153 00:22:01.595 --> 00:22:04.095 All right, did everybody have a good, uh, 154 00:22:04.095 --> 00:22:05.375 4th of July weekend? 155 00:22:07.275 --> 00:22:09.455 All right. All right. Settle down. Settle down. 156 00:22:09.715 --> 00:22:11.655 You know, I found that that holidays, 157 00:22:11.655 --> 00:22:14.495 they can be key reminders, um, from our calendar 158 00:22:14.915 --> 00:22:17.055 to remind us of things that are really, really important. 159 00:22:17.055 --> 00:22:19.695 Like when we think of the 4th of July, we think about 160 00:22:19.715 --> 00:22:21.295 and are grateful for our freedom. 161 00:22:21.715 --> 00:22:23.215 We look back to Memorial Day 162 00:22:23.215 --> 00:22:25.415 and we think, oh, the people that sacrificed so 163 00:22:25.415 --> 00:22:27.215 that we could have that freedom and, 164 00:22:27.235 --> 00:22:28.935 and do the fireworks in the neighborhood 165 00:22:28.955 --> 00:22:30.455 and catch stuff on fire, right? 166 00:22:32.725 --> 00:22:34.575 Okay, so we're off to a little bit of a slow start. 167 00:22:34.575 --> 00:22:36.935 That's okay. But then with the Christian calendar, 168 00:22:36.985 --> 00:22:39.975 we're reminded of Christmas, the arrival, the arrival 169 00:22:40.035 --> 00:22:41.935 of Jesus, we celebrate his birth. 170 00:22:41.955 --> 00:22:45.495 And then Easter, his death, his burial, his resurrection. 171 00:22:45.655 --> 00:22:48.135 I don't know about you, I don't know about you, 172 00:22:48.395 --> 00:22:52.935 but I'm, I'm a little bit surprised of how often that I need 173 00:22:52.935 --> 00:22:54.295 to be reminded of stuff. 174 00:22:55.495 --> 00:22:57.215 I, I mean, it's, it's all the time. 175 00:22:57.475 --> 00:22:59.735 On, on, on my windshield of my car. 176 00:22:59.805 --> 00:23:02.495 I've got a sticker that reminds me, it reminds me 177 00:23:02.495 --> 00:23:04.295 of when I need to get my oil changed. 178 00:23:05.455 --> 00:23:06.855 I, I and, and then doctors 179 00:23:06.995 --> 00:23:08.415 and dentists, I mean, they're, 180 00:23:08.415 --> 00:23:09.695 they're relentless, aren't they? 181 00:23:09.695 --> 00:23:11.615 They, they don't only call, but they text 182 00:23:11.675 --> 00:23:13.215 and email they call text and email. 183 00:23:13.325 --> 00:23:16.455 They don't want you to, and to miss those appointments 184 00:23:16.475 --> 00:23:19.415 and Amazon is quick, they're quick to respond 185 00:23:19.415 --> 00:23:21.335 and say, Hey, you know, you left something in your, 186 00:23:21.675 --> 00:23:23.655 in your cart, you should circle back around. 187 00:23:24.515 --> 00:23:26.895 But then this happened to me just the other day 188 00:23:26.915 --> 00:23:28.935 and I found it a little disconcerting. 189 00:23:29.415 --> 00:23:32.135 I I received a notification on my phone. 190 00:23:32.375 --> 00:23:35.055 I received a notification on my phone, listen, 191 00:23:36.245 --> 00:23:37.855 from my air conditioner. 192 00:23:40.515 --> 00:23:43.295 It, it's true. I got this notification from my air 193 00:23:43.295 --> 00:23:45.725 conditioner that told me I needed to clean its filter. 194 00:23:47.225 --> 00:23:50.005 And, and to be fair, it, it is disconcerting. 195 00:23:50.565 --> 00:23:52.645 I think we've seen movies about stuff like this is 196 00:23:52.645 --> 00:23:54.205 what happens when it starts going bad. 197 00:23:54.865 --> 00:23:56.325 But nonetheless, this is a good, 198 00:23:56.845 --> 00:23:59.085 probably a good wise move on the air conditioners part, 199 00:23:59.085 --> 00:24:00.285 because this was not on my radar. 200 00:24:00.435 --> 00:24:02.485 This would've went undone. 201 00:24:03.065 --> 00:24:05.245 But come on, let's think about why do we need 202 00:24:05.245 --> 00:24:06.765 to be reminded? 203 00:24:07.305 --> 00:24:09.685 Why do we need constant reminders? 204 00:24:10.515 --> 00:24:12.765 Come on, we're busy, we're distracted, 205 00:24:12.765 --> 00:24:15.445 and at the end of the day, we we're just forgetful. 206 00:24:16.865 --> 00:24:18.325 We, we just forget stuff. 207 00:24:18.465 --> 00:24:22.485 We details get lost in the frenetic pace of life. 208 00:24:23.265 --> 00:24:25.645 And since it's been a little bit, let me remind you 209 00:24:25.875 --> 00:24:29.165 that we are in a series that we've been calling field notes 210 00:24:29.185 --> 00:24:32.085 and we've been walking through this letter written by Paul 211 00:24:32.265 --> 00:24:34.165 to a guy named Titus. 212 00:24:34.625 --> 00:24:36.485 And the gist of the letter has been for Titus 213 00:24:36.545 --> 00:24:39.765 to set things in order, set in order, the things 214 00:24:39.765 --> 00:24:40.965 that we left undone. 215 00:24:41.275 --> 00:24:44.405 What, what, what Titus has been charged with, what Paul 216 00:24:45.025 --> 00:24:47.725 is writing to the guy that he is mentoring, that he is, 217 00:24:47.785 --> 00:24:50.205 you know, this is the guy on site doing this stuff. 218 00:24:50.765 --> 00:24:53.525 I I need you to get the churches organized 219 00:24:53.585 --> 00:24:55.805 and get them healthy on the island of Creek. 220 00:24:55.835 --> 00:24:56.965 This is what his purpose was. 221 00:24:57.155 --> 00:24:58.405 This is what the letter is about. 222 00:24:58.405 --> 00:25:00.445 This is what he's reminding him of, 223 00:25:00.665 --> 00:25:03.085 and he's been stressing that sound doctrine. 224 00:25:03.085 --> 00:25:05.725 We've talked about this, that sound doctrine leads 225 00:25:05.905 --> 00:25:10.085 or good doctrine leads to or results in Godly living. 226 00:25:10.385 --> 00:25:12.485 And we've said throughout this series that this is 227 00:25:12.485 --> 00:25:16.245 so important because what we believe impacts how we think 228 00:25:16.945 --> 00:25:20.565 and which impacts how we live, which impacts 229 00:25:20.825 --> 00:25:22.685 how we influence the world around us. 230 00:25:22.985 --> 00:25:24.645 So this is really, really big. 231 00:25:24.785 --> 00:25:27.205 And so today we're moving into the third 232 00:25:27.205 --> 00:25:30.405 and final chapter of the letter to Titus. 233 00:25:30.425 --> 00:25:32.485 And we're gonna be looking at the first 11 verses. 234 00:25:32.485 --> 00:25:34.925 So let me read those for us as we get started 235 00:25:35.995 --> 00:25:37.525 beginning with verse one. 236 00:25:39.225 --> 00:25:43.965 Remind them, remind them to be submissive 237 00:25:43.965 --> 00:25:48.815 to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready 238 00:25:48.915 --> 00:25:52.175 for every good work, to speak evil of no one, 239 00:25:52.195 --> 00:25:54.495 to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, 240 00:25:55.435 --> 00:25:58.695 and to show perfect courtesy towards all people. 241 00:25:59.635 --> 00:26:02.295 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, 242 00:26:02.315 --> 00:26:04.695 led astray slaves to various passions 243 00:26:04.695 --> 00:26:07.895 and pleasures, passing our days in malice 244 00:26:07.895 --> 00:26:10.695 and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 245 00:26:12.835 --> 00:26:13.895 But when the goodness 246 00:26:14.155 --> 00:26:17.775 and loving kindness of God our savior appeared, 247 00:26:18.915 --> 00:26:21.615 he saved us not 248 00:26:21.615 --> 00:26:24.815 because of work's done by us in righteousness, 249 00:26:25.355 --> 00:26:27.695 but according to his own mercy, by the washing 250 00:26:27.755 --> 00:26:30.095 of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit 251 00:26:30.685 --> 00:26:33.335 whom he poured out on us richly 252 00:26:33.335 --> 00:26:35.615 through Jesus Christ our savior. 253 00:26:36.835 --> 00:26:39.335 So that being justified by his grace, 254 00:26:39.475 --> 00:26:43.135 we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 255 00:26:44.305 --> 00:26:45.725 The saying is trustworthy. 256 00:26:46.885 --> 00:26:50.685 I want you to insist on these things so that those 257 00:26:50.785 --> 00:26:52.685 who believe in God may be careful 258 00:26:52.745 --> 00:26:54.645 to devote themselves to good works. 259 00:26:55.695 --> 00:26:58.485 These things are excellent and profitable for people, 260 00:26:59.865 --> 00:27:03.365 but avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, 261 00:27:03.365 --> 00:27:04.645 and quarrels about the law 262 00:27:04.985 --> 00:27:07.165 for they are unprofitable and worthless. 263 00:27:08.785 --> 00:27:10.805 For a person who stirs up division 264 00:27:11.255 --> 00:27:14.845 after warning him once, then twice, 265 00:27:15.635 --> 00:27:19.485 have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person 266 00:27:20.305 --> 00:27:22.925 is warped and sinful, 267 00:27:23.625 --> 00:27:25.925 he is self condemned. 268 00:27:26.395 --> 00:27:30.085 When we look at the first word in, in verse one, 269 00:27:30.105 --> 00:27:31.605 we find the word remind. 270 00:27:32.075 --> 00:27:34.805 This is a command and it carries the idea not just 271 00:27:34.805 --> 00:27:37.565 to remind once, but to keep on reminding. 272 00:27:37.895 --> 00:27:40.205 There is to be this rhythm of reminding, 273 00:27:40.205 --> 00:27:41.445 reminding, and reminding. 274 00:27:41.665 --> 00:27:43.765 And so this gives us the idea here 275 00:27:43.765 --> 00:27:45.245 that this is not new information. 276 00:27:46.235 --> 00:27:49.165 When, when, when Titus is charged to bring this to him, it, 277 00:27:49.225 --> 00:27:51.045 it should look somewhat familiar to him. 278 00:27:51.195 --> 00:27:53.005 They should have heard of this stuff before. 279 00:27:53.785 --> 00:27:57.525 So Titus, his responsibility is to refresh their memories. 280 00:27:58.305 --> 00:28:00.365 So what is it that needs to be refreshed? 281 00:28:00.705 --> 00:28:02.645 We look back at verse one, remind them 282 00:28:02.745 --> 00:28:04.645 and just so we know who the them is, 283 00:28:04.865 --> 00:28:06.605 the them is the followers of Christ 284 00:28:06.605 --> 00:28:08.165 that are on the island of Crete. 285 00:28:08.385 --> 00:28:09.685 And if you're trying to think, well, 286 00:28:09.865 --> 00:28:11.445 is there any more information on that? 287 00:28:11.445 --> 00:28:13.925 Maybe roll back to chapter two when he is talking 288 00:28:14.365 --> 00:28:17.485 specifically about the old, old men, the old women, 289 00:28:17.835 --> 00:28:19.645 younger men, younger women. 290 00:28:19.905 --> 00:28:23.485 So that group, this is who he is en encouraging. 291 00:28:23.485 --> 00:28:27.725 Paul is encouraging Titus to remind, remind them, he says 292 00:28:27.745 --> 00:28:29.845 to be submissive to rulers and authorities. 293 00:28:30.195 --> 00:28:31.245 He's speaking of those 294 00:28:31.245 --> 00:28:33.205 that make up the different levels of government. 295 00:28:34.385 --> 00:28:36.525 The followers of Jesus should live their lines, 296 00:28:36.655 --> 00:28:39.805 their lives in line with the duly appointed 297 00:28:40.455 --> 00:28:41.845 government authorities. 298 00:28:42.465 --> 00:28:45.245 See, we have to remember that God is the ultimate authority. 299 00:28:45.345 --> 00:28:47.005 He is sovereign and he is the one 300 00:28:47.155 --> 00:28:48.885 that put this group of guys in place. 301 00:28:49.225 --> 00:28:52.325 See, but the credence in the context, we have to understand 302 00:28:52.325 --> 00:28:54.485 what is going on and what is in the heads 303 00:28:54.485 --> 00:28:56.765 and the hearts of the people that he's dealing with 304 00:28:56.765 --> 00:28:58.205 and doing life and ministry with. 305 00:28:58.205 --> 00:29:00.325 The credence were notoriously turbulent. 306 00:29:01.585 --> 00:29:02.965 The these were some tough people. 307 00:29:02.995 --> 00:29:05.165 They were often involved in insurrections 308 00:29:05.315 --> 00:29:07.245 that resulted in murder, in mayhem. 309 00:29:07.875 --> 00:29:09.045 This is what's going on here. 310 00:29:09.045 --> 00:29:11.645 They had a reputation for lack of restraint. 311 00:29:13.625 --> 00:29:15.445 And so Pastor Titus, hang in there. 312 00:29:15.445 --> 00:29:20.125 Oh boy, this is what you got to work with. Remind them. 313 00:29:20.305 --> 00:29:22.765 Remind them to uphold social order as much 314 00:29:22.765 --> 00:29:24.805 as it depends on them to help them 315 00:29:24.805 --> 00:29:26.125 to be obedient in their actions. 316 00:29:26.125 --> 00:29:27.965 Help them to be ready for every good work. 317 00:29:28.265 --> 00:29:29.525 Notice that we see that 318 00:29:29.785 --> 00:29:32.525 so often in this good work, good work, good work. 319 00:29:32.825 --> 00:29:35.005 Be prepared to do good work, be prepared, 320 00:29:35.065 --> 00:29:36.445 be eager, not reluctant. 321 00:29:36.445 --> 00:29:39.925 When an opportunity presents itself as followers of Jesus, 322 00:29:40.105 --> 00:29:41.205 we can't be passive, 323 00:29:41.865 --> 00:29:44.765 but we should always, always, always be on the lookout 324 00:29:45.465 --> 00:29:48.285 for positive involvement and contribution in society. 325 00:29:48.515 --> 00:29:49.605 Paul is stressing 326 00:29:49.605 --> 00:29:53.685 that we should have an ambitious pursuit of good works. 327 00:29:55.625 --> 00:29:56.765 Now what's your take on that? 328 00:29:58.465 --> 00:30:01.395 When you think about that, are your eyes open? 329 00:30:01.535 --> 00:30:04.515 Are our eyes open to opportunity? 330 00:30:05.695 --> 00:30:08.675 Do we, do we see things that need to be done? 331 00:30:08.935 --> 00:30:10.475 Are we ready to do good? 332 00:30:10.695 --> 00:30:13.075 Uh, for example, if we see something that needs to be done, 333 00:30:13.135 --> 00:30:14.835 are we willing to be the one that does it? 334 00:30:15.375 --> 00:30:18.435 If we see a need that needs to be met, are we ready 335 00:30:18.615 --> 00:30:19.755 to meet that need? 336 00:30:21.215 --> 00:30:22.395 Are you willing to engage? 337 00:30:22.395 --> 00:30:25.355 Are you willing to be involved understanding that, 338 00:30:25.625 --> 00:30:27.635 that we should be active in serving 339 00:30:27.635 --> 00:30:30.235 because we have been served by a mighty savior? 340 00:30:31.495 --> 00:30:32.555 The reminders continue. 341 00:30:32.555 --> 00:30:35.995 In verse two, he says, remind them to speak evil of no one. 342 00:30:36.055 --> 00:30:38.155 And in the relationships that we are in, 343 00:30:38.925 --> 00:30:40.795 don't slander, don't insult. 344 00:30:42.175 --> 00:30:43.475 Use your nice tone of voice. 345 00:30:44.965 --> 00:30:46.475 Don't be malicious in 346 00:30:46.475 --> 00:30:48.995 what you say about someone or something. 347 00:30:49.345 --> 00:30:52.195 Because again, the credence, they were a rough lot. 348 00:30:52.345 --> 00:30:56.635 They were a rough lot and, and, and they had a tendency, 349 00:30:57.415 --> 00:30:59.235 and maybe you know someone that's like this, 350 00:30:59.295 --> 00:31:02.195 but they had this tendency to grouse, grumble and complain. 351 00:31:05.605 --> 00:31:07.915 Maybe you don't know this type of person. 352 00:31:10.165 --> 00:31:11.715 Maybe you're extra spiritual. 353 00:31:12.735 --> 00:31:15.435 But these people were known as people who grouched 354 00:31:15.435 --> 00:31:16.795 and grumbled and complained. 355 00:31:17.425 --> 00:31:18.835 Paul says, remind them 356 00:31:19.095 --> 00:31:21.955 to avoid quarreling instead of being combative. 357 00:31:21.975 --> 00:31:25.075 Be peaceable. Instead of being offensive 358 00:31:25.175 --> 00:31:26.675 and argumentative, be kind. 359 00:31:26.935 --> 00:31:28.075 And if you have your Bible there 360 00:31:28.075 --> 00:31:29.475 and you look a little bit more to the margin, 361 00:31:29.475 --> 00:31:32.835 what you'll see is he's saying, don't bite your friends. 362 00:31:35.335 --> 00:31:37.915 Be gentle. Be gracious. Be considerate. 363 00:31:39.255 --> 00:31:41.635 We are to show perfect courtesy towards all people. 364 00:31:42.475 --> 00:31:43.955 I love the way Eugene Peterson, 365 00:31:43.955 --> 00:31:46.675 he paraphrases this when he says this, these first couple 366 00:31:46.675 --> 00:31:47.915 of verses, he paraphrases it this way. 367 00:31:47.915 --> 00:31:51.515 He says, remind the people to respect the government 368 00:31:51.895 --> 00:31:56.435 and be law abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. 369 00:31:57.175 --> 00:31:58.595 No insults, no fights. 370 00:31:59.125 --> 00:32:03.245 God's people should be big hearted And courteous 371 00:32:07.175 --> 00:32:08.715 are those things that describe you 372 00:32:09.305 --> 00:32:12.635 When you walk into the room, what's the reaction of everyone 373 00:32:12.975 --> 00:32:14.715 that's that you're walking into? 374 00:32:15.225 --> 00:32:17.035 What do they look at? What do they think? 375 00:32:17.145 --> 00:32:18.835 What do they, are they looking for exits? 376 00:32:18.835 --> 00:32:20.795 Are they trying to, oh boy, here they come. 377 00:32:21.895 --> 00:32:24.195 In other words, the question is, what is it like 378 00:32:24.215 --> 00:32:25.715 to be on the other side of you? 379 00:32:26.465 --> 00:32:27.715 Have you ever given thought to that? 380 00:32:27.785 --> 00:32:29.915 What is it like to be on the other side 381 00:32:29.915 --> 00:32:34.755 of you In verse three? 382 00:32:35.285 --> 00:32:37.835 Those of us that are followers of Jesus get a, 383 00:32:38.115 --> 00:32:40.165 a jarring reminder of our past. 384 00:32:41.545 --> 00:32:45.445 And it's a really a grim reminder of why we need a rescuer. 385 00:32:46.815 --> 00:32:50.725 Verse three, it says, for we ourselves were once foolish. 386 00:32:50.955 --> 00:32:52.365 That means, and this again, 387 00:32:52.365 --> 00:32:53.445 this is probably none of us, right? 388 00:32:53.865 --> 00:32:57.045 You exercise poor judgment, 389 00:32:58.185 --> 00:32:59.845 act like you don't have good sense. 390 00:33:00.835 --> 00:33:02.005 Like what are we doing here? 391 00:33:02.385 --> 00:33:04.765 He said, don't be like that disobedient. 392 00:33:04.955 --> 00:33:06.765 This is unruly behavior in general. 393 00:33:07.015 --> 00:33:09.565 Think of this as rejecting God's commands. 394 00:33:09.905 --> 00:33:11.645 And it's basically, if I had to say it, 395 00:33:11.995 --> 00:33:15.445 it's basically the idea of having the attitude 396 00:33:15.665 --> 00:33:17.325 of you can't tell me what to do. 397 00:33:19.085 --> 00:33:20.415 Come on. Maybe you've heard somebody say, 398 00:33:20.415 --> 00:33:21.415 you're not the boss of me. 399 00:33:21.995 --> 00:33:23.255 That's what's going on here. 400 00:33:23.555 --> 00:33:26.015 We are led astray, we're deceived, we're misguided. 401 00:33:26.715 --> 00:33:28.215 And as we saw at the end of the, 402 00:33:28.355 --> 00:33:31.495 the last message in this series, without Jesus, 403 00:33:31.675 --> 00:33:35.935 we are al we will always, we will always selfishly choose 404 00:33:36.405 --> 00:33:37.575 what feels good to us. 405 00:33:40.775 --> 00:33:43.945 Without Jesus, we will selfishly choose what feels good 406 00:33:43.945 --> 00:33:48.065 to us passing our days in malice and envy. 407 00:33:48.405 --> 00:33:49.785 And it's not that we just want good 408 00:33:49.785 --> 00:33:50.945 for us, but we want evil. 409 00:33:50.945 --> 00:33:52.785 We don't want it to go well for anyone else. 410 00:33:53.245 --> 00:33:55.385 And in the culture, in the culture, 411 00:33:55.525 --> 00:33:57.065 and maybe this is still true today, 412 00:33:57.375 --> 00:33:59.745 this was not an occasional, occasional problem. 413 00:33:59.935 --> 00:34:02.585 This was characteristic of how they lived. 414 00:34:04.015 --> 00:34:05.785 This is what's going on, hated 415 00:34:05.845 --> 00:34:07.265 by others and hating one another. 416 00:34:07.785 --> 00:34:12.225 Animosity just flowing from the sin nature at the core. 417 00:34:13.245 --> 00:34:14.505 It just bubbles out. 418 00:34:14.525 --> 00:34:18.425 You bump into somebody and it gets on 'em. And I get it. 419 00:34:18.495 --> 00:34:19.625 None of this is flattering. 420 00:34:19.625 --> 00:34:22.105 And maybe you're walking in and say, wow, super excited. 421 00:34:22.205 --> 00:34:26.425 We got here for this. I get it, I get it. 422 00:34:26.725 --> 00:34:29.465 In fact, as we move toward the good news part of this, 423 00:34:29.485 --> 00:34:31.425 it does reveal this massive problem. 424 00:34:31.965 --> 00:34:35.265 Our past actions expose a helpless predicament. 425 00:34:37.045 --> 00:34:39.505 We need to be rescued from ourselves 426 00:34:39.685 --> 00:34:41.065 and from our selfishness 427 00:34:41.325 --> 00:34:43.745 or as the theologians call it our depravity. 428 00:34:45.485 --> 00:34:47.185 We need some help. 429 00:34:47.245 --> 00:34:49.225 And here's some good news, here's some good news. 430 00:34:49.485 --> 00:34:51.625 And it's our first field note this week. 431 00:34:51.645 --> 00:34:56.425 And it's a good reminder. Remember, God can change a person. 432 00:34:57.725 --> 00:34:59.265 God can change a person. 433 00:34:59.645 --> 00:35:01.385 You think about who's writing this letter, 434 00:35:01.405 --> 00:35:02.905 if you know a little bit about Paul, 435 00:35:03.055 --> 00:35:05.025 Paul was not always tracking in a good way 436 00:35:05.165 --> 00:35:08.585 and fact he was against Christ. 437 00:35:09.725 --> 00:35:12.305 He was hunting down people that claim to be followers 438 00:35:12.305 --> 00:35:14.985 of the way he was even involved in murdering some of them. 439 00:35:15.045 --> 00:35:17.665 But yet, God showed up in his life and transformed him. 440 00:35:18.005 --> 00:35:20.705 He moved him from being a murderer to being a missionary. 441 00:35:21.965 --> 00:35:24.545 God can change a person. And you may not know the name 442 00:35:24.545 --> 00:35:27.625 John Newton, he lived most of his life in the 17 hundreds, 443 00:35:27.845 --> 00:35:29.945 but he had quite the colorful past. 444 00:35:31.605 --> 00:35:34.985 He was said to be immune from no sin. 445 00:35:36.685 --> 00:35:39.165 Wow, no sin. I mean, they were all fair game. 446 00:35:40.545 --> 00:35:42.525 And he, he, he said that he delighted 447 00:35:42.545 --> 00:35:44.645 to lead others into, into temptation. 448 00:35:44.705 --> 00:35:48.485 He called himself a ringleader in blasphemy and wickedness. 449 00:35:48.705 --> 00:35:50.605 He gambled. He dabbled in witchcraft. 450 00:35:50.785 --> 00:35:52.245 He was sexually promiscuous. 451 00:35:52.465 --> 00:35:54.245 And not only that, he was also the captain 452 00:35:54.305 --> 00:35:55.765 of a slave trading ship. 453 00:35:57.105 --> 00:35:58.965 He was a rough man with a dreadful pass. 454 00:35:59.025 --> 00:36:00.885 And maybe you're thinking because I mean, this is 455 00:36:00.885 --> 00:36:03.125 where we have to go, like, well, what can God do 456 00:36:03.125 --> 00:36:04.205 with somebody like that? 457 00:36:05.355 --> 00:36:07.605 Like what do you, I mean, they, they, they're so bad 458 00:36:07.605 --> 00:36:09.565 that they're like over the edge badness. 459 00:36:09.565 --> 00:36:10.725 What, what do you do with that? 460 00:36:11.665 --> 00:36:15.445 But God, by his grace broke into his 461 00:36:15.535 --> 00:36:16.765 train wreck of a life. 462 00:36:17.665 --> 00:36:19.845 And while you may not know the name John Newton, 463 00:36:19.845 --> 00:36:22.125 you will certainly know the lyrics 464 00:36:22.125 --> 00:36:26.045 and the words to his famous song, amazing Grace. 465 00:36:26.305 --> 00:36:28.565 How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. 466 00:36:31.125 --> 00:36:34.685 I once was lost, but now am found was blind. 467 00:36:34.745 --> 00:36:38.325 But now I see it was grace that taught my heart to fear 468 00:36:38.385 --> 00:36:40.125 and grace, my fears relieved. 469 00:36:40.825 --> 00:36:43.005 How precious did that grace appear 470 00:36:44.145 --> 00:36:46.165 the hour I first believed? 471 00:36:47.465 --> 00:36:49.725 And I get it. And maybe you're thinking, okay, well Paul's, 472 00:36:49.725 --> 00:36:50.885 he's like a biblical hero. 473 00:36:51.025 --> 00:36:53.605 Of course he gets it right. John new, that's so long ago. 474 00:36:53.725 --> 00:36:54.885 I don't know. And 475 00:36:54.905 --> 00:36:57.445 and so maybe you're skeptical, you're, 476 00:36:57.445 --> 00:36:59.685 maybe you're skeptical 'cause you're thinking, I don't know. 477 00:36:59.705 --> 00:37:02.005 Can God still, is God still interested? 478 00:37:02.345 --> 00:37:04.245 Can God still change a person? 479 00:37:05.635 --> 00:37:07.295 And maybe you've been investing in somebody, 480 00:37:07.295 --> 00:37:08.415 you've been praying for somebody 481 00:37:08.415 --> 00:37:10.535 and you've been hoping that they would make a move 482 00:37:10.535 --> 00:37:11.855 and you've been looking at it and you, 483 00:37:11.855 --> 00:37:13.255 and you don't see any progress 484 00:37:15.275 --> 00:37:17.055 or maybe the person that you're thinking about 485 00:37:17.115 --> 00:37:19.495 and you're hoping to change, and you're here tonight 486 00:37:19.555 --> 00:37:21.815 and you're here this weekend and you're listening 487 00:37:21.955 --> 00:37:24.215 and you're saying, one more chance, one more chance, 488 00:37:24.275 --> 00:37:25.615 one more chance, because you don't 489 00:37:25.615 --> 00:37:26.735 know if God can change you. 490 00:37:29.715 --> 00:37:31.955 I would say to you, don't give up. Don't give up. 491 00:37:31.965 --> 00:37:34.555 Don't give up. God may surprise you. Amen. 492 00:37:35.915 --> 00:37:37.475 A young couple came over to our house, 493 00:37:37.475 --> 00:37:38.795 this is several years ago now. 494 00:37:39.625 --> 00:37:42.155 They came over and they wanted to discuss spiritual issues. 495 00:37:42.155 --> 00:37:43.955 And me and my wife were like, yeah, we, I mean, we like 496 00:37:43.955 --> 00:37:45.195 to discuss spiritual issues. 497 00:37:45.935 --> 00:37:48.355 So they showed up and, and, 498 00:37:48.375 --> 00:37:49.715 and you could tell that the husband, 499 00:37:49.815 --> 00:37:51.035 he was the outgoing one. 500 00:37:51.035 --> 00:37:53.675 He was very friendly. He, he, he seemed open, 501 00:37:53.735 --> 00:37:55.835 he seemed genuinely interested in Jesus. 502 00:37:56.495 --> 00:37:58.595 And then, you know, as we were hearing his story 503 00:37:58.595 --> 00:38:00.515 and then we stopped and then we turned to his wife. 504 00:38:02.875 --> 00:38:06.535 Um, not, not so much there. She had strong opinions. 505 00:38:07.635 --> 00:38:09.775 She had strong opinions about the environment. 506 00:38:10.595 --> 00:38:13.295 She had strong opinions about the church. 507 00:38:14.475 --> 00:38:16.535 She, she, in her head as she was expressing it, 508 00:38:16.535 --> 00:38:18.815 she seemed somewhat compelled by God, but she was not. 509 00:38:18.815 --> 00:38:21.255 I just, I don't know about Jesus and his church 510 00:38:21.315 --> 00:38:25.015 and I certainly am not buying my need 511 00:38:25.115 --> 00:38:26.455 for a rescuer. 512 00:38:28.595 --> 00:38:30.495 And so we listened and we had the conversation 513 00:38:30.555 --> 00:38:32.575 and then, you know, then it was time to go. 514 00:38:32.595 --> 00:38:34.975 And then they went and then they left and we shut the doors 515 00:38:37.545 --> 00:38:38.805 and the doors barely shut. 516 00:38:38.825 --> 00:38:41.845 And I look at my wife, I look at my wife 517 00:38:41.865 --> 00:38:43.045 and I say, well, you know what? 518 00:38:43.165 --> 00:38:46.245 I think the husband, he may have a shot. 519 00:38:47.695 --> 00:38:50.005 There may be something that God has to work with there, 520 00:38:51.425 --> 00:38:54.405 but the wife, no chance. 521 00:38:55.545 --> 00:38:59.365 No chance. Because from my view, I just didn't think 522 00:38:59.675 --> 00:39:00.845 that she could change. 523 00:39:02.745 --> 00:39:06.005 And a few weeks later, she approached me again 524 00:39:06.025 --> 00:39:10.565 and informed me that she had accepted Christ as her savior. 525 00:39:11.105 --> 00:39:13.405 And not only that wanted me to baptize her. 526 00:39:13.405 --> 00:39:15.525 And as I tell you more and more stories and you learn more 527 00:39:15.525 --> 00:39:17.205 and more about me, you find out, boy clay, 528 00:39:17.205 --> 00:39:18.205 sure is wrong A lot. 529 00:39:21.925 --> 00:39:24.805 I it's true. I was stunned. I was stunned. 530 00:39:24.905 --> 00:39:26.245 And what God was teaching me 531 00:39:26.245 --> 00:39:29.205 that I could never limit his ability to change a person 532 00:39:30.105 --> 00:39:33.325 for me, I had to be reminded, my perspective had 533 00:39:33.325 --> 00:39:36.045 to be refreshed, my eyes had to be reopened. 534 00:39:36.545 --> 00:39:39.445 It had to be reopened to God's amazing grace 535 00:39:39.445 --> 00:39:42.045 because a follower of Jesus as a follower of Jesus, 536 00:39:42.815 --> 00:39:44.765 God's grace still amazes 537 00:39:48.915 --> 00:39:50.805 Paul writing to the believers at Corinth. 538 00:39:50.805 --> 00:39:52.405 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, 539 00:39:52.505 --> 00:39:55.765 he is a new, new creation. 540 00:39:55.865 --> 00:39:59.525 The oldest passed away, behold the new has come. 541 00:40:01.145 --> 00:40:03.885 But how does this happen? What makes this change possible? 542 00:40:04.425 --> 00:40:07.365 And that's where Paul goes Now as he goes to verse four, 543 00:40:09.265 --> 00:40:12.445 and actually, I mean this is a big deal to me 544 00:40:12.445 --> 00:40:15.045 and about maybe two other people in the entire church. 545 00:40:15.345 --> 00:40:17.725 But verse four through seven is actually one sentence 546 00:40:17.725 --> 00:40:18.845 in the original language. 547 00:40:19.835 --> 00:40:21.085 It's one long sentence. 548 00:40:21.105 --> 00:40:22.885 And essentially it's a cradle summary. 549 00:40:23.955 --> 00:40:26.605 It's a cradle summary, a doctrinal summary 550 00:40:27.105 --> 00:40:28.845 of the doctrine of salvation. 551 00:40:29.505 --> 00:40:32.325 And what we see beginning in verse four is a divine response 552 00:40:32.345 --> 00:40:35.405 to the human condition because of God's goodness. 553 00:40:35.405 --> 00:40:37.325 Look at verse four. Because of God's goodness 554 00:40:37.325 --> 00:40:41.765 and loving kindness, our savior appears, our savior 555 00:40:42.325 --> 00:40:45.845 appeared to appear to become gloriously vision, visible 556 00:40:46.305 --> 00:40:48.125 to shine in a dark place. 557 00:40:49.745 --> 00:40:52.725 And Jesus' appearance could be seen not only in his birth, 558 00:40:52.745 --> 00:40:56.125 but in his life, but in his death and in his resurrection. 559 00:40:57.145 --> 00:40:58.525 And then we come to verse five. 560 00:40:59.065 --> 00:41:01.165 Now understand that this sentence started in verse four, 561 00:41:01.985 --> 00:41:04.325 it we finally reached the main subject 562 00:41:04.425 --> 00:41:06.005 and the main verb in verse five. 563 00:41:06.065 --> 00:41:09.245 And it says, he saved us. 564 00:41:09.795 --> 00:41:12.285 This is, this is what the whole sentence hangs on. 565 00:41:12.585 --> 00:41:16.165 He saves us these three words sum up the greatest news 566 00:41:16.165 --> 00:41:17.485 that the universe has ever heard. 567 00:41:18.625 --> 00:41:20.645 He saved us not 568 00:41:20.645 --> 00:41:23.445 because of work's done by us in righteousness, 569 00:41:23.785 --> 00:41:25.565 but according to his own mercy. 570 00:41:25.825 --> 00:41:29.005 And this is challenging because this strikes at our pride, 571 00:41:29.955 --> 00:41:32.405 because we like to think that we have a part 572 00:41:32.465 --> 00:41:35.285 and a role to play in this, that we can save ourselves, 573 00:41:35.285 --> 00:41:37.245 that we can do something that's somewhat good. 574 00:41:39.395 --> 00:41:43.175 But Paul is reminding Titus that we can't save ourselves. 575 00:41:43.595 --> 00:41:45.575 God alone is the basis for our salvation. 576 00:41:45.635 --> 00:41:48.095 God alone justifies the unrighteous and 577 00:41:48.095 --> 00:41:49.375 therefore we have to understand 578 00:41:49.375 --> 00:41:52.015 that we have no moral high ground down on which 579 00:41:52.035 --> 00:41:53.375 to look down on anyone. 580 00:41:55.535 --> 00:41:58.455 Jonathan Edwards, American theologian says it this way, 581 00:41:58.455 --> 00:42:02.135 that we contribute nothing to our salvation except the sin 582 00:42:02.135 --> 00:42:03.455 that makes it necessary. 583 00:42:05.805 --> 00:42:08.825 That's what we bring to the table, a big box of nothing. 584 00:42:10.165 --> 00:42:12.025 The prophet Isaiah says it this way, 585 00:42:12.025 --> 00:42:14.465 that our righteous deeds, the deeds that we do that are, 586 00:42:14.485 --> 00:42:16.225 we think, hey, well here's as good as it gets. 587 00:42:16.525 --> 00:42:21.185 He says, they're a polluted garment. We need some help. 588 00:42:23.615 --> 00:42:26.945 Paul goes on and says, by the Washington of regeneration 589 00:42:27.125 --> 00:42:28.665 and renewal of the spirit, 590 00:42:28.895 --> 00:42:31.385 Paul is pointing out the new birth 591 00:42:31.405 --> 00:42:33.945 and new life that we have in Christ. 592 00:42:37.205 --> 00:42:39.665 And we seen the, we are reminded of this 593 00:42:39.685 --> 00:42:42.665 and see this demonstrated when we practice baptism. 594 00:42:43.655 --> 00:42:45.705 When someone says, I want to be a follower of Christ 595 00:42:45.705 --> 00:42:47.065 and I want to go public with it, 596 00:42:47.445 --> 00:42:50.385 it is put on demonstration by baptism. 597 00:42:50.405 --> 00:42:51.585 And they're standing in the water. 598 00:42:51.805 --> 00:42:52.905 And what do we do with them? 599 00:42:54.285 --> 00:42:56.265 We take them back and they go underwater. 600 00:42:56.325 --> 00:42:59.025 And it symbolizes that they're dying to their old way 601 00:42:59.025 --> 00:43:00.065 of life and they're in water. 602 00:43:00.335 --> 00:43:02.825 This is a picture of the purification of it. 603 00:43:03.165 --> 00:43:07.775 Now, do we leave them under Some, 604 00:43:07.815 --> 00:43:08.815 a little longer than others? 605 00:43:08.825 --> 00:43:10.495 Maybe, but we don't. 606 00:43:10.555 --> 00:43:14.295 We raise them to to, to walk in newness of life. 607 00:43:14.405 --> 00:43:18.015 This is a picture, a picture of this transformation 608 00:43:18.015 --> 00:43:19.215 that Paul is talking about. 609 00:43:20.555 --> 00:43:22.095 The sentence continues into verse six. 610 00:43:22.095 --> 00:43:25.175 He's talking about the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us 611 00:43:25.635 --> 00:43:29.775 richly, richly through Jesus Christ our savior. 612 00:43:30.285 --> 00:43:31.735 Paul was highlighting the fact 613 00:43:32.005 --> 00:43:36.095 that we are not given the spirit in dabs and dribbles. 614 00:43:37.765 --> 00:43:42.135 It's a full poured out stream. God is generous. 615 00:43:42.165 --> 00:43:44.335 He's not holding back from us. 616 00:43:45.115 --> 00:43:47.695 And what he gives us is totally overwhelming. 617 00:43:48.115 --> 00:43:49.215 And I think it's interesting, 618 00:43:49.235 --> 00:43:51.775 and you need to notice this as we're reading our Bibles. 619 00:43:52.395 --> 00:43:55.815 You don't find the word trinity, but you see it right here. 620 00:43:57.225 --> 00:43:58.815 Who's doing the pouring out? God? 621 00:43:58.815 --> 00:44:02.535 What is being poured out The spirit? Through who? 622 00:44:02.645 --> 00:44:04.175 Through Jesus, the sons. 623 00:44:04.175 --> 00:44:06.615 And so there you see God the Father, God the Spirit, 624 00:44:06.615 --> 00:44:08.415 and God the Son, all in one place. 625 00:44:09.875 --> 00:44:11.615 And then this theologically rich 626 00:44:11.715 --> 00:44:15.295 and important verse ends in verse seven. 627 00:44:17.095 --> 00:44:20.595 And here Paul points out two results of Jesus's work. 628 00:44:20.605 --> 00:44:22.955 First, we are justified by his grace. 629 00:44:23.895 --> 00:44:26.675 We are justified, we are declared not guilty, 630 00:44:26.775 --> 00:44:28.315 or we are declared righteous 631 00:44:28.375 --> 00:44:30.755 by the sin bearing death of Jesus. 632 00:44:31.465 --> 00:44:34.085 And we could add this as we think back to some of the things 633 00:44:34.085 --> 00:44:36.685 that we've experienced in this series, we can add this 634 00:44:36.705 --> 00:44:38.765 to the list, especially from the last message 635 00:44:38.935 --> 00:44:41.965 where we encountered common grace, saving grace, 636 00:44:42.365 --> 00:44:45.205 training grace, sustaining grace, 637 00:44:45.505 --> 00:44:47.005 and ultimately finishing grace. 638 00:44:47.005 --> 00:44:50.765 And now you can add to that list justifying grace. 639 00:44:52.705 --> 00:44:54.925 The second result that we see is 640 00:44:54.925 --> 00:44:57.685 that we become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 641 00:44:58.325 --> 00:45:01.245 Salvation results into the adoption, into God's family. 642 00:45:02.305 --> 00:45:04.605 And you hear us talk about this all the time about being a 643 00:45:04.605 --> 00:45:05.685 family of families. 644 00:45:05.825 --> 00:45:07.365 You have your family, you know, 645 00:45:07.365 --> 00:45:09.245 that makes up your people at your house. 646 00:45:09.505 --> 00:45:11.605 But then when you become a follower of Christ, 647 00:45:12.265 --> 00:45:14.565 you join a family of families. 648 00:45:15.025 --> 00:45:16.765 And we're all in this together. 649 00:45:17.105 --> 00:45:20.325 And grace transforms us from enemies into heirs. 650 00:45:20.585 --> 00:45:22.725 And we have hope. And this hope is more than some 651 00:45:22.735 --> 00:45:23.765 optimistic feeling. 652 00:45:25.425 --> 00:45:27.365 It is more like a trust stance 653 00:45:28.235 --> 00:45:30.005 towards this guaranteed future. 654 00:45:30.945 --> 00:45:33.205 And that brings us to our second field note. 655 00:45:34.485 --> 00:45:38.965 Remember, remember, remember God is good loving and kind. 656 00:45:39.465 --> 00:45:40.805 God is good, loving and kind 657 00:45:40.805 --> 00:45:43.285 because what we remember impacts how we respond. 658 00:45:43.585 --> 00:45:47.205 And our circumstances can, can skew our perspective, 659 00:45:49.295 --> 00:45:53.795 it can affect how we and what we remember or misremember. 660 00:45:54.415 --> 00:45:57.035 And I found this helpful. And Tim Keller gives this prayer 661 00:45:57.335 --> 00:45:59.115 of what happens when we forget. 662 00:45:59.815 --> 00:46:01.835 And he's in the middle of this prayer and he says, I worry 663 00:46:01.835 --> 00:46:03.235 because I forget your wisdom. 664 00:46:04.475 --> 00:46:06.235 I resent because I forget your mercy. 665 00:46:06.475 --> 00:46:08.315 I covet because I forget your beauty. 666 00:46:08.995 --> 00:46:10.755 I sin because I forget your holiness. 667 00:46:10.875 --> 00:46:12.835 I fear because I forget your sovereignty. 668 00:46:13.815 --> 00:46:17.635 You always remember me. Help me to always remember you. 669 00:46:18.905 --> 00:46:23.475 Amen. And we have to be really careful, careful here 670 00:46:24.225 --> 00:46:28.915 because are we asking as we're trying to remember God? 671 00:46:29.545 --> 00:46:32.635 What have you done for me to spark our memory? 672 00:46:32.655 --> 00:46:34.515 And then we write down, you know, the things that, 673 00:46:35.215 --> 00:46:36.715 or have we flipped the question? 674 00:46:37.785 --> 00:46:38.995 Have we flipped the question? 675 00:46:38.995 --> 00:46:40.235 And we're asking it this way 676 00:46:41.105 --> 00:46:43.155 because our circumstances will do this. 677 00:46:43.855 --> 00:46:47.475 God, what have you done for me lately? 678 00:46:49.505 --> 00:46:50.795 What have you done for me lately? 679 00:46:50.795 --> 00:46:52.475 Because when we switch to this question, 680 00:46:52.475 --> 00:46:57.235 we put God on trial, we make our relationship 681 00:46:57.235 --> 00:47:01.915 with God, the God of the universe, we make it conditional on 682 00:47:02.055 --> 00:47:05.155 how well we think he performs. 683 00:47:06.575 --> 00:47:09.275 And when he's not performing up to our expectations, 684 00:47:09.685 --> 00:47:11.635 we're like, I got some problems with you. 685 00:47:13.375 --> 00:47:15.795 But if we remember rightly, our 686 00:47:16.315 --> 00:47:19.155 response will be very different. 687 00:47:20.695 --> 00:47:23.815 I just encourage you to regularly pause 688 00:47:23.875 --> 00:47:25.775 and reflect on what God has done for you. 689 00:47:25.955 --> 00:47:27.575 And I'm not saying that this is easy, 690 00:47:30.105 --> 00:47:31.125 I'm not saying it's easy, 691 00:47:31.265 --> 00:47:33.245 but it should be something that we do regularly. 692 00:47:33.355 --> 00:47:34.845 It's been a challenge for me. 693 00:47:35.385 --> 00:47:36.965 And there was this one season that, 694 00:47:37.065 --> 00:47:38.285 man, I was really struggling. 695 00:47:38.405 --> 00:47:41.965 I mean, I was being acc cretin, I was grumbling and grousing 696 00:47:41.965 --> 00:47:43.885 and complaining, grumbling, g grousing and complaining. 697 00:47:43.985 --> 00:47:45.885 And then I, I, I realized that I had 698 00:47:45.885 --> 00:47:47.725 to get away and get a word. 699 00:47:47.885 --> 00:47:49.645 I have to get away and spend some time with God 700 00:47:49.645 --> 00:47:50.885 and understand what's going on 701 00:47:50.885 --> 00:47:52.485 because based on my circumstances, 702 00:47:52.485 --> 00:47:54.405 things weren't going the way that I thought they should. 703 00:47:54.675 --> 00:47:56.285 They, it wasn't happening the way I 704 00:47:56.285 --> 00:47:57.405 had planned that it would. 705 00:47:58.185 --> 00:48:00.205 And I feel like God was letting me down. 706 00:48:00.205 --> 00:48:01.405 Have you ever been there? Come on. 707 00:48:02.505 --> 00:48:04.685 God is not doing what you thought he should be doing. 708 00:48:05.625 --> 00:48:07.165 And so it affects your mindset. 709 00:48:07.425 --> 00:48:09.525 It it impacts your perspective. 710 00:48:10.145 --> 00:48:12.085 And so I go to my wife and I like, you know what? 711 00:48:12.085 --> 00:48:14.125 I think I need to get away and, and, and, 712 00:48:14.265 --> 00:48:15.365 and go hear from God. 713 00:48:15.905 --> 00:48:17.245 And she said, yes, you do. 714 00:48:17.305 --> 00:48:19.725 It would be very helpful for all of us if you would do this. 715 00:48:21.655 --> 00:48:22.965 She's a straight shooter, that one. 716 00:48:25.545 --> 00:48:28.125 So what I did was I made arrangements to go 717 00:48:28.125 --> 00:48:29.765 to a place called Fort Caswell. 718 00:48:29.875 --> 00:48:31.765 It's down below Wilmington. Have you ever heard of that? 719 00:48:31.765 --> 00:48:33.605 Ever been there? I I encourage you. 720 00:48:33.865 --> 00:48:36.005 So, so I'm on my way down to Fort Caswell 721 00:48:36.265 --> 00:48:39.525 and I'm barely on the property, barely on the property. 722 00:48:39.945 --> 00:48:43.245 And my mindset, and I certainly, I'm not recommending this, 723 00:48:43.265 --> 00:48:45.565 but I was grumbling and g grousing and complaining. 724 00:48:45.825 --> 00:48:49.005 And so my attitude was, what do you want from me? 725 00:48:49.115 --> 00:48:51.645 This is towards God. What do you want from me? 726 00:48:52.385 --> 00:48:54.685 And I'm barely on the property. I'm still in the car. 727 00:48:54.865 --> 00:48:56.405 I'm, and it, 728 00:48:56.705 --> 00:49:01.305 and one word, a one word answer is what I get from him. 729 00:49:01.485 --> 00:49:03.105 And I would like to say it was audible, 730 00:49:03.105 --> 00:49:05.145 but it, it, it felt louder than that. 731 00:49:07.405 --> 00:49:11.865 He said Gratitude, gratitude. 732 00:49:12.285 --> 00:49:13.425 And what I was learning 733 00:49:13.485 --> 00:49:15.745 and what since that moment till now, is that 734 00:49:15.745 --> 00:49:17.785 that gratitude is deeply theological. 735 00:49:17.785 --> 00:49:20.385 It's about recognizing, it's about 736 00:49:20.945 --> 00:49:23.265 recognizing God's character, his power, 737 00:49:23.525 --> 00:49:28.365 and his generous grace and responding to it 738 00:49:28.365 --> 00:49:30.725 and knowing that without that I've got nothing. 739 00:49:31.035 --> 00:49:33.125 Failure to be grateful exposes. 740 00:49:33.125 --> 00:49:35.245 This is what I found out, the entitlement 741 00:49:36.675 --> 00:49:39.175 of a self-righteous and self-sufficient heart. 742 00:49:43.095 --> 00:49:45.385 When we remember all that God has done for us, 743 00:49:46.005 --> 00:49:47.825 our response should be gratitude. 744 00:49:48.645 --> 00:49:50.185 Our response should be gratitude. 745 00:49:50.185 --> 00:49:51.225 And from that perspective, 746 00:49:51.685 --> 00:49:54.145 we should become an aggressive blessing hunter, 747 00:49:55.285 --> 00:49:58.505 always on the lookout where, where, where is God at work 748 00:49:58.505 --> 00:50:01.545 that I could respond by being thankful, 749 00:50:02.685 --> 00:50:04.905 always noticing evidences of grace. 750 00:50:05.365 --> 00:50:08.225 It changes your mindset when you realize the goodness 751 00:50:08.225 --> 00:50:10.505 and the bigness of God and all that he's done for you 752 00:50:10.685 --> 00:50:13.465 and how he's richly poured out grace, how do we look 753 00:50:13.465 --> 00:50:14.745 around him looking for what's wrong 754 00:50:14.745 --> 00:50:15.985 instead of looking for what he's done? 755 00:50:15.985 --> 00:50:19.465 That's awesome. I think this is what the writer 756 00:50:19.485 --> 00:50:22.505 of Proverbs 22, 9 has in mind when he says, 757 00:50:22.695 --> 00:50:27.105 whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed. 758 00:50:27.905 --> 00:50:32.365 And so I ask you, what do you see? What do you see? 759 00:50:34.605 --> 00:50:36.685 Remember we have to remember that God is good 760 00:50:36.985 --> 00:50:39.085 and he's loving and he, he's kind 761 00:50:39.155 --> 00:50:40.485 because when we remember 762 00:50:40.485 --> 00:50:42.725 that it rightly frames our circumstances 763 00:50:45.165 --> 00:50:47.465 and rightly orients our perspective. 764 00:50:49.085 --> 00:50:52.465 Are you grateful? Throughout this series we have said 765 00:50:52.465 --> 00:50:54.345 that good doctrine leads to godly living. 766 00:50:55.365 --> 00:50:57.705 And this is where Paul goes now in verse eight. 767 00:50:58.645 --> 00:51:01.225 In verse eight, he says, this is a trustworthy saving 768 00:51:03.285 --> 00:51:06.105 and I want, or he says, the saying is trustworthy 769 00:51:06.165 --> 00:51:08.025 and I want you to insist on these things. 770 00:51:08.415 --> 00:51:12.025 He's stressing the theological, the theological foundation 771 00:51:12.025 --> 00:51:13.425 of verses four through seven. 772 00:51:13.815 --> 00:51:15.545 He's, he's basically saying the fog 773 00:51:15.545 --> 00:51:19.265 and the turbulence of life here is something that is clear 774 00:51:19.525 --> 00:51:21.705 and stable that you can count on. 775 00:51:22.165 --> 00:51:25.945 Be grounded in this memorize verse four through seven. 776 00:51:26.785 --> 00:51:28.345 Remember the goodness and the bigness of God 777 00:51:28.345 --> 00:51:31.385 and what he's done and what he's poured out for you so 778 00:51:31.385 --> 00:51:33.585 that those who believe in God may be careful 779 00:51:33.645 --> 00:51:34.665 to devote themselves. 780 00:51:35.085 --> 00:51:39.405 And there it is again. Good works, good works. 781 00:51:39.555 --> 00:51:42.485 Paul is urging Titus help the Crete 782 00:51:42.485 --> 00:51:46.125 and believers be careful to prioritize good works 783 00:51:47.345 --> 00:51:50.005 and know that good works are the result of salvation. 784 00:51:50.665 --> 00:51:53.845 Not because not the cause of salvation. 785 00:51:54.105 --> 00:51:55.525 Our works are significant. 786 00:51:56.185 --> 00:51:57.645 Our works are significant 787 00:51:57.955 --> 00:52:01.845 because they play a huge, huge role in our witness 788 00:52:01.945 --> 00:52:03.005 to the world around us. 789 00:52:03.275 --> 00:52:06.405 It's not that God needs our works. Our works do not save us. 790 00:52:06.625 --> 00:52:08.645 But our neighbor definitely needs our works 791 00:52:09.755 --> 00:52:13.265 because our good works, our good works 792 00:52:14.205 --> 00:52:15.265 create goodwill. 793 00:52:17.925 --> 00:52:22.145 And goodwill opens the door for us to share the good news. 794 00:52:25.775 --> 00:52:27.465 Good works creates goodwill. 795 00:52:27.485 --> 00:52:30.025 It makes people like what's going on here? What's going on? 796 00:52:30.045 --> 00:52:31.545 And they begin to ask questions. 797 00:52:31.765 --> 00:52:33.105 And it gives you opportunity 798 00:52:33.405 --> 00:52:36.065 to share about the life changing faith 799 00:52:36.215 --> 00:52:39.385 that you have in Jesus Christ. 800 00:52:41.325 --> 00:52:43.455 Paul wants the cre and believers to do for others 801 00:52:43.485 --> 00:52:44.615 what God has done for them. 802 00:52:44.955 --> 00:52:47.335 He wants them to show up and share hope. 803 00:52:49.185 --> 00:52:51.965 And beginning in verse nine, he, he really points 804 00:52:51.965 --> 00:52:53.725 to some thing, here's some ways not to do that. 805 00:52:55.385 --> 00:52:57.605 Here's some behaviors that you should avoid. 806 00:52:57.825 --> 00:52:59.885 He gives four practices in verse nine 807 00:52:59.885 --> 00:53:02.005 that are unprofitable and worthless. 808 00:53:02.595 --> 00:53:06.005 This is what he says. These behaviors don't emphasize these, 809 00:53:06.005 --> 00:53:07.245 they're not gonna get you anywhere. 810 00:53:07.435 --> 00:53:10.325 They're a waste of time. Avoid foolish controversies. 811 00:53:10.435 --> 00:53:13.085 Paul doesn't say avoid all controversies. Notice that. 812 00:53:13.655 --> 00:53:15.605 Don't read more into the text than what's there. 813 00:53:15.825 --> 00:53:18.605 He says, avoid just the foolish ones 814 00:53:19.465 --> 00:53:21.795 because Jesus was quite controversial. 815 00:53:22.775 --> 00:53:24.035 He was quite controversial. 816 00:53:24.405 --> 00:53:26.285 Don't get bogged down in genealogies. 817 00:53:26.535 --> 00:53:28.405 Focus on advancing God's work. 818 00:53:29.055 --> 00:53:31.765 Don't get hung up in dissensions, in quarrels. 819 00:53:31.765 --> 00:53:34.205 Things that create discord and strife. 820 00:53:36.135 --> 00:53:39.835 The credence are being advised 821 00:53:39.895 --> 00:53:42.755 to avoid entanglement in pointless debates 822 00:53:42.755 --> 00:53:44.595 that are never gonna end in a good place. 823 00:53:46.815 --> 00:53:49.555 And then Paul gets even more serious in verse 10 824 00:53:49.555 --> 00:53:53.195 and 11 about troublemakers. 825 00:53:53.515 --> 00:53:55.395 I would say these are the pot stirs in the crowd 826 00:53:55.395 --> 00:53:56.715 and there are always gonna be some. 827 00:53:58.015 --> 00:54:01.155 He says the for the person as for the person 828 00:54:01.155 --> 00:54:05.835 that stirs up division, the person that's being divisive, 829 00:54:05.835 --> 00:54:08.275 these are people that won't submit to the gospel message 830 00:54:09.155 --> 00:54:12.075 specifically or sound doctrine generally. 831 00:54:13.495 --> 00:54:15.875 And he's firm on this. He says after warning them once 832 00:54:15.875 --> 00:54:17.955 and then twice have nothing more to do with them. 833 00:54:18.345 --> 00:54:19.635 This requires attention 834 00:54:19.635 --> 00:54:22.955 because this impacts the unity of the church. 835 00:54:23.135 --> 00:54:25.915 It creates confusion and hurt. It has to be dealt with. 836 00:54:26.095 --> 00:54:27.115 It can't be ignored. 837 00:54:28.925 --> 00:54:32.145 And then Paul, even a finer point on this says the person is 838 00:54:32.245 --> 00:54:34.985 warped and sinful. 839 00:54:34.985 --> 00:54:37.025 They're off track and they're continuing 840 00:54:37.025 --> 00:54:38.065 in their wrongdoing. 841 00:54:38.815 --> 00:54:41.665 They are self condemn because they refuse correction. 842 00:54:42.205 --> 00:54:44.425 And Paul, in this notice that he gives a process. 843 00:54:45.085 --> 00:54:48.345 You don't just right off the bat, but you talk to him once. 844 00:54:48.345 --> 00:54:49.425 You talk to him twice. 845 00:54:51.085 --> 00:54:53.425 And the goal of this, and I know this sounds harsh 846 00:54:53.935 --> 00:54:56.705 because remember, remember that Paul is writing to Titus 847 00:54:56.705 --> 00:54:57.745 to set things in order. 848 00:54:57.815 --> 00:55:00.825 There's a way to go about handling church business. 849 00:55:01.685 --> 00:55:03.105 And I know this can sound harsh 850 00:55:03.125 --> 00:55:06.265 and the goal of all of this confrontation is redemption 851 00:55:06.265 --> 00:55:07.265 and reconciliation. 852 00:55:08.245 --> 00:55:10.465 But these measures are necessary for the unity 853 00:55:11.085 --> 00:55:12.425 inside the church and for the witness 854 00:55:12.485 --> 00:55:14.145 and influence outside the church. 855 00:55:14.165 --> 00:55:15.905 And this brings us to the third field note. 856 00:55:18.065 --> 00:55:21.065 Remember, remember our actions, 857 00:55:22.285 --> 00:55:24.385 our actions impact our community. 858 00:55:25.515 --> 00:55:27.265 Throughout this series, we have said 859 00:55:27.265 --> 00:55:28.785 that our beliefs impact our thinking 860 00:55:28.785 --> 00:55:30.265 and our thinking impacts our actions 861 00:55:30.485 --> 00:55:32.065 and our actions impact our witness. 862 00:55:32.455 --> 00:55:33.905 Paul David Trips says it this way. 863 00:55:34.325 --> 00:55:37.385 He says, belief in the truths of scripture 864 00:55:38.045 --> 00:55:40.225 is expressed in the way you live your life. 865 00:55:41.695 --> 00:55:43.025 Like you say you believe this, 866 00:55:43.485 --> 00:55:45.185 do your actions line up with it. 867 00:55:46.565 --> 00:55:49.585 And I would ask us, are our actions making Jesus 868 00:55:49.685 --> 00:55:52.715 and his church compelling 869 00:55:55.235 --> 00:55:56.255 or repulsive? 870 00:55:59.325 --> 00:56:00.935 Come on, think. I mean, let's, 871 00:56:00.935 --> 00:56:02.175 let's get a fine point on this. 872 00:56:02.175 --> 00:56:04.455 When people think about Hope Community Church 873 00:56:06.285 --> 00:56:08.985 and they watch how we act and how we do business 874 00:56:09.005 --> 00:56:11.385 and how we carry ourselves, are they compelled 875 00:56:12.125 --> 00:56:13.545 or are they repulsed? 876 00:56:14.095 --> 00:56:16.385 This is a big deal because at hope we say 877 00:56:16.385 --> 00:56:18.505 that we are a family of families that loves God, 878 00:56:18.505 --> 00:56:20.025 follows Jesus and shares hope. 879 00:56:20.165 --> 00:56:22.705 That's what we say. But what do our actions reveal? 880 00:56:23.825 --> 00:56:25.525 And anyone that's in a family has 881 00:56:25.885 --> 00:56:27.525 responsibilities for you personally. 882 00:56:27.545 --> 00:56:29.845 You need to understand that community is key. 883 00:56:30.705 --> 00:56:32.845 You need someone in your life that cares enough, 884 00:56:33.075 --> 00:56:36.005 that cares enough about you to help guard 885 00:56:36.005 --> 00:56:37.125 and guide you with the gospel. 886 00:56:38.305 --> 00:56:41.485 You need somebody in your life to keep you on track 887 00:56:42.995 --> 00:56:45.765 Because we're prone to drift, we're prone to wonder. 888 00:56:45.985 --> 00:56:48.885 And for all of us, all of us in this room, in all 889 00:56:48.885 --> 00:56:53.005 of our campuses, We have responsibilities 890 00:56:53.195 --> 00:56:54.645 outside the walls of this building. 891 00:56:54.745 --> 00:56:59.005 We are immersed in a culture that is not pro Christian. 892 00:56:59.745 --> 00:57:01.045 We are immersed in a culture, 893 00:57:01.425 --> 00:57:03.605 but we've been commissioned to engage the culture 894 00:57:03.915 --> 00:57:06.965 with the good news of Jesus Christ Scholar Carl 895 00:57:07.065 --> 00:57:08.205 Truman says it this way. 896 00:57:08.425 --> 00:57:11.005 He says, the culture is most dramatically engaged 897 00:57:11.145 --> 00:57:14.485 by the church, presenting it with another culture. 898 00:57:15.495 --> 00:57:18.325 We're not mirroring what the culture is putting out. 899 00:57:18.575 --> 00:57:19.925 We're offering something different, 900 00:57:19.995 --> 00:57:21.685 another form of community. 901 00:57:22.665 --> 00:57:24.685 And his point is, this is his point. 902 00:57:25.065 --> 00:57:27.485 The point is that the church best engages the culture 903 00:57:27.625 --> 00:57:28.965 by being counter-cultural. 904 00:57:30.385 --> 00:57:33.405 Are we being different? Are we being Christlike 905 00:57:33.505 --> 00:57:35.405 as we go out into the watching world 906 00:57:37.355 --> 00:57:40.005 through our weekend worship and our weekday witness? 907 00:57:40.595 --> 00:57:42.005 Because come on, think about it. 908 00:57:42.115 --> 00:57:46.725 What if, what if we as a family, we as a family of families, 909 00:57:46.915 --> 00:57:49.245 took our responsibilities serious? 910 00:57:51.235 --> 00:57:54.325 Imagine what it could be like if we would remember rightly 911 00:57:56.305 --> 00:57:59.445 and then be so motivated that we would show up 912 00:57:59.505 --> 00:58:02.765 and share hope regularly, always on the lookout 913 00:58:04.145 --> 00:58:07.325 to do good work so that we could create goodwill so 914 00:58:07.325 --> 00:58:10.165 that we would have opportunities to share the good news. 915 00:58:10.165 --> 00:58:11.405 Listen, listen. 916 00:58:15.385 --> 00:58:19.965 The world needs us to show up and share hope 917 00:58:20.795 --> 00:58:24.845 because if we don't do it, if we the church don't do it, 918 00:58:25.135 --> 00:58:26.285 who's it gonna fall to? 919 00:58:27.625 --> 00:58:29.525 We have a significant responsibility. 920 00:58:31.385 --> 00:58:33.525 We have a significant responsibility, 921 00:58:35.865 --> 00:58:39.965 but we have been empowered by the spirit of God to go out 922 00:58:41.505 --> 00:58:42.685 and impact our culture. 923 00:58:44.315 --> 00:58:47.565 Come on, let's lean into the responsibility 924 00:58:47.595 --> 00:58:50.165 that we have been given by a mighty savior 925 00:58:51.185 --> 00:58:53.365 and let's take to others what he has 926 00:58:53.505 --> 00:58:55.165 so generously given to us. 927 00:58:56.025 --> 00:58:59.365 Let me pray for us. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you, 928 00:58:59.365 --> 00:59:00.845 thank you, thank you for your kindness. 929 00:59:03.135 --> 00:59:05.805 Thank you for your tremendous grace and 930 00:59:05.805 --> 00:59:07.845 because of the grace that you've extended to us, 931 00:59:08.105 --> 00:59:11.885 may we be people that lead with grace in our families 932 00:59:11.945 --> 00:59:16.645 and in our communities and maybe we be on the lookout 933 00:59:16.745 --> 00:59:20.645 and sensitive to where we can do good deeds so 934 00:59:20.645 --> 00:59:23.325 that we can have the opportunity to share the good news. 935 00:59:24.065 --> 00:59:26.485 We thank you again for your goodness and your kindness. 936 00:59:27.345 --> 00:59:30.605 And it's in the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 937 00:59:37.995 --> 00:59:41.365 Good works lead to goodwill. 938 00:59:42.445 --> 00:59:43.685 Goodwill opens the door 939 00:59:43.685 --> 00:59:45.885 to share the good news that'll stick with me for a little while. 940 00:59:45.885 --> 00:59:47.085 I hope it sticks with you. 941 00:59:47.725 --> 00:59:49.045 I wanna encourage you to let 942 00:59:49.045 --> 00:59:51.525 that stir you towards some action this week when you 943 00:59:51.525 --> 00:59:53.445 encounter the people around you, be that uh, 944 00:59:53.545 --> 00:59:54.725 the your literal neighbor 945 00:59:54.985 --> 00:59:57.285 or whoever the Lord brings into your view, 946 00:59:57.345 --> 00:59:59.765 who he also intends you to see as your neighbor. 947 01:00:00.145 --> 01:00:02.845 As you continue this journey of, uh, good doctrine leading 948 01:00:02.905 --> 01:00:03.925 to godly living. 949 01:00:03.985 --> 01:00:06.205 If there's anything we can do to help you take a step toward 950 01:00:06.205 --> 01:00:09.125 that, that's what our next steps team is available out in 951 01:00:09.125 --> 01:00:10.525 the atrium at all of our campuses. 952 01:00:10.585 --> 01:00:11.925 Or again, if you're joining us online, 953 01:00:11.925 --> 01:00:14.325 just drop a note in the comments and we'll be in touch 954 01:00:14.325 --> 01:00:17.005 with you on how we can help you along the way as well. 955 01:00:17.505 --> 01:00:19.725 Uh, one of the things that we do in family ministry is we 956 01:00:19.725 --> 01:00:22.205 partner with parents for the growth 957 01:00:22.205 --> 01:00:24.165 and development, the encouraging of the walk 958 01:00:24.195 --> 01:00:25.845 with Jesus of their children. 959 01:00:26.145 --> 01:00:27.765 And when it comes to our middle schoolers, 960 01:00:27.935 --> 01:00:30.645 every single year, we send our middle schoolers away in the 961 01:00:30.645 --> 01:00:32.845 fall to middle school small group camp, 962 01:00:33.135 --> 01:00:35.365 which is a camp not just for middle schoolers, 963 01:00:35.365 --> 01:00:37.725 but they actually go there with their small group leaders 964 01:00:37.865 --> 01:00:41.245 for a full weekend where they get away from all of the chaos 965 01:00:41.465 --> 01:00:44.245 and all of the devices and all of those things 966 01:00:44.305 --> 01:00:46.045 and just dig in deep with 967 01:00:46.045 --> 01:00:48.565 what Jesus is doing in their world and in their life. 968 01:00:48.565 --> 01:00:50.565 And we wanna encourage you, if you've got a middle schooler, 969 01:00:50.565 --> 01:00:53.485 sixth, seventh, eighth grade coming up this school year, 970 01:00:53.635 --> 01:00:55.285 they need to be at MSM Camp. 971 01:00:55.345 --> 01:00:57.285 It is September 5th through the seventh. 972 01:00:57.655 --> 01:01:00.245 We've already got about a hundred students registered. 973 01:01:00.505 --> 01:01:03.525 Uh, the early bird pricing goes through the end of July. 974 01:01:03.665 --> 01:01:05.365 You can register on the Hope app. 975 01:01:05.365 --> 01:01:06.845 So if you don't have the Hope app, be sure 976 01:01:06.845 --> 01:01:08.485 to download it and get registered there. 977 01:01:08.695 --> 01:01:09.925 There are a limited number 978 01:01:09.925 --> 01:01:12.805 of spots at Camp Willow Creek in, uh, Willow Run. 979 01:01:12.805 --> 01:01:14.285 Well not Willow Creek. It's Willow Run 980 01:01:14.285 --> 01:01:16.565 and Willow Spring out in Eastern North Carolina. 981 01:01:16.565 --> 01:01:18.445 That's where they'll be. It'll be a weekend. 982 01:01:18.445 --> 01:01:19.445 They will not forget. 983 01:01:19.715 --> 01:01:22.205 I've got two sons so far who've been to MSM camp 984 01:01:22.265 --> 01:01:25.045 and it has been a life changing experience for them 985 01:01:25.465 --> 01:01:27.885 and a deep connection point with their small group leaders 986 01:01:27.885 --> 01:01:29.685 who they're with Weekend and out. 987 01:01:29.745 --> 01:01:32.725 So we encourage you, get your students registered for that. 988 01:01:33.105 --> 01:01:34.805 Uh, really before you leave or 989 01:01:34.805 --> 01:01:36.885 before you sign off today, next week, 990 01:01:36.985 --> 01:01:39.005 we are wrapping up our Field Note series. 991 01:01:39.025 --> 01:01:41.205 So you do not wanna miss that, bring someone with you. 992 01:01:41.205 --> 01:01:43.205 Until then, we love you and we will see you soon.