WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.240 Amen. 00:00:03.200 --> 00:00:08.040 Please open your Bibles once more to the book of Titus. 00:00:08.380 --> 00:00:12.380 You can find that on page 939 of the Pew Bibles there in front of you, 00:00:12.439 --> 00:00:13.480 if you're using a Pew Bible. 00:00:14.240 --> 00:00:19.500 And we will finish out, officially, finish out the book of Titus this morning. 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:21.400 I'm going to conclude it, bring it to a close. 00:00:21.400 --> 00:00:27.060 So we will be looking at verses 12 through 15 of chapter 3 this morning. 00:00:27.059 --> 00:00:30.259 So Titus 3, verses 12 through 15. 00:00:30.959 --> 00:00:34.140 Would you look there and follow along with me as I read? 00:00:40.060 --> 00:00:47.780 When I send Artemis or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, 00:00:48.359 --> 00:00:50.460 for I have decided to spend the winter there. 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:55.099 Do your best to speed Zenos the lawyer and Apollos on their way. 00:00:55.099 --> 00:00:57.019 See that they lack nothing. 00:00:57.940 --> 00:01:02.460 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, 00:01:02.460 --> 00:01:08.439 so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful. 00:01:09.280 --> 00:01:11.859 All who are with me send greetings to you. 00:01:12.040 --> 00:01:14.420 Greet those who love us in the faith. 00:01:14.599 --> 00:01:17.260 Grace be with you all. 00:01:18.120 --> 00:01:19.379 This is God's word. 00:01:19.480 --> 00:01:20.000 Let's read. 00:01:20.320 --> 00:01:22.099 Let's pray over the reading of his word. 00:01:22.359 --> 00:01:23.040 Would you pray with me? 00:01:23.040 --> 00:01:28.000 Father God, we thank you for Titus. 00:01:28.940 --> 00:01:32.000 Lord, we thank you for Paul and this letter that he wrote. 00:01:32.240 --> 00:01:37.500 We thank you for the zeal for good works that is displayed here in this book 00:01:37.500 --> 00:01:40.880 and the ways that you've used this book to build your church. 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:44.799 And we pray now that as we bring this book to a close, 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:50.420 that we would leave this place stirred up to love and to good works. 00:01:51.039 --> 00:01:52.920 And we pray this in Christ's name. 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:54.340 Amen. 00:01:54.340 --> 00:01:54.519 Amen. 00:01:54.519 --> 00:01:55.519 Amen. 00:01:55.519 --> 00:01:56.519 Amen. 00:01:56.519 --> 00:01:57.519 Amen. 00:01:57.519 --> 00:02:03.939 We have spent the past eight, now nine weeks together unpacking the book of Titus. 00:02:04.039 --> 00:02:10.039 And now this morning, Lord willing, it is time to bring it to a close. 00:02:10.039 --> 00:02:13.599 In my Bible, it's only two pages long. 00:02:14.179 --> 00:02:16.699 It doesn't even make it all the way to the end of the second page. 00:02:16.799 --> 00:02:20.620 It's just three chapters, just 46 verses. 00:02:21.319 --> 00:02:23.159 But it is amazing, isn't it? 00:02:23.199 --> 00:02:28.299 How much rich gospel doctrine is jam-packed into this little letter 00:02:28.299 --> 00:02:35.819 and how much rich gospel implications are flowing out of it for us and for our lives together. 00:02:35.819 --> 00:02:40.400 As we prayed before the service this morning, Miss Priscilla asked me, 00:02:40.439 --> 00:02:46.319 she said, I just don't know how you could possibly squeeze one more sermon out of the book of Titus. 00:02:46.419 --> 00:02:50.139 Well, we're going to try together this morning. 00:02:51.879 --> 00:02:54.740 And as we bring the book together to a close, 00:02:54.859 --> 00:02:58.439 all of our time spent reading this book, studying it, preaching it, 00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:01.099 just 46 verses, hours together here, 00:03:01.299 --> 00:03:05.599 worshiping the Lord for the truths proclaimed in the book of Titus. 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:09.019 The question that's put before us now as we bring it to a close, 00:03:09.139 --> 00:03:12.019 it has to be, did we get the message? 00:03:13.400 --> 00:03:17.680 Did we get the message of the book of Titus? 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:21.439 Well, I don't know how they get my number, 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:28.539 but I, like many of you, am a victim of political text assault. 00:03:28.539 --> 00:03:33.799 I don't remember signing up for their mailing list, for their text list, 00:03:33.859 --> 00:03:40.379 but my phone, without fail, just consistently, constantly gets peppered with reminders every single week. 00:03:40.500 --> 00:03:43.919 Jonathan, did you know midterm elections are coming up? 00:03:44.780 --> 00:03:47.199 Jonathan, did you know we need your vote? 00:03:47.340 --> 00:03:50.259 Jonathan, did you know let your voice be heard? 00:03:50.340 --> 00:03:53.359 And I try and I try and I try in vain to unsubscribe, 00:03:53.360 --> 00:03:55.600 make it stop, stop texting me. 00:03:55.900 --> 00:03:57.440 But somehow they find a way. 00:03:57.560 --> 00:03:58.220 They're persistent. 00:03:58.380 --> 00:03:59.760 A new number will show up. 00:03:59.820 --> 00:04:01.320 A new text will come. 00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:07.520 They're persistent with these constant reminders of what they want me to do. 00:04:08.860 --> 00:04:11.820 Well, I've not read any scholarly material on this, 00:04:12.200 --> 00:04:17.379 but I am pretty sure that they got this tactic from the Apostle Paul. 00:04:17.379 --> 00:04:28.420 His aim, his desire throughout the book of Titus has been that we would see the fruit of good works 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:33.620 in the lives of all those who believe the good news. 00:04:34.740 --> 00:04:40.500 And because Paul couldn't text Titus seven times a day, seven times in a week, 00:04:40.600 --> 00:04:43.000 he wrote a letter to Titus. 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:47.459 Titus three chapters, 46 verses. 00:04:48.459 --> 00:04:55.240 And in those three chapters, we see some variation of the phrase good works show up seven times. 00:04:56.139 --> 00:04:57.759 And he's not subtle, is he? 00:04:57.939 --> 00:04:58.879 The Apostle Paul. 00:04:59.980 --> 00:05:05.279 The false teachers had come who professed to know God, but they deny him by their works. 00:05:05.699 --> 00:05:09.120 So they are unfit for any good work. 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:13.240 And so he says to Titus, you need to be a model of good works. 00:05:13.780 --> 00:05:21.040 You are to teach how Christ came to purify a people for himself who will be zealous for good works. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:25.399 And at this point, all the false teachers in Creed are hitting unsubscribe, unsubscribe. 00:05:25.840 --> 00:05:26.819 Stop, stop. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:27.579 Don't want to hear it. 00:05:27.620 --> 00:05:28.680 Don't want to hear it, Paul. 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:29.680 Leave us alone. 00:05:30.620 --> 00:05:34.959 So he says, Titus, remind them to be ready for every good work. 00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:45.500 I want you to insist on these things, insist on the message of the gospel so that those who believe God will be careful to devote themselves to good works. 00:05:46.359 --> 00:05:55.199 And here in our passage this morning, as we bring Titus to a close, just in case we have been sleeping through the past two months together, 00:05:55.199 --> 00:06:07.599 Paul reminds us once again, chapter 3, verse 14, let our people learn to devote themselves to good works. 00:06:08.500 --> 00:06:09.759 Did we get the message? 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:15.159 Have we gotten the message of the book of Titus? 00:06:15.339 --> 00:06:17.680 You know, the message of Titus is very simple. 00:06:17.779 --> 00:06:22.379 If I could sum up the whole book in a sentence, it would be something like this. 00:06:22.379 --> 00:06:29.759 Those who have believed the good news ought to be devoted to good works. 00:06:31.060 --> 00:06:36.600 Those who believe the good news ought to be devoted to good works. 00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:38.600 That's the book of Titus in a sentence. 00:06:39.699 --> 00:06:45.019 So this morning in our time together, as we bring it to a close, I want to ask the question, how? 00:06:46.319 --> 00:06:46.719 How? 00:06:46.720 --> 00:06:54.840 How are we, the church at Seaweed Bay, how are we to be devoted to good works? 00:06:54.900 --> 00:07:08.660 If this church is to be marked by God glorifying, God honoring good works in our neighborhoods, in our communities, in our places of work, in this area of the world, how will we get there? 00:07:08.660 --> 00:07:21.000 And so this morning, as we conclude the book of Titus, we will, by way of overview of the whole book, we'll let Titus as a whole answer that question for us. 00:07:21.080 --> 00:07:25.640 You know, the last airplane flight I took, it had one of those screens on the seat back in front of me. 00:07:26.020 --> 00:07:32.140 And I had the option to either watch a movie or play a game, or I could watch the flight tracker. 00:07:32.139 --> 00:07:33.120 You know what I'm talking about. 00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:41.419 It's a flight tracker with this little cartoon plane that makes its way across the United States, slowly going to our destination. 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:46.620 And I knew where our destination was, but the flight tracker gave us the big picture. 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:49.240 Let me see how we were going to get there. 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:51.759 That's a little like what this morning is going to be like. 00:07:52.339 --> 00:07:56.319 We are going to fly once more over the book of Titus. 00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:57.659 Get the big picture. 00:07:58.300 --> 00:08:00.680 Destination good works. 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:04.920 So this morning, I have four answers to our question. 00:08:05.980 --> 00:08:06.819 Four answers. 00:08:06.939 --> 00:08:09.060 This will be our outline this morning if you're taking notes. 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:17.439 Four answers to the question, how do we devote ourselves to good works so that we're not unfruitful? 00:08:18.019 --> 00:08:21.120 How do we devote ourselves to good works? 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:23.800 Four answers to that question this morning. 00:08:23.800 --> 00:08:32.820 First, Paul says, good works begin with faith. 00:08:33.919 --> 00:08:37.919 Answer number one, good works begin with faith. 00:08:38.019 --> 00:08:39.180 This is step number one. 00:08:39.279 --> 00:08:43.519 Those who believe the good news are to be devoted to good works. 00:08:43.659 --> 00:08:45.480 Good works are the fruit. 00:08:45.740 --> 00:08:46.639 They're the result. 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:51.379 They're the overflow of belief, of faith in Christ. 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:57.500 And so if we don't first have faith in Christ, Paul says we can't do any good works. 00:08:58.399 --> 00:09:00.860 This is what Paul told us in chapter one. 00:09:00.919 --> 00:09:01.679 Would you look there with me? 00:09:01.759 --> 00:09:04.259 Titus chapter one, verse one. 00:09:04.379 --> 00:09:07.600 Paul told us why he wrote this letter in the first place. 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:09.659 You remember, he said, 00:09:09.659 --> 00:09:20.019 That's why he's writing. 00:09:20.159 --> 00:09:21.620 That's the aim of his ministry. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:28.740 The faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness. 00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:38.399 So he's aiming for the roots that will then produce the fruits of godliness and good works. 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:42.120 You might remember the election bone is connected to the faith bone. 00:09:42.459 --> 00:09:43.079 You remember this? 00:09:43.480 --> 00:09:46.439 The faith bone is connected to the knowledge bone. 00:09:46.939 --> 00:09:52.659 And real, genuine, saving knowledge is connected with godliness. 00:09:53.799 --> 00:09:56.039 It produces godliness. 00:09:56.259 --> 00:09:58.939 It produces good works. 00:09:59.039 --> 00:09:59.779 Now here's the thing. 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:02.480 Election is invisible. 00:10:03.860 --> 00:10:05.879 We can't see it with our eyes. 00:10:06.259 --> 00:10:08.019 Faith is invisible. 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:09.519 We can't see it. 00:10:09.659 --> 00:10:11.759 Knowledge is invisible. 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:13.360 But you know what isn't invisible? 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:14.840 It's godliness. 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:17.899 Good works. 00:10:18.120 --> 00:10:20.279 They're seen with our eyes. 00:10:21.659 --> 00:10:25.399 Amanda and I, several months ago, we went to an orchard. 00:10:26.159 --> 00:10:32.179 And we could not see the intricate system of roots that dug down into the ground 00:10:32.179 --> 00:10:35.379 and then spread their roots down into the soil. 00:10:35.379 --> 00:10:41.679 But I could tell when I saw blueberries on the bush that it was, in fact, a blueberry bush 00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:45.980 and not an orange tree or an apple tree. 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:55.320 See, godliness and good works are the fruit that make the roots of election and faith and 00:10:55.320 --> 00:10:59.879 knowledge visible to us and the world around us. 00:10:59.879 --> 00:11:06.919 And so Paul says, before we get to it, before we go out of here and try to bear fruit, try to do good works, 00:11:07.100 --> 00:11:12.220 we had better make sure we have the roots of faith in Christ. 00:11:12.220 --> 00:11:16.660 Isn't this what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 7? 00:11:18.019 --> 00:11:18.980 What does he say? 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:26.500 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:29.600 What kind of tree are you? 00:11:30.899 --> 00:11:36.820 See, when God saves you, he transforms you from the inside out, 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:43.179 from being a diseased tree, in Jesus' example, to being now a healthy tree. 00:11:43.840 --> 00:11:47.879 From bearing bad fruit to now bearing good fruit. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:50.799 When God saves you, we are remade. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:52.059 We have a new heart. 00:11:52.179 --> 00:11:53.500 We have new desires. 00:11:53.679 --> 00:11:55.159 We have new love for God. 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:57.079 We have new resistance to sin. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:12:01.159 We have a new root that produces new fruit. 00:12:01.500 --> 00:12:05.399 Those who believe the good news will bear good fruit. 00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:07.579 You will be changed. 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:12.979 Do you have a story of that saving faith in your life? 00:12:14.319 --> 00:12:19.079 Do you have the roots of saving faith in Jesus Christ? 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:23.480 This is what Paul reminded the church of in chapter 3, verse 3, if you look there. 00:12:24.400 --> 00:12:27.240 You remember this before and after picture. 00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:29.680 Chapter 3, verse 3. 00:12:30.560 --> 00:12:31.080 Paul says, 00:12:31.180 --> 00:12:35.800 We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, 00:12:36.020 --> 00:12:38.460 slaves to our various passions and pleasures, 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:41.500 passing our days in malice and envy, 00:12:41.660 --> 00:12:44.060 hated by others and hating one another. 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:46.740 That's the fruit that we bore in our lives. 00:12:46.740 --> 00:12:53.100 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God, our Savior, appeared, 00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:55.399 He saved us. 00:12:56.100 --> 00:12:59.100 Not because of works done by us in righteousness, no. 00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:01.720 But according to His own mercy, 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:06.600 by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:11.620 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:14.600 so that being justified by His grace, 00:13:14.600 --> 00:13:18.919 we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:20.240 The saying is trustworthy. 00:13:20.560 --> 00:13:23.440 And Titus, I want you to insist on these things, 00:13:23.700 --> 00:13:31.899 so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:34.580 That's the fruit of faith. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:40.860 See, when I read these verses in chapter 3, by God's grace, 00:13:40.940 --> 00:13:42.639 I can look at them and say, that's me. 00:13:43.800 --> 00:13:45.620 That describes me. 00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:48.600 I was lost. 00:13:48.820 --> 00:13:50.780 I was bearing bad fruit. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:57.080 I was showing by my life and by my sin that I did not know God like I thought I did. 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:58.480 I was familiar with Him. 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:00.440 I did not have faith in Him. 00:14:01.420 --> 00:14:05.560 I had learned about Him, but I did not, in fact, love Him. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:11.019 And those invisible roots were made visible by my life of sin. 00:14:11.139 --> 00:14:14.539 But by His mercy, God saved me. 00:14:15.779 --> 00:14:20.740 Do you have a story like that, of saving faith in Christ? 00:14:20.820 --> 00:14:22.960 If you do this morning, praise God. 00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:24.120 That's God's work in you. 00:14:24.180 --> 00:14:25.259 Don't move past that. 00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:27.920 If you have a story of God's grace in your life, 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:31.659 if you're here this morning and you don't have a story like that, 00:14:31.740 --> 00:14:33.939 maybe God's calling you today. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:38.199 Put your faith in Christ and come to Him. 00:14:38.399 --> 00:14:44.860 Sow your roots down deep into Him that you might bear fruit of godliness. 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:45.879 We have to start there. 00:14:45.959 --> 00:14:46.799 Do you know Him? 00:14:48.199 --> 00:14:50.699 Second, second, 00:14:51.699 --> 00:14:56.299 we must constantly root our works in the gospel. 00:14:56.299 --> 00:15:01.699 We must constantly root our works in the gospel. 00:15:01.819 --> 00:15:05.519 If we are going to be devoted to good works as a church family, 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:12.299 we must constantly root our works in the finished work of Jesus Christ in the gospel. 00:15:12.439 --> 00:15:15.059 You see, good works, they begin with faith in Christ, 00:15:15.099 --> 00:15:16.679 but they don't move on to something else. 00:15:17.819 --> 00:15:21.000 They continue in faith in Christ. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:23.200 Jesus says, abide in me. 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:26.039 Not just once, but abide in me continually, 00:15:26.039 --> 00:15:28.899 and you will bear much fruit. 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:31.220 I love how Tim Keller puts it. 00:15:31.279 --> 00:15:35.059 He says, the gospel is not the ABCs of the Christian life. 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:39.259 The gospel is the A to Z of the Christian life. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:41.779 It's not just the ABCs. 00:15:41.799 --> 00:15:43.539 This is not Christianity 101. 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:46.620 You become a Christian by believing the gospel, 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:52.019 and then you live as a Christian by faith in the message of the gospel. 00:15:52.199 --> 00:15:54.179 You don't ever move past it. 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:59.699 See, the gospel is what drives and defines every good work. 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:01.659 Say that again. 00:16:02.199 --> 00:16:07.539 The gospel is what drives and defines every good work. 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:10.879 We saw that in one little word. 00:16:10.959 --> 00:16:11.799 Do you remember what it was? 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:16.699 It's the word for there in chapter 2, verse 11. 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:21.339 As you look there with me, chapter 2, verse 11 of Titus, 00:16:21.419 --> 00:16:26.980 that one precious word for that gives us the basis and the motivation 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:30.439 and the definition for every good work. 00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:35.059 Paul says, do this, live this way, pursue godliness, 00:16:35.059 --> 00:16:38.579 pursue good works, devote yourself to bearing fruit. 00:16:38.899 --> 00:16:39.659 Why, Paul? 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:43.179 For the grace of God has appeared. 00:16:44.319 --> 00:16:44.979 Do you see that? 00:16:45.919 --> 00:16:48.859 For Christ has come. 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:53.919 And this is why we spend ourselves for the glory of God. 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:58.259 The gospel drives devotion to good works. 00:16:58.359 --> 00:17:01.019 If you've joined us this morning and you're not a Christian, 00:17:01.599 --> 00:17:04.519 you might wonder, why do Christians act the way they do? 00:17:05.419 --> 00:17:06.799 Why are they so strange? 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:10.179 Why do they do those things that they do? 00:17:10.259 --> 00:17:13.859 What is it about Christians that make them act the way they do? 00:17:13.919 --> 00:17:15.480 Why do Christians act so different? 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:17.919 That's what we want the world to say. 00:17:18.899 --> 00:17:22.039 Why don't they join us in sinning the way that we do? 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:26.919 Why do they serve us without any expectation of repayment or any strings attached? 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:32.220 Why don't these Christians seem to stress out or freak out about the same things that I do? 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:37.900 Because, for, the grace of God has appeared. 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:41.300 Bringing salvation for all people. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:44.560 Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions 00:17:44.559 --> 00:17:51.200 and to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives in the present age. 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:53.019 Church, this is the gospel. 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:55.419 Christ has come, 00:17:55.420 --> 00:18:03.200 ushering God's grace into the world in a way that he never had to that extent before 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:04.779 for any who would have it. 00:18:04.860 --> 00:18:07.820 Bringing salvation available by faith, 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:08.820 by his life, 00:18:09.080 --> 00:18:09.980 his death, 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:11.200 his resurrection, 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:14.779 because of his work through faith in him. 00:18:14.860 --> 00:18:15.080 Church, 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:16.759 we have been saved 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:20.099 and we have been trained in godliness. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:20.660 Why? 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:23.900 What's the point? 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:32.579 Sometimes I think that we tend to forget the scope of what Christ came to do. 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:35.559 He did not just come to save you. 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.180 That's too small. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:40.619 There's more to that story. 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:42.339 There's more to his aim. 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:46.220 Christ came to usher in the kingdom of God. 00:18:47.619 --> 00:18:51.579 Christ came to restore all that was lost in the fall. 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:54.940 All that has been cursed by sin, 00:18:55.059 --> 00:18:56.779 including you, 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:59.440 including me. 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:05.359 Christ came to recreate a world that has been broken by sin. 00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:10.680 He came to peel back the layers and the influence of sin and Satan 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:14.339 and to usher forth his reign here on earth. 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:20.859 And it is that work of the gospel that defines all of our good works. 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:26.019 No more let sins and sorrows grow, 00:19:26.740 --> 00:19:28.599 nor thorns infest the ground. 00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:30.379 Y'all didn't know you were getting Christmas music this morning. 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:33.740 No more let sins and sorrows grow, 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:35.659 nor thorns infest the ground. 00:19:35.879 --> 00:19:38.919 He comes to make his blessings flow, 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:40.699 far as the curse is found. 00:19:40.700 --> 00:19:44.259 As far as the curse is found. 00:19:44.360 --> 00:19:44.759 Christian, 00:19:46.340 --> 00:19:49.840 Christ came to undo what was cursed in the fall, 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:50.900 including us. 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:53.059 That's why we're different. 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:54.900 We have been remade. 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:56.400 We have been reclaimed. 00:19:57.059 --> 00:20:00.200 We have been plucked out of belonging to this world 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:04.039 and made citizens of the kingdom of God. 00:20:04.039 --> 00:20:07.859 And because Christ became a curse for us, 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:11.399 we are no longer under the curse of sin. 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:15.299 We've been made his sons and daughters. 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:18.839 And so now we join him in that mission. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:19.940 That is our mission. 00:20:20.059 --> 00:20:23.039 It's to fill the earth with the glory of God. 00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:26.099 To reclaim worshipers of the living God. 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:31.240 To make worshipers of those who have been lost and cursed by the dread of sin. 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:33.900 That is the whole point of good works. 00:20:35.400 --> 00:20:36.579 Our risen King, 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:36.940 Jesus, 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:39.079 has given us a mission. 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:39.960 Do you know what it is? 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:41.900 Go therefore, 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:45.460 and make disciples of all nations, 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:48.500 baptizing them in the name of the Father, 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.680 and the Son, 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:51.140 and the Holy Spirit, 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:54.319 teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. 00:20:54.380 --> 00:20:56.180 And surely I am with you 00:20:56.180 --> 00:20:58.759 to the uttermost ends of the age. 00:20:58.759 --> 00:21:02.099 That is the mission of the church. 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:07.599 We may do many good things to that end, 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:09.660 but church, hear me, 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:15.700 our mission is not primarily to be kind people. 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:22.160 Our mission is not primarily to be good citizens, 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:24.400 or to feed the hungry, 00:21:24.400 --> 00:21:26.759 to do works of mercy, 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:29.860 to hold the door open when someone is lagging behind, 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:31.320 to help someone with their groceries, 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:31.759 to say, 00:21:31.840 --> 00:21:33.920 God bless you at the checkout line. 00:21:34.640 --> 00:21:36.320 Though we may do these things, 00:21:37.600 --> 00:21:39.220 though we should, 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:40.440 as Christians, 00:21:40.860 --> 00:21:42.200 do these things, 00:21:43.140 --> 00:21:44.780 those acts of kindness, 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:47.280 those works of charity, 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.540 those good deeds, 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:50.540 are props and pointers 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:52.399 to the good news of the gospel. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:55.559 Our primary mission 00:21:55.559 --> 00:21:57.279 is the message. 00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.720 Church, 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:02.799 our primary ministry as a church, 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:04.680 the mission God has given us, 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:05.819 the risen Christ, 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:07.500 our primary ministry 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.899 is the message 00:22:08.899 --> 00:22:10.559 of the gospel. 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:12.599 It's the gospel that defines 00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:14.180 our good works. 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:17.860 This is what sets our works apart 00:22:17.860 --> 00:22:20.259 from every other good work 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.660 of every other faith, 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:23.400 every other charity, 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:25.100 every other organization, 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:27.480 your kind neighbor down the street 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:29.060 who just wants to do good. 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:29.799 Church, 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:31.279 what sets our works apart 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:33.299 is what drives it and defines it. 00:22:33.360 --> 00:22:34.420 It's the gospel. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:37.600 It's the mission of Christ. 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:41.340 Because Christ has come, 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:44.439 bringing salvation to us, 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:45.720 church, 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:46.139 we go. 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:48.939 We bring the message 00:22:48.939 --> 00:22:49.559 of the gospel 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:51.319 to everyone who will hear it. 00:22:51.359 --> 00:22:52.799 Because Christ has come 00:22:52.799 --> 00:22:53.740 training us 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.720 in righteousness, 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:55.579 we go. 00:22:56.399 --> 00:22:57.619 And we make disciples, 00:22:57.919 --> 00:22:58.619 training them, 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.459 teaching them 00:22:59.459 --> 00:23:01.220 to obey all that He's commanded. 00:23:01.379 --> 00:23:03.039 Because God is at work 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:05.000 magnifying His glory, 00:23:05.199 --> 00:23:06.240 we join Him 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:08.159 in magnifying His glory 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:09.680 in the gospel 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:11.380 of Jesus Christ. 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:14.140 Isn't this what we see 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.240 in this conclusion 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:16.180 to Titus? 00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:18.900 Practical deeds, 00:23:19.380 --> 00:23:20.259 coming and going, 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:21.460 travel plans, 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:22.580 acts of mercy, 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.220 support, 00:23:23.400 --> 00:23:23.920 encouragement. 00:23:24.860 --> 00:23:25.180 Paul says, 00:23:25.300 --> 00:23:25.800 come to me, 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.600 a Nicopolis, 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:27.460 speed Zenos, 00:23:27.600 --> 00:23:28.040 the lawyer, 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:28.680 Apollos, 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.279 on their way, 00:23:29.380 --> 00:23:30.500 see that they lack nothing, 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:31.480 meet their needs, 00:23:31.560 --> 00:23:33.200 help in cases of urgent need, 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.100 be hospitable, 00:23:34.300 --> 00:23:35.500 send financial support, 00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:36.900 meet tangible, 00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:37.960 practical needs, 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:38.440 why? 00:23:39.880 --> 00:23:41.340 Not just for the sake 00:23:41.340 --> 00:23:42.420 of doing good, 00:23:42.480 --> 00:23:43.559 but for the sake 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:44.640 of the mission. 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:47.700 And these were servants 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:49.220 laboring to build 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:50.059 the church, 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.840 to spread the gospel, 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:53.220 to make disciples, 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:54.759 to peel back 00:23:54.759 --> 00:23:55.960 the curse of sin 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:57.660 and usher forth 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:59.660 the kingdom of God. 00:23:59.819 --> 00:24:00.660 Every good work 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.360 must fit 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:02.819 under that banner, 00:24:03.340 --> 00:24:04.259 or it's not good. 00:24:06.579 --> 00:24:07.180 Third, 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:09.880 third, 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:11.860 Paul says, 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:13.200 if we're going to be devoted 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:14.279 to good works, 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:14.680 friend, 00:24:14.779 --> 00:24:15.799 we must commit 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:17.000 to community. 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:19.220 We must commit 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.840 to community. 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:21.600 So you've, 00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:22.880 you've believed the gospel, 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:24.539 you understand the mission, 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.920 you're ready to get to work. 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:26.480 Paul says, 00:24:26.600 --> 00:24:27.960 don't go it alone. 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:30.620 And one of the best ways 00:24:30.620 --> 00:24:31.819 to devote yourself 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.559 to good works 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:33.799 is to commit yourself 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:34.600 to a community 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.599 of people 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:37.639 who are also devoted 00:24:37.639 --> 00:24:38.599 to good works, 00:24:39.139 --> 00:24:40.599 who also believe 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:41.219 the gospel, 00:24:41.379 --> 00:24:41.619 maybe, 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:42.779 maybe even a community 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:43.399 that gathers 00:24:43.399 --> 00:24:44.619 in a certain place 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:45.740 every single week 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.980 to hear the good news 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:48.079 of the gospel preached, 00:24:48.159 --> 00:24:49.159 who gather to worship 00:24:49.159 --> 00:24:50.319 the risen Lord, 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:50.959 and then they're sent 00:24:50.959 --> 00:24:51.819 out the doors 00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:52.699 on their way 00:24:52.699 --> 00:24:53.959 into their daily lives 00:24:53.959 --> 00:24:55.139 to go about the work 00:24:55.139 --> 00:24:55.599 of God 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:56.319 that he's given them 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:56.659 to do. 00:24:56.899 --> 00:24:57.419 Do you know 00:24:57.419 --> 00:24:57.939 any communities 00:24:57.939 --> 00:24:58.500 like that? 00:24:58.500 --> 00:25:02.240 That's the local church. 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:05.220 Somehow people 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:06.500 understand this 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:08.099 with CrossFit gems, 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.680 but they don't seem 00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:10.200 to get it 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.799 when it comes 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:12.339 to the church. 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.759 We want to be independent. 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:15.599 We just want 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:16.420 to go it alone. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:16.920 We want to do 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:17.680 our own thing. 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:18.839 Come and go 00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:19.519 as we please. 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:20.039 But friend, 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:22.119 that is dangerous 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:23.640 and it's not helpful 00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:24.880 if we want to be devoted 00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:26.259 and fruitful. 00:25:27.759 --> 00:25:28.259 Paul says, 00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:29.200 the best way 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.879 for you to live 00:25:29.879 --> 00:25:31.359 a life that is fruitful 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:33.240 and obedient to God 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.700 is to commit yourself 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:36.819 to a body of people 00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:37.500 who are committed 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.839 to doing it together. 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:42.680 Commit to a healthy church. 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:45.660 And so we commit 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.920 to one another. 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:48.779 We're commanded, 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:49.920 Hebrews chapter 10 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:51.799 verses 24 and 25, 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:52.460 we're commanded, 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:53.539 let us consider 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:55.799 how to stir one another up 00:25:55.799 --> 00:25:58.119 to love and good, 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:59.119 deeds. 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:02.180 Not neglecting to meet together 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:03.420 as is the habit of some, 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:05.039 but encouraging one another. 00:26:05.400 --> 00:26:06.299 And all the more 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.420 as you see the day 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.839 drawing near. 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:10.500 We're commanded 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:12.119 to do good to all 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:12.879 and especially 00:26:12.879 --> 00:26:14.299 to those of what? 00:26:14.379 --> 00:26:15.160 Of the household 00:26:15.160 --> 00:26:16.640 of faith. 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:18.920 And so commit yourself 00:26:18.920 --> 00:26:20.759 to a healthy body. 00:26:20.859 --> 00:26:21.900 Don't just attend. 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:23.160 Don't just stay 00:26:23.160 --> 00:26:24.240 on the fringes. 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:24.779 Commit. 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:25.519 Dive in. 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.119 Commit yourself 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:27.399 to a church body 00:26:27.399 --> 00:26:28.219 that is devoted 00:26:28.219 --> 00:26:29.359 to the message 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:30.759 and to the mission 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:32.000 of the gospel. 00:26:34.099 --> 00:26:34.879 Paul says, 00:26:34.979 --> 00:26:36.979 commit to godly leadership 00:26:36.979 --> 00:26:38.459 in the church. 00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:40.259 You may remember 00:26:40.259 --> 00:26:41.779 this was one of the main issues 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:43.319 in this community 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.099 in Crete. 00:26:44.219 --> 00:26:45.419 The churches were forming, 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:46.479 good things were happening, 00:26:46.659 --> 00:26:48.339 but there were some problems. 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.500 This is one of the main reasons 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.279 that Paul wrote 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.939 the letter to Titus. 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:52.699 False teachers 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:53.700 had crept in, 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:54.960 had come into these churches 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:55.559 in Crete, 00:26:55.940 --> 00:26:56.940 spreading lies, 00:26:57.100 --> 00:26:58.100 dividing the church, 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.519 leading people astray. 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:01.360 And so Paul tells Titus 00:27:01.360 --> 00:27:02.319 in chapter 1, 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.180 verse 5, 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:05.120 this is why I left you 00:27:05.120 --> 00:27:06.279 in Crete, Titus, 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.860 so that you might put 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:09.200 what remained into order 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:10.900 and appoint elders 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:12.519 in every town 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:14.799 as I directed you. 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.319 False teachers 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.360 were on the rise. 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:20.680 Church was dividing. 00:27:20.860 --> 00:27:21.900 Division is mounting. 00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:23.220 Paul tells Titus, 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:24.840 appoint elders. 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.180 Why? 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:28.920 It's because 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:31.580 in this redeemed community, 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:34.940 elders are given by God 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:37.019 to lead the church 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:38.480 in reflecting 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:40.620 and proclaiming 00:27:40.620 --> 00:27:42.540 the glory of God. 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:44.880 That's what elders do. 00:27:45.140 --> 00:27:46.840 We're given to the church 00:27:46.840 --> 00:27:48.000 to lead the church 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.960 in reflecting 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:50.940 and proclaiming 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:52.779 the glory of God. 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:53.500 So Paul says, 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:54.880 appoint shepherds, 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:55.720 appoint elders, 00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:56.640 appoint pastors 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:58.299 who will lead 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:59.240 in reflecting 00:27:59.240 --> 00:28:00.660 the glory of God. 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:01.519 No, they're not going 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.299 to be perfect. 00:28:02.420 --> 00:28:03.120 Goodness, no. 00:28:03.320 --> 00:28:05.000 But above reproach, 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.400 not arrogant, 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:07.779 not quick-tempered, 00:28:07.940 --> 00:28:09.080 faithful to their wives, 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:09.880 godly fathers 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:10.620 to their children 00:28:10.620 --> 00:28:11.460 if they have them. 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:13.440 Men of godly character 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:15.019 worth imitating. 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:17.480 Men who are leading lives 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:19.240 worthy of imitation 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:21.660 and men who proclaim 00:28:21.660 --> 00:28:23.299 the glory of God. 00:28:24.200 --> 00:28:24.740 Paul says, 00:28:24.819 --> 00:28:25.400 these elders 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:26.400 must be able 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.200 to teach 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:28.599 sound doctrine. 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.019 Why? 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.900 It's because it's the word 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:31.420 of God 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:32.620 that builds the church. 00:28:33.620 --> 00:28:35.259 The word of God alone 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:37.279 is what fuels the mission. 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:40.039 So Paul says to Timothy, 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:41.119 all scripture 00:28:41.119 --> 00:28:42.359 is God-breathed 00:28:42.359 --> 00:28:43.399 and is useful 00:28:43.399 --> 00:28:44.220 for teaching, 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.099 rebuking, 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:45.700 correcting, 00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:47.099 training in righteousness 00:28:47.099 --> 00:28:48.700 that the man of God 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:50.159 may be thoroughly equipped 00:28:50.159 --> 00:28:50.779 for what? 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:54.240 Every good work. 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.879 So the role of elders, 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:57.339 church, 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:59.079 is to equip you, 00:28:59.240 --> 00:28:59.819 the saints, 00:28:59.899 --> 00:29:01.519 with the word of God 00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:03.319 for good works. 00:29:03.399 --> 00:29:03.539 You know, 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:04.940 that's the number one thing 00:29:04.940 --> 00:29:05.440 that matters 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:05.920 when you're looking 00:29:05.920 --> 00:29:06.559 for a church. 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:09.879 That's the number one thing 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:11.440 that should matter for you 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:13.559 when looking for a church. 00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:14.200 More important 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:15.799 than the music. 00:29:16.619 --> 00:29:17.159 More important 00:29:17.159 --> 00:29:17.919 than the size. 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:18.399 Is it big? 00:29:18.440 --> 00:29:19.059 Is it small? 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:20.019 More important 00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:20.839 than does it have 00:29:20.839 --> 00:29:21.720 the right programs? 00:29:21.859 --> 00:29:22.579 What does it offer? 00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:23.960 Where do I feel comfortable? 00:29:24.079 --> 00:29:25.200 Where do my friends go? 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:27.339 The most important question 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:28.419 you should ask 00:29:28.419 --> 00:29:29.220 when you're looking 00:29:29.220 --> 00:29:29.960 for a church, 00:29:30.179 --> 00:29:31.319 is this a church 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:31.980 that preaches 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.700 the word of God? 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:35.399 Is this a church 00:29:35.400 --> 00:29:36.759 where the shepherds 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:38.120 are leading the flock 00:29:38.120 --> 00:29:38.960 with the word 00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:40.200 and with their lives? 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:41.500 Is this a place 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.220 where you're being led 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:42.940 to trust 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:43.620 and to follow 00:29:43.620 --> 00:29:44.700 the chief shepherd, 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:46.060 Jesus Christ? 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:47.900 Where the attention 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:48.680 is not up here, 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.220 where it is 00:29:49.220 --> 00:29:50.420 where it belongs. 00:29:51.100 --> 00:29:53.580 The focus is on Jesus. 00:29:55.060 --> 00:29:56.600 Which is why he says 00:29:56.600 --> 00:29:58.280 we must commit 00:29:58.280 --> 00:30:00.080 to keeping the gospel 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:02.620 central in our church. 00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:04.899 commit somewhere 00:30:04.899 --> 00:30:05.899 where the gospel 00:30:05.899 --> 00:30:08.019 will be central. 00:30:08.159 --> 00:30:09.059 A healthy church 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:10.019 keeps the gospel 00:30:10.019 --> 00:30:10.959 at the center 00:30:10.959 --> 00:30:13.799 and is not easily distracted. 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:15.419 This is what we saw 00:30:15.419 --> 00:30:16.299 last week, 00:30:16.439 --> 00:30:17.059 if you remember. 00:30:17.879 --> 00:30:20.000 Be watchful of distraction, 00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:23.199 be watchful of division. 00:30:23.399 --> 00:30:24.019 Chapter 3, 00:30:24.079 --> 00:30:24.879 last week we saw 00:30:24.879 --> 00:30:25.539 chapter 3, 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.819 verses 9 through 11. 00:30:26.979 --> 00:30:28.059 Paul told us 00:30:28.059 --> 00:30:28.919 to be watchful 00:30:28.919 --> 00:30:29.719 of distraction 00:30:29.719 --> 00:30:30.919 and division. 00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:32.940 Avoid foolish controversy 00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:34.320 and if necessary, 00:30:34.539 --> 00:30:35.480 with tears, 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:38.700 remove divisive people. 00:30:39.779 --> 00:30:40.140 Remember, 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:40.900 discussion 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:42.440 that does not lead 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.380 to devotion 00:30:43.380 --> 00:30:45.580 might just be 00:30:45.580 --> 00:30:46.320 a distraction. 00:30:48.060 --> 00:30:49.460 The devil would love 00:30:49.460 --> 00:30:50.539 nothing more 00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:51.100 than for us 00:30:51.100 --> 00:30:52.340 to gather 00:30:52.340 --> 00:30:53.220 and to obsess 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:54.980 over some minor topics, 00:30:55.080 --> 00:30:56.680 a minor obscure section 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.300 of the Bible 00:30:57.300 --> 00:30:58.460 and never focus 00:30:58.460 --> 00:30:59.160 on the gospel, 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:01.240 never get to work, 00:31:01.340 --> 00:31:02.480 never grow in godliness, 00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:03.860 never go and change 00:31:03.860 --> 00:31:05.220 anything about our lives, 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:06.620 never bear any fruit. 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.920 The devil would love 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.980 for us to do that. 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:10.539 Always learning 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.559 but never arriving 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.039 at knowledge 00:31:12.039 --> 00:31:12.880 of the truth. 00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:14.579 He would love 00:31:14.579 --> 00:31:15.519 for us to divide 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:17.000 over some second tier, 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:18.680 third tier issue, 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:20.279 issues that ignore 00:31:20.279 --> 00:31:21.100 the unity, 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:22.460 the fundamental unity 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:23.880 that we have in Christ. 00:31:23.880 --> 00:31:24.600 And so church, 00:31:25.020 --> 00:31:26.460 be watchful 00:31:26.460 --> 00:31:27.800 of division, 00:31:28.020 --> 00:31:28.700 be watchful 00:31:28.700 --> 00:31:30.100 of distraction. 00:31:30.360 --> 00:31:31.820 We can get so distracted 00:31:31.820 --> 00:31:33.480 by minor things, 00:31:33.540 --> 00:31:34.880 even good things, 00:31:35.160 --> 00:31:36.520 that we forget 00:31:36.520 --> 00:31:37.060 our mission, 00:31:38.340 --> 00:31:39.100 that we forget 00:31:39.100 --> 00:31:40.320 our purpose, 00:31:41.080 --> 00:31:41.980 that we forget 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:43.440 the gospel. 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:45.940 If we are going 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:46.740 to be devoted 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:48.320 to good works, 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:48.680 church, 00:31:48.740 --> 00:31:49.660 it's got to be together. 00:31:49.660 --> 00:31:52.880 Commit yourself 00:31:52.880 --> 00:31:53.759 to the body 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:55.340 of Christ. 00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:56.279 Fourth, 00:31:56.640 --> 00:31:57.460 and finally, 00:31:58.720 --> 00:32:00.660 if we are to be 00:32:00.660 --> 00:32:01.840 devoted to good works, 00:32:01.960 --> 00:32:02.820 we must each 00:32:02.820 --> 00:32:04.360 take personal 00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:05.759 responsibility. 00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:08.140 Personal 00:32:08.140 --> 00:32:09.620 responsibility. 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:11.980 Paul says 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.800 in Ephesians 00:32:12.800 --> 00:32:13.620 chapter 4, 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:15.740 when each part 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.560 of the body, 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:17.840 when each member 00:32:17.840 --> 00:32:18.460 of the body 00:32:18.460 --> 00:32:20.259 is working properly, 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:21.220 every joint, 00:32:21.340 --> 00:32:22.039 every bone, 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:22.940 at work, 00:32:23.019 --> 00:32:23.680 in its place, 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.759 doing its job, 00:32:24.940 --> 00:32:26.400 then the body 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:28.220 builds itself up 00:32:28.220 --> 00:32:29.600 in love. 00:32:29.700 --> 00:32:29.819 See, 00:32:29.880 --> 00:32:30.279 the church 00:32:30.279 --> 00:32:31.579 is united. 00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:32.220 The gospel 00:32:32.220 --> 00:32:33.059 has united 00:32:33.059 --> 00:32:34.079 the church. 00:32:34.200 --> 00:32:35.299 And the church 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:36.259 is profoundly 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:37.220 diverse. 00:32:38.360 --> 00:32:38.779 And we need 00:32:38.779 --> 00:32:39.720 each part, 00:32:39.840 --> 00:32:40.620 each member, 00:32:40.740 --> 00:32:41.400 each joint 00:32:41.400 --> 00:32:42.500 to be devoted 00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:43.700 and fruitful. 00:32:43.900 --> 00:32:44.460 We need 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:45.519 each member 00:32:45.519 --> 00:32:46.680 of the body 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:48.259 devoted to the work. 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:49.400 each one of us 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:50.220 must take 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:51.680 personal responsibility 00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:53.200 to go bear fruit, 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:54.940 to go do good, 00:32:55.039 --> 00:32:55.920 to go do gospel 00:32:55.920 --> 00:32:56.480 ministry 00:32:56.480 --> 00:32:58.099 right where you are. 00:32:59.980 --> 00:33:00.759 Isn't this 00:33:00.759 --> 00:33:01.940 what we see 00:33:01.940 --> 00:33:02.460 here in our 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.000 conclusion? 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.319 Artemis, 00:33:06.200 --> 00:33:06.940 Tychicus, 00:33:08.059 --> 00:33:08.440 Zenos, 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:09.119 the lawyer, 00:33:09.299 --> 00:33:09.960 Apollos, 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:11.720 normal people 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:12.779 with day jobs, 00:33:12.839 --> 00:33:13.339 a lawyer, 00:33:14.140 --> 00:33:15.019 going about 00:33:15.019 --> 00:33:15.599 the mission 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:16.919 of the gospel. 00:33:18.199 --> 00:33:19.059 This is what 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:20.599 Paul commanded us 00:33:20.599 --> 00:33:22.359 in chapter 2. 00:33:23.219 --> 00:33:23.939 If you look there, 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:24.699 he commanded 00:33:24.699 --> 00:33:26.079 Titus in chapter 2. 00:33:26.199 --> 00:33:26.500 He said, 00:33:27.059 --> 00:33:28.039 but as for you, 00:33:28.119 --> 00:33:28.459 Titus, 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:29.439 he says in verse 1, 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:31.759 teach what accords 00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:33.639 with sound doctrine. 00:33:33.879 --> 00:33:34.279 Teach what, 00:33:34.519 --> 00:33:35.659 teach sound doctrine, 00:33:35.879 --> 00:33:36.159 yes, 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.279 but don't stop there. 00:33:37.439 --> 00:33:37.699 Teach, 00:33:37.939 --> 00:33:38.599 teach what accords 00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:40.459 with sound doctrine. 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:42.099 The sound doctrine 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:43.359 is always practical. 00:33:43.539 --> 00:33:43.980 Teach the, 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:44.920 the godliness 00:33:44.920 --> 00:33:46.180 that we should expect 00:33:46.180 --> 00:33:47.960 to see in every Christian, 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:50.319 every believer, 00:33:50.480 --> 00:33:51.480 every member. 00:33:51.640 --> 00:33:52.120 Godliness, 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:53.099 good works, 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:55.000 is for you. 00:33:56.039 --> 00:33:56.759 And you may not even 00:33:56.759 --> 00:33:57.519 have to leave home 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:58.039 to do it. 00:34:00.160 --> 00:34:00.700 You know, 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:01.640 sometimes I think 00:34:01.640 --> 00:34:02.900 that we think 00:34:02.900 --> 00:34:03.539 in order for us 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.680 to really be about 00:34:04.680 --> 00:34:05.279 good works, 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.700 to really be doing 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:07.160 ministry, 00:34:07.160 --> 00:34:08.579 we have to get up 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:09.480 and uproot ourselves, 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:10.539 go somewhere else, 00:34:10.659 --> 00:34:11.579 start something new, 00:34:11.719 --> 00:34:12.460 remove ourselves 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:13.740 from our current context, 00:34:13.820 --> 00:34:14.420 from our normal 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:15.500 day-to-day lives. 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:16.780 Paul says here 00:34:16.780 --> 00:34:17.659 in chapter 2, 00:34:17.780 --> 00:34:18.619 he gives us 00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:20.079 a model of ministry 00:34:20.079 --> 00:34:21.800 for every believer 00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:23.619 right where you are. 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:25.099 He says, 00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:25.699 older men, 00:34:25.840 --> 00:34:26.619 set the pace. 00:34:27.960 --> 00:34:28.519 Older men, 00:34:28.659 --> 00:34:29.199 set the pace, 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:30.240 set the example, 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:32.740 demonstrate godly character, 00:34:33.099 --> 00:34:34.199 urge the young men 00:34:34.199 --> 00:34:35.380 to be self-controlled. 00:34:36.579 --> 00:34:37.320 Older women, 00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:38.679 be reverent, 00:34:38.800 --> 00:34:39.780 teach what is good, 00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:40.900 train the young women 00:34:40.900 --> 00:34:42.039 to love their husbands 00:34:42.039 --> 00:34:42.920 and their children. 00:34:43.039 --> 00:34:43.740 He gives instructions 00:34:43.740 --> 00:34:45.000 for Titus, 00:34:45.039 --> 00:34:45.860 a pastor, 00:34:46.019 --> 00:34:47.059 and for bond servants, 00:34:47.440 --> 00:34:48.960 workers in vocational ministry 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:50.460 and workers in the lowest, 00:34:50.880 --> 00:34:52.019 least respected roles 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:52.579 in the world. 00:34:52.700 --> 00:34:53.220 He says, 00:34:53.619 --> 00:34:55.280 you adorn the doctrine 00:34:55.280 --> 00:34:56.139 of God, 00:34:56.240 --> 00:34:56.860 our Savior, 00:34:57.260 --> 00:34:58.300 right where you are. 00:34:59.480 --> 00:35:00.599 The church is not just 00:35:00.599 --> 00:35:02.019 made up of pastors, 00:35:02.280 --> 00:35:02.840 praise God, 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:05.380 or deacons, 00:35:05.539 --> 00:35:06.780 or missionaries. 00:35:07.180 --> 00:35:08.260 It's diverse. 00:35:09.420 --> 00:35:09.940 Diverse. 00:35:10.900 --> 00:35:13.740 God may be calling you, 00:35:13.900 --> 00:35:14.559 some of you, 00:35:14.680 --> 00:35:16.680 to vocational ministry. 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:19.220 God may be calling you 00:35:19.220 --> 00:35:20.079 to go overseas, 00:35:20.079 --> 00:35:22.119 to start some formal ministry, 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:23.180 to leave your jobs. 00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:24.619 Or maybe, 00:35:25.160 --> 00:35:26.460 maybe, 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:28.680 God may be calling you 00:35:28.680 --> 00:35:29.680 to bear fruit 00:35:29.680 --> 00:35:31.440 right where you are. 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:33.340 At least, 00:35:33.500 --> 00:35:34.740 at least start there. 00:35:34.840 --> 00:35:35.920 And your ordinary, 00:35:36.139 --> 00:35:36.900 I'm putting quotes 00:35:36.900 --> 00:35:37.619 around ordinary, 00:35:37.780 --> 00:35:38.320 you see that. 00:35:38.320 --> 00:35:39.500 And your ordinary, 00:35:39.940 --> 00:35:40.720 day-to-day, 00:35:40.940 --> 00:35:42.360 normal life. 00:35:42.420 --> 00:35:42.700 Would you, 00:35:43.059 --> 00:35:44.640 would you look around yourself 00:35:44.640 --> 00:35:45.800 and ask, 00:35:46.180 --> 00:35:47.660 what roles has God 00:35:47.660 --> 00:35:48.780 placed me in right now? 00:35:50.280 --> 00:35:52.640 Where has God placed me? 00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:54.820 And what opportunities 00:35:54.820 --> 00:35:55.940 are there for me 00:35:55.940 --> 00:35:57.260 right where I am 00:35:57.260 --> 00:35:58.160 to bear fruit 00:35:58.160 --> 00:36:00.019 for His glory? 00:36:00.220 --> 00:36:00.620 Fathers, 00:36:01.860 --> 00:36:02.320 fathers, 00:36:02.320 --> 00:36:04.120 what does it look like 00:36:04.120 --> 00:36:05.360 for you to be devoted 00:36:05.360 --> 00:36:06.760 to good works 00:36:06.760 --> 00:36:07.580 in your home? 00:36:09.700 --> 00:36:10.140 Husbands, 00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:11.200 what does it look like 00:36:11.200 --> 00:36:12.840 for you to be devoted 00:36:12.840 --> 00:36:13.900 to good works 00:36:13.900 --> 00:36:15.000 in your home, 00:36:15.080 --> 00:36:15.760 in your marriages? 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:16.380 Mothers, 00:36:16.900 --> 00:36:17.840 what does it look like 00:36:17.840 --> 00:36:18.460 for you, 00:36:18.660 --> 00:36:19.820 as you raise children 00:36:19.820 --> 00:36:20.240 at home, 00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:21.160 to be devoted 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:27.099 to good works? Wives, what does it look like for you to be devoted to good works? When you go to 00:36:27.099 --> 00:36:30.859 bed tonight, you lay your head down on the pillow and your mind starts thinking about all the work 00:36:30.859 --> 00:36:36.739 that you have to do tomorrow when you get to work. Are we thinking, what do I have to do or what 00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:43.559 opportunities has God given me to bear fruit for his glory? Those are two very different ways to 00:36:43.559 --> 00:36:50.139 think about our time. Very different ways to think about our opportunities. How can we be about the 00:36:50.139 --> 00:36:59.940 work of God this week? See, the church is made up of all sorts of different types of people with 00:36:59.940 --> 00:37:05.359 different giftings, with different opportunities for ministry. There may be people in your sphere of 00:37:05.359 --> 00:37:13.119 influence that I will never have the chance to reach, but you do. Are you seeking to be devoted 00:37:13.119 --> 00:37:22.739 to good works right where you are? So here's a practical application for you as we close. You 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:29.799 can do this this afternoon in about 10 minutes, okay? Roles and goals. Think about your roles. 00:37:30.679 --> 00:37:36.339 Think about your goals. I want you to go home this afternoon, 10 minutes, write down your roles. 00:37:36.340 --> 00:37:44.880 What are they? God has given me the roles of husband, of father, of pastor, of friend, of son, 00:37:44.960 --> 00:37:51.200 of citizen. These are different roles, spheres of influence in my life. What roles has God given you? 00:37:52.620 --> 00:38:02.700 And then beside them, goals. Goals. I want you to brainstorm and to think specific ways that you can 00:38:02.699 --> 00:38:12.879 honor the Lord in the place that he's put you. How can you be devoted and fruitful to the Lord this 00:38:12.879 --> 00:38:24.000 week? See, Christ came to create a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works at home, 00:38:24.000 --> 00:38:36.219 at work, at church, in the neighborhood, at the ballpark, in the gym. Are you zealous to make much of the glory of God? 00:38:37.119 --> 00:38:39.179 Because that's the point, isn't it? 00:38:41.219 --> 00:38:52.199 Church, our mission is to magnify the glory of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything we do must serve that 00:38:52.199 --> 00:39:01.259 purpose. Any deed that we do that does not serve that grand purpose is not a good deed. And so we enjoy him. 00:39:02.079 --> 00:39:09.179 And we equip the saints. And we evangelize the lost. Do your neighbors know that you're a Christian? 00:39:11.099 --> 00:39:18.679 Not just that you're kind. Not just that you're moral. Do they know that you want them to know Jesus? 00:39:18.679 --> 00:39:27.599 Nine weeks now in the book of Titus have we gotten the message. 00:39:29.599 --> 00:39:39.980 We leave this place commissioned, church, unto good works. Because Christ has come into our world, 00:39:40.819 --> 00:39:46.619 rescuing it from the curse of sin, redeeming it from brokenness and rebellion against God, 00:39:46.619 --> 00:39:53.880 we now go out of this place into the world to accomplish the good works that God has prepared 00:39:53.880 --> 00:40:01.839 for us to do for the glory of God. For by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:40:03.059 --> 00:40:10.139 This is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of work so that no one may boast. 00:40:10.139 --> 00:40:20.980 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand 00:40:20.980 --> 00:40:29.400 that we should walk in them. Let's get to work, church. Would you pray with me? 00:40:29.400 --> 00:40:39.300 Lord, we thank you that you have prepared good works for this body to do. We pray that they would become 00:40:39.300 --> 00:40:45.780 clear to us as we think and meditate on what opportunities you've given us to bear fruit for 00:40:45.780 --> 00:40:52.160 your glory. God, I'm excited to see the fruit that you will bring from the labor of these saints. 00:40:52.159 --> 00:40:57.779 God, I'm excited to see those who would come into the kingdom because of the faithful gospel 00:40:57.779 --> 00:41:04.940 proclamation of this body. I'm excited to see those who would be served and loved out of the 00:41:04.940 --> 00:41:10.619 overflow of our love for you and what you've done for us in Christ. God, thank you for the book of 00:41:10.619 --> 00:41:15.059 Titus. Thank you for what we've learned in it. We pray that we would get the message. 00:41:15.779 --> 00:41:18.719 We love you, Father. We pray this in Christ's name. Amen. 00:41:18.719 --> 00:41:18.859 Amen.