Not Because of Works Done by Us

In one paragraph

This sermon worked through Titus 3:1-11, with Pastor James showing how an honest look at what we once were, and what God did about it, shapes the way Christians treat everyone around them. The mercy and grace that saved us are the reason we speak well of others, avoid quarrels, and do good works for all people, not just for other believers. Paul's instructions to Titus begin with a list of...

Read together

1. 1 Timothy 2:5 quoted to introduce the song about Christ as mediator between God and mankind
2. Galatians 3:26 quoted to show that we become children of God through faith in Christ Jesus
3. Titus 2:11-15 recapped as the passage immediately preceding the main text, covering grace bringing salvation and being zealous for good works
4. Titus 3:1-11 the main sermon text covering submission to authorities, former sinful nature, God's mercy and regeneration, and avoiding foolish controversies
5. 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 cited to explain that the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing but the power of God to those being saved
6. 1 Peter 1 mentioned briefly in connection with the word hope as an incorruptible certainty, and noted as the next book in the study

Talk about it

1. Pastor Nathan pointed to the list in Titus 3 of what believers once were: foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions, passing their days in malice and envy. How does keeping that picture of your 'before' in mind change the way you treat people who are not yet where you are?
2. The sermon drew a sharp line between grace and mercy: grace is getting good you do not deserve, mercy is not getting the bad you do deserve. Which of those two truths do you find yourself needing to hold onto more right now, and why?
3. Pastor Nathan used the thief on the cross to show that regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit can happen in a moment, with no religious steps required. Does that sit comfortably with you, or does part of you want there to be more conditions on it? Where does that reaction come from?
4. The passage calls believers to avoid foolish controversies and quarrels that are unprofitable and worthless, yet Pastor Nathan also said sound doctrine has to be insisted on and taught. How do you personally decide which disagreements are worth pressing and which ones to walk away from?
5. Pastor Nathan closed by saying the way you live your life makes more difference than words or good ideas, then sent everyone out to share faith by what they do and defend it with what they say. What is one specific situation you are walking into this week where those two things, actions and words, will both be needed?