Speaking the Truth in Love
Speaking the Truth in Love
Sermons on Titus
Faithful gospel preachers teach “sound doctrine.” But what does Paul mean by “sound”? Is it possible that many people claiming to be “sound” are nothing of the kind?
In his dedication to Judaism, young Saul of Tarsus (later to become the apostle Paul) always did his best. He wanted to prove his moral and spiritual excellence to God. As a Christian he did his best for an entirely different reason (Tit. 3:12-15).
Many church-goers seem to think that grace is for enlightened sinners living in sin and that good deeds are for stuffy people trying to earn eternal life. This is a serious misunderstanding. Good deeds spring from grace as surely as water flows from a well. And if a brother refuses to accept this, the church…
Most people drool a little bit at the thought of inheriting a huge sum of money. But the Bible promises a far more splendid inheritance (Tit. 3:3-8a). Jesus died on the cross – and he left us in his will.
The ancient Greek historian Polybius said that the Cretans were given to political infighting, murder, and violent uprisings. How were the Christians on Crete to live as citizens in their politically messy society? Paul’s inspired answer to that question has something to say to the church in 21st century America (Tit. 3:1-2).
For Committed Christians, living in this depraved world is a challenge – but not an insurmountable one. Paul reminds Titus that God’s grace has changed our spiritual condition, trained us to deny sinful desires, and inspired us with hope (Tit. 2:11-14).
Slavery was commonplace in the first century, and many early disciples were converted slaves. Their new faith didn’t excuse them from giving faithful service. On the contrary, Paul urged the Christians in Crete to “show entire and true fidelity” (Tit. 2:10).
We may think that older Christians should “move over” and make room for the younger people in the church. But God has other ideas (Tit. 2:1-4).