“Teach what befits sound doctrine…” Church of Christ at Medina June 10 th, 2012

The Letter to Titus Who was Titus? – “…my true child in a common faith.” – “…my brother Titus…” – “…my partner and fellow worker…” Titus was… – A Gentile. – Not a proselyte. – Converted by Paul. – A travel companion and useful helper in the work of the gospel. Titus 1:4 2 Cor. 2:13 2 Cor. 8:3 Gal. 2:1-3 2 Cor. 7: Cor. 8:6 2 Cor. 8:16- 23

General Notes on the Letter to Titus Purpose – Titus 1:5: “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” (ESV) – The letter also provides exhortations on the reasons to serve God. Titus 2:11-15 Titus 3:3-7

Key Themes and Verses One’s deeds will either prove or disprove one’s claim to know God. (1:16) It is vitally important to have godly men serving as elders or pastors. (1:5-9) The gospel by its nature produces godliness in the lives of believers. There is no legitimate separation between belief and behavior. (1:1, 2:1, 11-14, 3:4-7)

Key Themes and Verses True Christian living will commend the gospel to others. (2:5,8,10) Good works have an important place in the lives of believers. (2:1-10, 14, 3:1-2, 8, 14) It is important to deal clearly and firmly with doctrinal and moral error in the church. (1:10-16, 3:9-11) The gospel is the basis for Christian ethics. (2:11-14, 3:3-7)

Outline A.Opening (1:1-4) B.The Occasion: The Need for Proper Leadership (1:5-9) C.The Problem: False Teachers (1:10-16) D.Christian Living in Contrast to the False Teachers (2:1-3:8) – Proper living by age and gender groups (2:1-10) – Gospel basis (2:11-14) – Summary Command (2:15) – Proper living, particularly with respect to outsiders (3:1-2) – Gospel basis (3:3-7) – Summary Command (3:8) E.The Problem Restated: False Teachers (3:9-11) F.Closing Exhortations (3:12-15)

The Grace of God (Titus 2:11-15) God’s grace appeared… 1.What is grace? – Charis implied a favor freely done. – Unmerited favor. – Grace is doing something for someone that needs to be done, which thing he cannot do for himself. 2.Titus 3:4-7 3.God’s grace appeared in the person and gospel of Jesus Christ. – 2 Timothy 1:8-10

The Grace of God (Titus 2:11-15) God’s grace appeared… 1.God sent Jesus at the right time. – 1 Timothy 2:3-7 – Galatians 4:4 – Ephesians 1:10 2.God sent the gospel, which was His eternal plan for men, but revealed after the death of His Son. – Titus 1:1-3 – Ephesians 3:1-13 – 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

The Grace of God (Titus 2:11-15) God’s grace brought… 1.…the gift of salvation. – Titus 3:4-7 – Paul often stressed the role of grace in the salvation that God provides. (Ephesians 2:8) – God’s grace redeems (Titus 2:14). 2.The gift is for all men. – This does not necessitate universal salvation. (Matthew 7:13-14, 25:34ff, 1 Peter 3:20) – Rather, salvation is available to all men regardless of nationality (Romans 1:16-17, 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). – This salvation is provided to all that call on Jesus through obedience. (Acts 2:38-39, Rom. 10:13, Hebrews 5:8-9)

The Grace of God (Titus 2:11-15) God’s grace teaches… 1.…by using negative terms. – Renounce ungodliness. – Renounce worldly lusts. 2.…by using positive terms. – Live soberly. – Live righteously. – Live godly. Rom. 1:18 Jude 15 1 Peter 4:18 Titus 3:3 Eph. 2:1-3 1 Peter 4:1-6 1 John 2:15- 17

The Grace of God (Titus 2:11-15) God’s grace inspires… 1.…hope. – This is confident expectation. – Our hope is based upon our expectation of Jesus returning. – Our hope includes our expectation of life eternal in heaven through the salvation provided by God’s grace. 2.…good works. – God’s grace provides salvation, which should change us. This change includes our need to be ready to perform good works. 1 Thess. 1: Cor. 15:19 2 Thess. 2:8 2 Tim. 4:1,8 Titus 1:2 Titus 3:4-7 Rom. 2:6-8 Eph. 2:10 Titus 2:7 Titus 2:14 Titus 3:1 Titus 3:8 Titus 3:14