Lord I Ain't What I Was Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, June 7, 2015 Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts © Copyright 2015 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

Titus 3: 3-8 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Titus 3: 3-8 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.

Titus 3: 3-8 He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3: 3-8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us … through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit … so that … we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life … I want you to stress these things … Titus 3: 4-8 (edited)

Titus: the Man  One of Paul’s mentorees  Church planter with Paul in Crete  Left behind to organize / oversee  Letter – more detailed instructions

Titus: the Letter Chapter 1 Orderliness in Church life Chapter 2 Godliness in Home life Chapter 3 Relationships in the World Prepare teaching on Christian behavior in a non-Christian society

Titus: the Letter Relationships in the World Remind believers about the necessity of being: -Good Citizens verse 1 -Good Neighbors verse 2 -Motivation verses 3-8

Good Citizen – Good Neighbor Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward __ ______ Titus 3: 1-2 ESV

“…toward all people” Possible Reaction Some People! All people? Need more motivation than a mandate from one of God’s preachers!

Paul’s (anticipated?) Response Stress the Gospel story with them so that they will continue to devote themselves to good works. Titus 3: 8

A Good Opportunity to STRESS the ABC’s of our faith Motivation to persevere in doing good: -Fellow believers (at home and church) -All people in your world Expression of appreciation for all that our Savior has done for us

Let’s Pray

Our Salvation – Titus 3: 3-7 A. OUR PAST CONDITION -We were foolish and disobedient -We were deceived and enslaved by passions and pleasures -We lived in malice and envy -We lived being hated and hating one another

Our Salvation – Titus 3: 3-7 B. GOD’S WORK IN OUR LIVES NOW -We are saved by grace “kindness and love of God” “not because of righteousness things we had done” -We are being renewed by the Holy Spirit “through the washing of rebirth and renewal”

Our Salvation – Titus 3: 3-7 C. HEAVEN IS OUR DESTINATION -Having been justified by His grace, -we might become heirs, having the hope of eternal life.

Catherine Hankey I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Catherine Hankey I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

“I love to tell the story… the old, old story of Jesus and His love.  Do you love to hear the story?  Does hearing the Gospel stressed do it for you? What? -Motivate you to respond by living a life of love and good works for God’s glory? towards fellow believers and your neighbors?

Do you have a gratitude attitude?

Civil War Battlefield Bible "Lord, I ain't what I oughta be, And I ain't what I wanna be, And I ain't what I gonna be. But Lord, I thank ya, I ain't what I was."

Titus 3: 8 I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.