinful world, 00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:54.179 it's helpful to remember that we ourselves 00:10:54.179 --> 00:10:56.639 were once just like them. 00:10:56.639 --> 00:11:01.460 The foolish person, 00:11:01.480 --> 00:11:04.340 he describes this person as a fool, right? 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:05.340 We were once foolish. 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:07.000 The foolish person in biblical terms 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:08.699 is not someone that is unintelligent, 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:10.960 but it's someone who has no spiritual understanding. 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:12.899 That's why Psalm 14 once says, 00:11:12.960 --> 00:11:14.220 The fool says in his heart, 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:15.500 there is no God. 00:11:15.659 --> 00:11:17.439 That's a definition of a fool 00:11:17.439 --> 00:11:18.519 that the Bible provides. 00:11:19.460 --> 00:11:21.919 And there's a progression of sin 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:24.860 actually in this list of descriptions 00:11:24.860 --> 00:11:27.820 because foolishness leads to disobedience. 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:29.060 It leads to being led astray. 00:11:29.220 --> 00:11:30.120 It leads to being slaves 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:32.220 to various passions and pleasures and so on. 00:11:32.259 --> 00:11:35.340 Because when you are not acknowledging God 00:11:35.340 --> 00:11:36.100 as a fool, 00:11:36.259 --> 00:11:38.039 then we become disobedient to him 00:11:38.039 --> 00:11:39.659 because of course we're not recognizing him 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:40.460 and his commands. 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:43.139 And as we deviate from his command, 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:43.860 disobey him, 00:11:43.919 --> 00:11:44.800 then we're led astray 00:11:44.800 --> 00:11:46.320 from God's good and perfect will. 00:11:46.399 --> 00:11:47.200 So we're led astray. 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:48.440 And as we're led astray 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:49.779 from God's good and perfect will, 00:11:49.860 --> 00:11:50.980 we become enslaved 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.860 because we were created to worship. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:55.139 And when we're not worshiping the true God 00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:55.940 whom we were created to worship, 00:11:56.060 --> 00:11:57.399 we end up worshiping other things. 00:11:57.580 --> 00:11:58.560 And we become enslaved 00:11:58.560 --> 00:11:59.659 to our passions and pleasures, 00:11:59.940 --> 00:12:01.860 have inordinate desires and lusts 00:12:01.860 --> 00:12:03.039 that rule our lives. 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:05.039 And when we become enslaved 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:06.080 to these passions and pleasures, 00:12:06.480 --> 00:12:09.060 then we pass our days in malice and envy 00:12:09.060 --> 00:12:10.879 because we don't have everything we want. 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:12.960 And we see others who have what we want. 00:12:13.220 --> 00:12:14.320 And so we become malicious 00:12:14.320 --> 00:12:15.460 and we envy that. 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:17.980 And that leads to hatred for one another, 00:12:18.060 --> 00:12:18.779 hated by others 00:12:18.779 --> 00:12:20.000 and hating one another. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:21.799 So that's the description 00:12:21.799 --> 00:12:23.000 of the life without God. 00:12:23.080 --> 00:12:26.120 And this is how every single human being 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:27.700 in the world lives, 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:30.700 regardless of how many good works that they do. 00:12:31.320 --> 00:12:32.440 And without exception, 00:12:32.580 --> 00:12:34.120 every single one of believers, 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:37.159 every single Christian once lived in this manner. 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:38.980 And we are still battling sin, of course, 00:12:39.019 --> 00:12:41.039 as we fight for holiness. 00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:43.659 And so for this reason, he says, 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:45.220 we are to speak evil of no one, 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:46.059 to avoid quarreling, 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:46.659 to be gentle, 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:48.159 and to show perfect courtesy 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:49.159 toward all people. 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:50.620 Because if you think about it, 00:12:50.620 --> 00:12:52.219 when we speak evil of others, 00:12:52.439 --> 00:12:53.919 when we quarrel with them 00:12:53.919 --> 00:12:55.639 and we fail to be magnanimous 00:12:55.639 --> 00:12:56.959 or gracious with them, 00:12:57.379 --> 00:12:59.079 when we fail to be courteous with them, 00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:02.139 it's because we do not humbly recognize 00:13:02.139 --> 00:13:03.459 that we're no better than them 00:13:03.459 --> 00:13:05.000 apart from the grace of God 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:06.719 and the sanctifying work of God 00:13:06.719 --> 00:13:07.299 in our lives. 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:09.379 When we see others do foolish 00:13:09.379 --> 00:13:10.139 and wicked things, 00:13:10.219 --> 00:13:11.699 instead of selfishly, 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:13.399 instead of saying 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:15.000 in self-righteous disbelief, 00:13:15.220 --> 00:13:16.939 how can they do such a thing? 00:13:16.940 --> 00:13:19.560 I would never do such a thing. 00:13:20.220 --> 00:13:22.140 We should think to ourselves instead, 00:13:22.560 --> 00:13:24.120 apart from the grace of God, 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:25.920 I would be no better off 00:13:25.920 --> 00:13:28.360 and do just such a thing. 00:13:29.820 --> 00:13:31.540 That's why Paul gives that reason, 00:13:31.540 --> 00:13:33.420 because knowing where we came from, 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:34.600 knowing what we are saved from, 00:13:34.660 --> 00:13:37.320 helps us to speak evil of no one, 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.440 to avoid quarreling, 00:13:38.520 --> 00:13:39.020 to be gentle, 00:13:39.060 --> 00:13:40.080 and to show perfect courtesy 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:40.840 toward all people. 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:43.320 And God didn't save us. 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:44.840 He's trying to remind us 00:13:44.840 --> 00:13:45.820 that God didn't save us 00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:47.000 because we were deserving, 00:13:47.240 --> 00:13:48.660 more deserving than other people, 00:13:48.820 --> 00:13:51.280 or more sincere than anyone else, 00:13:51.420 --> 00:13:53.360 or more moral than anyone else. 00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:54.860 That's not why God saves us, 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:58.100 but because of His sheer boundless grace. 00:13:59.680 --> 00:14:01.300 While we were still sinners, 00:14:02.200 --> 00:14:04.379 Christ died for us. 00:14:04.780 --> 00:14:05.660 Romans 5a says, 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:07.540 that's the truth that Paul is getting 00:14:07.540 --> 00:14:08.380 and reminding us of. 00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:09.500 Look at verse 4 with me. 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:13.039 But when the goodness and loving kindness 00:14:13.039 --> 00:14:15.059 of God our Savior appeared, 00:14:15.480 --> 00:14:17.580 He saved us. 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:20.539 The appearing is referenced to 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:22.120 the appearing of Jesus Christ, 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:23.279 as in chapter 2.11, 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:24.620 who is the ultimate, 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:26.460 Jesus is the ultimate expression 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:28.779 and fulfillment of the goodness 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:31.480 and loving kindness of God the Father. 00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:33.759 Even though we were fools, 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:36.000 even though we were disobedient to Him, 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:37.980 and even though we were slaves to sin, 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:39.639 in spite of all of this, 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:42.460 the goodness and loving kindness of God, 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:44.399 our Savior appeared. 00:14:47.539 --> 00:14:50.960 Those two words express God's posture toward us. 00:14:51.420 --> 00:14:52.639 Is that how you think of God? 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:54.700 His posture toward you? 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:55.920 Loving kindness? 00:14:56.680 --> 00:14:57.159 Goodness? 00:14:58.279 --> 00:15:00.060 In fact, the root meaning of the word 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.960 loving kindness that's translated 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:02.779 loving kindness here 00:15:02.779 --> 00:15:05.340 is literally love for people. 00:15:05.340 --> 00:15:07.700 Isn't that a remarkable idea? 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.940 Why would God, 00:15:10.560 --> 00:15:11.879 who is all-powerful, 00:15:11.940 --> 00:15:13.040 who created all of us, 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:15.879 why would God love a creature? 00:15:17.759 --> 00:15:19.220 Comparably so insignificant. 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:22.740 Why would He have love for people? 00:15:23.440 --> 00:15:24.480 Why would God, 00:15:24.560 --> 00:15:25.200 who is holy, 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:26.940 who is perfect and just, 00:15:27.320 --> 00:15:28.139 why would He 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:29.940 have love for 00:15:29.940 --> 00:15:31.780 sinful people? 00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:36.600 But that's God's posture toward us. 00:15:36.759 --> 00:15:37.500 Loving kindness, 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:38.600 goodness, 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:41.539 love for people. 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:44.579 And lest we miss the implication of this, 00:15:44.740 --> 00:15:46.959 Paul reiterates it in verse 5, 00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:47.600 emphasizes, 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:49.480 He saved us, 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:53.879 not because of works done by us in righteousness, 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:57.720 but according to His own mercy. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:16:00.860 by the washing of regeneration 00:16:00.860 --> 00:16:04.300 and renewal of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:04.680 --> 00:16:06.500 This is the heart of Christianity. 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:08.600 This is what we call the gospel, 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:10.720 the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:12.700 We deserved God's wrath 00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:14.220 and eternal punishment, 00:16:14.560 --> 00:16:16.279 but God saved us, 00:16:16.560 --> 00:16:18.500 and the basis for our salvation 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:20.320 was not our merit. 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:24.399 It was not because of righteous works done by us, 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:27.779 but according to God's own mercy. 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:29.639 And God saves us in this way 00:16:29.639 --> 00:16:30.799 so that we would have nothing 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:32.559 to boast of in His presence. 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.379 So let me ask you, 00:16:34.579 --> 00:16:36.959 if you think that you're a pretty good person, 00:16:37.559 --> 00:16:39.459 you try to live a moral life, 00:16:40.179 --> 00:16:42.240 and for that reason you think that God 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:43.220 should let you into heaven, 00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:46.459 you are gravely mistaken. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:52.980 No one in the whole world 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:55.940 is saved by his own righteousness. 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:59.920 The only people whom God saves 00:16:59.920 --> 00:17:02.759 are those who humbly acknowledge their sinfulness, 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:04.799 admit their failures, 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:08.640 and abandon all claims of their own righteousness, 00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:11.620 and fall before the throne of God's mercy 00:17:11.620 --> 00:17:12.539 and plead. 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:15.480 Those are the people whom God saves. 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:17.940 That's what it means to become a Christian. 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:20.720 It requires humility. 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:23.079 God saves us, 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:24.220 not because of our works, 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:26.259 but because of His own mercy. 00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:29.200 And having told us why God saved us, 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:31.120 because of His own mercy, 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:33.360 He now tells us how God saves us, 00:17:33.620 --> 00:17:34.920 by the washing of regeneration 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:37.240 and renewal of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:39.259 The washing of regeneration 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:40.839 and renewal of the Holy Spirit 00:17:40.839 --> 00:17:42.200 are really two parallel phrases 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:44.099 that refer to the same work of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:44.099 --> 00:17:46.219 Sometimes people hear the word washing 00:17:46.219 --> 00:17:47.779 and they immediately think of baptism, 00:17:48.179 --> 00:17:49.419 while baptism is, of course, 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:50.719 related sacrament, 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:52.500 because that's what it represents, 00:17:52.899 --> 00:17:54.480 this new birth. 00:17:54.959 --> 00:17:56.959 It's not what causes regeneration, 00:17:57.419 --> 00:18:00.139 which is the new birth in Christ, 00:18:00.219 --> 00:18:01.419 being made new creation. 00:18:02.159 --> 00:18:04.619 And that happens through the work of the Holy Spirit, 00:18:04.740 --> 00:18:07.019 which is what baptism represents. 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:08.839 And even though that work 00:18:08.839 --> 00:18:10.500 can usually accompany baptism, 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.960 that's baptism in and of itself 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:13.039 is not what does that work. 00:18:13.359 --> 00:18:14.619 So it's the work of the Holy Spirit 00:18:14.619 --> 00:18:16.319 that Paul is referring to here. 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:18.400 By the Spirit's powerful work, 00:18:18.740 --> 00:18:20.500 those who put their faith in Jesus Christ 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.980 become new creatures. 00:18:22.339 --> 00:18:23.680 They're regenerated. 00:18:23.779 --> 00:18:25.220 They are made new. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.519 This is where we get the expression, 00:18:26.680 --> 00:18:27.259 born again. 00:18:27.779 --> 00:18:29.720 We become born again into the family of God. 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:32.799 And notice the language that Paul uses here. 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:33.960 The Holy Spirit, 00:18:34.100 --> 00:18:34.339 he says, 00:18:34.460 --> 00:18:35.519 Paul continues in verse 6, 00:18:35.980 --> 00:18:39.600 God poured out on us richly 00:18:39.600 --> 00:18:41.279 through Jesus Christ, 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:42.420 our Savior. 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.620 I love how that word, 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:45.380 which consistently describes 00:18:45.380 --> 00:18:46.880 the Holy Spirit, 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:48.240 the gift of the Holy Spirit to us, 00:18:48.380 --> 00:18:49.680 how lavish it is 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:51.420 and how consistently it is 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:52.980 that the Holy Spirit is described in this way. 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:55.240 The Holy Spirit is not given to us 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:56.160 in drippings, 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:59.320 in drizzles, 00:18:59.820 --> 00:19:02.120 but he's poured out. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:04.680 That's the Father's heart for us. 00:19:07.860 --> 00:19:09.700 And he didn't do this frugally. 00:19:10.560 --> 00:19:11.880 He wasn't stingy. 00:19:12.060 --> 00:19:13.680 He did this richly. 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:17.759 And the agent of that salvation, 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:19.900 the one through whom this gift comes to us 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:21.460 is Jesus Christ, 00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:22.420 our Savior. 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:24.039 And once again, 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:26.480 Paul's already twice before in this book, 00:19:26.619 --> 00:19:27.920 once in each chapter, 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:31.279 he's described God the Father as Savior. 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:33.140 And then, 00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:35.079 immediately on the heels of that, 00:19:35.379 --> 00:19:37.039 within one or two verses of that, 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:39.799 he describes Jesus as Savior. 00:19:39.920 --> 00:19:41.920 He applies the same title to Jesus 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:44.059 to teach us that 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:46.339 Jesus is the Son of God, 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:49.579 that he is truly a deity, 00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:50.399 that he is God. 00:19:50.899 --> 00:19:51.599 And actually, 00:19:51.899 --> 00:19:52.799 the verses 4 to 7 00:19:52.799 --> 00:19:54.319 actually beautifully describe 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.679 all three persons of the Trinity. 00:19:56.159 --> 00:19:56.799 Read with me again. 00:19:56.879 --> 00:19:57.299 It says, 00:19:57.679 --> 00:19:58.740 we believe in one God 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.439 in three persons. 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:00.500 That's the doctrine of the Trinity. 00:20:00.919 --> 00:20:01.519 And we see here 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.319 that God the Father 00:20:02.319 --> 00:20:03.379 is the one who plans 00:20:03.379 --> 00:20:04.839 and initiates our salvation 00:20:04.839 --> 00:20:06.240 from eternity past. 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.500 And that God the Son 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:08.839 is the one who accomplishes 00:20:08.839 --> 00:20:09.459 that salvation 00:20:09.459 --> 00:20:10.480 through his life, 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:10.799 death, 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.799 and resurrection on earth. 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:13.379 And then the God the Spirit 00:20:13.379 --> 00:20:14.639 brings the effect 00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:15.340 of that salvation 00:20:15.340 --> 00:20:16.700 to bear on us, 00:20:16.780 --> 00:20:17.340 on our souls, 00:20:17.400 --> 00:20:18.060 and our lives. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.180 So we see, 00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:19.880 wonderfully, 00:20:20.020 --> 00:20:20.820 the three persons of the Trinity, 00:20:20.960 --> 00:20:22.080 the entire Godhead, 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:22.880 the triune God, 00:20:23.120 --> 00:20:23.720 working, 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:25.400 lavishing on us, 00:20:25.780 --> 00:20:27.040 pouring out his grace, 00:20:27.320 --> 00:20:28.100 his love, 00:20:28.100 --> 00:20:29.920 to save us. 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:33.600 And the goal of that salvation 00:20:33.600 --> 00:20:34.720 is this, 00:20:34.840 --> 00:20:35.380 verse 7. 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:39.019 So that being justified 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:40.300 by his grace, 00:20:40.560 --> 00:20:41.759 we might become heirs 00:20:41.759 --> 00:20:42.820 according to the hope 00:20:42.820 --> 00:20:44.720 of eternal life. 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:46.940 And the word justified 00:20:46.940 --> 00:20:49.019 is a verbal form 00:20:49.019 --> 00:20:50.180 of the word righteousness 00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:51.400 that was used earlier 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:52.060 in verse 5. 00:20:52.120 --> 00:20:53.860 It's the exact same word. 00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:56.740 It's the legal language 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:57.880 that means 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:59.359 to declare righteous 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:00.819 or to acquit 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:01.660 from court, 00:21:02.180 --> 00:21:03.380 to declare innocent 00:21:03.380 --> 00:21:04.319 or declare righteous. 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:05.000 That's what it means 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:06.680 to justify someone. 00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:08.259 And this repetition 00:21:08.259 --> 00:21:09.079 of the word 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:10.380 highlights the contrast 00:21:10.380 --> 00:21:10.819 between 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:12.680 our inadequate righteousness 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.819 and God 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:15.200 who sufficiently 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.759 declares us righteous. 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:17.799 Because it said 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:18.460 on the one hand, 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:20.099 not because of works 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:21.120 done by us 00:21:21.120 --> 00:21:21.960 in righteousness, 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:23.039 our righteousness 00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:24.279 is willfully inadequate, 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:25.299 but then it says 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:26.960 we have been declared righteous, 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:27.740 justified 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:29.899 by God's grace. 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:32.720 Though we are not righteous, 00:21:33.659 --> 00:21:36.680 God declared us righteous. 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:40.180 Because Christ 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:41.359 as our substitute 00:21:41.359 --> 00:21:43.359 bore the punishment 00:21:43.359 --> 00:21:44.159 for our sins. 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:46.059 Because his righteousness 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:47.680 has now been counted 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:48.519 as ours 00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:49.759 by God the Father 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:51.119 and the judge 00:21:51.119 --> 00:21:51.899 of all creation. 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:53.480 Because of that, 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:55.259 even though we are 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:55.940 not righteous, 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:57.599 God declared us 00:21:57.599 --> 00:21:58.140 righteous 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:58.819 so that we could 00:21:58.819 --> 00:22:00.779 become heirs. 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:03.220 Heirs of God the Father. 00:22:04.220 --> 00:22:05.319 Part of his family. 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:08.819 And all of this 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.440 good news 00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:09.960 that Paul 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:11.319 carefully explains 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:12.240 in verses 3 to 7 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:13.519 is the basis 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:15.160 for Paul's exhortation 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:16.220 in verses 1 to 2. 00:22:16.620 --> 00:22:17.980 We're to do good works 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:18.539 in this life 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:18.920 because 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:20.839 we have been saved 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:21.700 by grace. 00:22:21.700 --> 00:22:24.240 And having exhorted 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:24.759 Titus 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.500 to remind the church 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.720 in Crete 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:28.620 to do good works, 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:29.960 Paul now exhorts 00:22:29.960 --> 00:22:30.539 Titus 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.860 to continue to speak 00:22:31.860 --> 00:22:32.480 the good news. 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:33.340 This is the second part. 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:35.940 To continue to speak 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:36.380 the good news 00:22:36.380 --> 00:22:37.200 that is the basis 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:38.180 for these good works. 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:39.819 He says in verse 8, 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:41.700 the saying is trustworthy 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:42.599 and I want you to 00:22:42.599 --> 00:22:44.000 insist on these things 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:44.700 so that those 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.399 who have believed 00:22:45.399 --> 00:22:45.919 in God 00:22:45.919 --> 00:22:46.599 may be careful 00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:47.559 to devote themselves 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:48.299 to good works. 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:50.179 These things are excellent 00:22:50.179 --> 00:22:50.879 and profitable 00:22:50.879 --> 00:22:51.639 for people. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.139 The saying 00:22:53.139 --> 00:22:54.399 that he is referring to, 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:55.259 the good news 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.159 of God's salvation 00:22:56.159 --> 00:22:58.039 that he just declared 00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:58.839 is the saying 00:22:58.839 --> 00:22:59.679 that he's referring to. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.599 It's the good news 00:23:00.599 --> 00:23:01.079 that he outlined 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:01.879 in the preceding verses. 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:03.700 And in order to emphasize 00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:04.679 the importance 00:23:04.679 --> 00:23:05.299 of the good news 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:05.879 and the reliability 00:23:05.879 --> 00:23:06.619 of the good news, 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:08.000 Paul specifically confirms 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:09.079 that this is trustworthy. 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:11.099 This is a trustworthy saying. 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:12.779 You can stake your life on it. 00:23:13.119 --> 00:23:13.799 You can live 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:14.500 according to this 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:15.380 because this is 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:16.519 a trustworthy saying 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:17.900 is what Paul's teaching us. 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.119 And then he says, 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:20.319 I want you to insist 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:22.359 on these things. 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:24.000 He mentions these things 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.960 twice in that verse. 00:23:25.420 --> 00:23:27.000 And so the word saying 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.680 is singular. 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:29.420 The words these things 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:29.920 are plural. 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:31.460 So he's not referring 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.180 to the saying 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:33.579 when he says these things. 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:34.960 He's probably referring 00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:36.359 not only to the gospel 00:23:36.359 --> 00:23:37.000 that he preached 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:37.980 but also to the 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.960 ethical instruction 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:40.240 in verses 1 to 2. 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.380 That's a similar thing. 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:43.180 He did a similar thing 00:23:43.180 --> 00:23:44.039 earlier in chapter 2 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:45.079 after he gave a series 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.680 of instructions 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.380 on the good works 00:23:46.380 --> 00:23:47.299 that the church is to do. 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:48.500 At the end of that chapter 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:49.599 in chapter 2 verse 15 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:50.039 he said, 00:23:50.360 --> 00:23:52.279 declare these things. 00:23:52.620 --> 00:23:53.259 So once again, 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.140 these things 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:55.220 that Paul's speaking of here 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:56.759 is not just the good news 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:58.140 but also all the good works 00:23:58.140 --> 00:23:59.180 that we are to do 00:23:59.180 --> 00:24:00.120 in accordance with 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:01.440 the truth of God. 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:02.400 And he says, 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:04.339 insist on these things. 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:08.599 We're not merely 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:10.220 to relay these things. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.160 Suggest these things. 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:14.900 Here's an optional thing. 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:15.700 Here's a recommendation. 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:16.299 No. 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.059 He says, 00:24:17.380 --> 00:24:20.039 insist on these things. 00:24:21.640 --> 00:24:23.079 Because the good works 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:24.059 that we are commended to do 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:25.180 must never be 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:26.799 divorced from the good news 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:28.000 that we preach. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:32.900 because we undo 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:34.700 the credibility 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.740 of the good news 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:37.680 if we don't have 00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:39.259 good works to adorn it. 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:42.279 So these things, 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:42.819 Paul says, 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:43.660 are excellent 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:45.400 and profitable for people. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.740 So Titus is to speak 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.440 the good news. 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:49.240 The converse then, 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:49.559 of course, 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:49.960 is true. 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:51.640 If he's to speak 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:52.160 the good news, 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:53.240 to speak what is excellent 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:53.799 and profitable, 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:55.279 then he also should avoid 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.819 speaking what is unprofitable 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.460 and worthless. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.740 So Paul says in verse 9, 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:02.900 but avoid foolish controversies, 00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:04.099 genealogies, 00:25:04.380 --> 00:25:05.039 dissensions, 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:06.660 and quarrels about the law, 00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:08.599 for they are unprofitable 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:09.480 and worthless. 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:12.319 It's the exact opposite 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:13.519 of what Paul is teaching 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.160 Titus to do. 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:16.019 And earlier in chapter 1, 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:18.539 we read how the false teachers 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.579 in Crete were described 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.779 as empty talkers 00:25:20.779 --> 00:25:21.539 and deceivers 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:23.559 who devoted themselves 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.799 to Jewish myths. 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:26.180 This is a direct contrast 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:26.559 of that. 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:28.539 They required outward 00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:29.519 ritual purity 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:31.779 about the law. 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:34.559 Notice these are all things 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:36.299 that stem from Scripture 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:38.519 because the law 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:39.579 is the shorthand 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.440 for the Old Testament. 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:44.299 So what Paul is saying here 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.240 is that there's a way 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:46.079 of studying, 00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:48.539 teaching, 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:50.379 obsessing 00:25:50.379 --> 00:25:51.839 over different parts 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:52.379 of Scripture 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:54.120 that is itself 00:25:54.120 --> 00:25:55.160 unprofitable 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:56.000 and worthless. 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:58.180 What kind of teaching 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:58.580 is that? 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:00.600 These are false teachers 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.240 who are eager 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:02.960 to tickle people's brains, 00:26:03.800 --> 00:26:04.160 stoke 00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:06.000 their own egos, 00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:07.020 stroke their own egos, 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:08.440 and accumulate followers 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:09.260 for themselves. 00:26:09.800 --> 00:26:10.960 That's what these false teachers 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:11.800 in Crete were doing. 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.140 Rather than preaching 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:13.840 the good news 00:26:13.840 --> 00:26:14.640 of Jesus Christ 00:26:14.640 --> 00:26:15.660 and the good works 00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.680 that Christ commands, 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:19.080 Titus is not 00:26:19.080 --> 00:26:20.440 to engage with them 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:22.320 in these foolish controversies. 00:26:23.080 --> 00:26:23.400 Rather, 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:25.180 they were devoting 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:25.660 themselves 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:26.560 to Jewish myths. 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:27.500 He says Titus 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:27.940 is to teach 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:28.700 the whole church 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.759 to be careful 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:30.640 to devote themselves 00:26:30.640 --> 00:26:32.080 to good works 00:26:32.080 --> 00:26:32.799 instead. 00:26:34.460 --> 00:26:36.000 We must take care 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:37.080 to devote ourselves 00:26:37.080 --> 00:26:37.880 to these good works. 00:26:38.080 --> 00:26:38.680 It's not something 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:39.140 we do. 00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:39.980 It's not something 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:40.799 that just happens 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:42.859 carelessly, 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:43.639 haphazardly, 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.200 accidentally. 00:26:44.639 --> 00:26:45.720 We are to be careful 00:26:45.720 --> 00:26:46.919 to devote ourselves 00:26:46.919 --> 00:26:48.279 to these good works 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:49.539 because we have beheld 00:26:49.539 --> 00:26:51.019 the excellence of Christ. 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:52.159 We should give ourselves 00:26:52.159 --> 00:26:53.200 to things that are excellent 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:54.799 because we have profited 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:56.039 from Christ and his gospel. 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.099 We should give ourselves 00:26:57.099 --> 00:26:58.460 to what is profitable. 00:26:59.680 --> 00:27:00.539 But of course, 00:27:00.639 --> 00:27:01.359 simply avoiding 00:27:01.359 --> 00:27:02.599 foolish controversies 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:04.099 ourselves 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:05.180 isn't enough 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:06.500 because as long as 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:07.059 there remains 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.799 those who engage 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:09.019 in foolish controversies, 00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:10.519 there will still be problems 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.059 in the church. 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.859 So Paul tells Titus 00:27:13.859 --> 00:27:14.619 how to deal with those 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:15.359 who continue to lead 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:16.039 people astray 00:27:16.039 --> 00:27:17.639 in verse 10 and 11. 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:19.900 Asks for a person 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:21.079 who stirs up division 00:27:21.079 --> 00:27:22.940 after warning him once 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.859 and then twice, 00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:25.539 have nothing more 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:26.240 to do with him. 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.740 Knowing that such a person 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:29.420 is warped and sinful, 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:31.180 he is self-condemned. 00:27:32.379 --> 00:27:34.039 Divisiveness is a serious sin 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:35.460 that Paul warns against. 00:27:35.599 --> 00:27:37.960 Similarly in Romans 16, 17, 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:38.339 he says, 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:39.440 I appeal to you brothers 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:40.200 to watch out 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:41.539 for those who cause divisions 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.660 and create obstacles 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:44.160 contrary to the doctrine 00:27:44.160 --> 00:27:45.140 that you have been taught. 00:27:45.580 --> 00:27:46.380 Avoid them. 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:49.140 Those who stubbornly refuse 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:50.860 to listen to correction, 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.960 they condemn themselves 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:55.240 by doing that. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:56.920 And Titus, 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:58.539 so Titus, 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.680 Paul is telling Titus, 00:28:00.019 --> 00:28:00.799 and by implication 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.539 the whole church, 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:03.100 is to have nothing more 00:28:03.100 --> 00:28:04.819 to do with him. 00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:06.720 This, of course, 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:08.220 this is the very last resort. 00:28:08.360 --> 00:28:09.079 We talked about 00:28:09.079 --> 00:28:10.940 this process of church discipline 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:12.180 when we were in 1 Corinthians. 00:28:12.839 --> 00:28:13.960 And Paul's already said 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:15.220 in chapter 2, verse 13, 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:15.819 to Titus, 00:28:15.880 --> 00:28:17.620 that he told Titus 00:28:17.620 --> 00:28:18.980 to rebuke these people sharply 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:20.680 so that they may 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:22.299 be sound in the faith. 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:23.980 Paul's hope 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:25.220 is that they would repent. 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:26.279 Paul's hope 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.079 is that they would stop 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:27.900 stirring up divisions. 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:28.779 Paul's hope 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.559 is that they would return 00:28:29.559 --> 00:28:30.200 to sound faith. 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:31.200 That's the hope. 00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:32.220 And Paul's speaking 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:32.880 with that love 00:28:32.880 --> 00:28:33.839 for them in mind. 00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:35.659 But if they are incorrigible, 00:28:35.939 --> 00:28:36.859 they're not to be corrected, 00:28:36.939 --> 00:28:37.899 if their divisiveness 00:28:37.899 --> 00:28:39.419 threatens to destroy 00:28:39.419 --> 00:28:40.659 the entire church, 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:44.959 in the same way, 00:28:45.379 --> 00:28:46.559 if you have an infected 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:48.419 gangrenous arm 00:28:48.419 --> 00:28:51.339 that has to be amputated 00:28:51.339 --> 00:28:54.259 to save the whole body, 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:56.859 you're to cut off 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:57.559 Christian fellowship 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:58.220 with this person. 00:29:01.279 --> 00:29:02.819 So Titus is to continue 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:04.679 to speak the good news. 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.659 Then in verses 12 to 15, 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:08.319 Paul gives some final instructions 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:09.079 on how to care 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:10.299 for the traveling missionaries, 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:12.019 which is part of the good works 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:13.419 that Paul's committing them to do. 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:14.639 Supporting the spread 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.079 of the good news, 00:29:15.139 --> 00:29:15.939 spreading the good news 00:29:15.939 --> 00:29:16.839 is part of the good works 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:17.539 that we're called to do.