Titus 3:8-15

⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. ⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. ¹¹ You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. ¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ¹³ Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. ¹⁵ Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

1. Support those who serve – 13 Give to the goers

Once again, we know a lot about one of these men and not much about the other. Zenas was a lawyer, meaning he was either an expert in the Old Testament law or had been trained in Roman law. Acts 18:24-28 tells us that Apollos was a Jewish believer who was not only well trained but had a tremendous knowledge of Scripture and spoke with passion. These men were traveling missionaries, who had come to Crete to minister and were now in need of people to give so that they can go to the next place. Paul called the Cretan Christians to not only meet their financial needs but also their physical needs. Missions matters, I am a product of people who gave generously to missions. Because of peoples support a Pastor went to Africa and I was saved. Are you supporting those God sends or are you sitting on the sidelines? One of the biggest blessings that many of us miss out on is giving God access to our bank account and parting with our possessions. Where are you investing your treasures, are you spending them on the temporary or are you investing and engaging them in eternity, storing up treasure in heaven instead of squandering them just on earth. Are you a gracious giver, because people that get grace get giving.  One of the ways that we can do good is to give to God and be productive with our possessions.  

2. Greet people with Grace – 15 

Paul closes this letter, as he does all his letters, with the gift of grace. Are you greeting people with God’s grace? Not just telling people about grace but touching them with God’s grace. This week Angel and I had the privilege to go and see a couple that are battling leukemia in the hospital in Denver. Sure we could have used technology and prayed with them over the phone, but there are times when technology falls short because what people need is touch. There is something powerful about praying with people in person. We need to be careful that we don’t substitute the power of touch for the convenience of technology. What was amazing was gathering all the family together and praying after one of the doctors came and said thank you. What was even more amazing was to hear that couple share about God’s daily gift of grace to them. In the midst of difficult and discouraging times they didn’t miss God’s grace. What about you are you a grace giver not a grace grumbler? 

Titus 2:9-3:2  

“Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.” “Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.”

1. Goal of grace

In the present tense, grace not only saves, it sanctifies us by changing our attitudes and actions. The grace that redeems us also reforms us. God’s grace is a teacher that enables us to avoid worldly passions and embrace pure lives. The word “instructs” describes the training of a child and includes the whole process – teaching, encouragement, correction and discipline. Grace doesn’t just save us it also sets us on a different path, instructing us how to live godly lives. Not just to save but to sanctify and set us apart. Today many of us have a cheap grace instead of a costly grace. We have substituted assurance for fire insurance. We want salvation without sanctification. We may be saved but we are not set apart. While we have accepted the gift of grace we have missed the goal of grace. It’s not just to save us but to set us free. Now there are two appearing’s in this passage, the first is grace the second is glory. Grace appeared at Christmas, through the incarnation, while glory will come at Christ’s second coming. Grace teaches us to be godly, and His coming glory reminds us to do what is good. Are you living in grace and looking to glory? Focusing on the future return of Christ is what helps us have hope. Hope is the rope that helps us to hold on in a hostile world. Living in grace and looking to His glory is what gives us the power to live a life that is pleasing to God. Notice that verse 14 reminds us that we are God’s people, His treasured possession purchased by His own blood. Not only were we bought but we belong and because we are His we should be totally committed to doing good deeds. The word committed means “to boil, to be hot, so that we glow for God. As a child of God we should glow with good deeds, so let me ask you are you on fire for Jesus, or are you living a lukewarm life for the Lord? Grace should cause us to glow for God, where our hearts are hot for Him not halfhearted.