Devoted to Good Works

Devoted to good works

Titus 3:1-15

Main Idea: The grace of God saves us and empowers us for good works.

I. Adorning the Gospel in the World (3:1-2)

A. Ready for Good Works

Matthew 11:29: Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

B. Who We Were and What God Has Done

Until sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet
~ Thomas Watson

We must plumb the depths of our own heart before we can grasp the height of God’s love.
~ Tim Chester

Psalm 14:1a: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

II. Being fruitful and multiplying in grace (3:9-15)

A. Pruning

Ephesians 4:1-3: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Paul does not say God condemns such a person. Rather, one who tries to justify himself by besting others (causing foolish controversies), presuming on his background or family status (debating genealogies), or by wrangling holiness from legal strictures (causing quarrels about the law) instead cuts himself off from his only hope of justification—grace. And thus he is ‘self-condemned.
~ Brian Chapell

B. Harvesting and Planting

Thus doctrine inspires duty, and duty adorns doctrine. Doctrine and duty are married; they must not be divorced.
~ John Stott