11/01/2009
Reading the blueprint of a Godly life
Titus 2:1-15
Introduction-
Titus Chapter 2:1-15 (Book after 2 Timothy)
Prayer
This is the sixth part of the series B.A.S.I.C.
Last week we began on discipleship. We again this morning will continue looking there.
Remember last week;
2 Characteristics of discipleship.
(1) is personal- what we learn from the Lord as being His disciple.
(2)- what we teach others about discipleship.
Discipleship is personal and it is corporate. God shows us things for our lives, and He also shows us things we need to teach and help others with in their life.
When Jesus went to the river to call some of His first disciples, Jesus went to them with a simple command. :Follow me”.
They did not become disciples until they answered the call.
A disciple is a follower of Christ.
Not just a person who knows about Christ, hears about Christ, talks about Christ.
The book of Titus is a letter from the Apostle Paul to a fellow believer Titus.
2 Cor. Calls Titus a brother, a partner, co-worker of the faith.
Some of the emphasis of the writing is instructions for Titus to help form faithful congregations.
It about Titus(a pagan, non Jew) being harassed about not being circumcised like the Jews.
It is about being caught up in Jewish myths, quarrels about the law, commandments outside the gospel.
Paul’s main theme to Titus and to us this morning - “Teach them (those we come in contact with) sound doctrine.
Here are one of the things to write down.
I. Beliefs and behavior go together.(Our words reveal our heart)
We can say we believe in a lot of things, but behavior will dictate what we really believe.
We won’t cross a rope bridge unless we believe it is strong enough to hold us.
We don’t take a stand for something we don’t believe.
Apostle Paul is telling us:
Teach Men- to be temperate (anger) teach respect, self control, sound teachings of faith.
Teach Women- modest in the way they live, not to gossip, train them to love their husbands, to live pure lives.
In everything we do, be an example, doing what is right.
Words like integrity, honor, come to mind. He goes as far to say live your life so close to what Jesus wants of us that even your enemies will not be able to find fault.
Illustration-
There was once a foolish man who didn’t trust God. One day he was sitting under a acorn tree in the crisp fall weather he looked up and noticed tiny acorns hanging on the enormous branches. “Hmph, silly God”, he said.”Those tiny acorns hang on branches large enough to support a man while those large and heavy pumpkins over there are supported by only thin vine. If I were God I would do things differently. Just about that time a strong wind blew and one of the acorns fell from the tree and hit the man on the head. As he was rubbing the sore, an elderly man who had heard him talking walked up and said, “aren’t you glad God wasn’t so foolish to put that pumpkin up there?
Most people do foolish things, want to blame God for them.
One is that people have not settled the issue of Jesus calling them and weather they will answer the call to follow.
Therefore my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” Phil 2:12-13
God gives a basic call to all
He gives a general call to all, personal call to some for full time ministry.
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”
Bill Hull- pastor and author of Complete Discipleship says:
“First if you don’t feel an urge to follow and become like Jesus, God isn’t at work in you. And if God isn’t at work in you, He’s not in you. You’ll know he is at work and is in you when he moves your will, and a moved person will always act. You can respond to God’s call only when he gives you the will to do so. When you hear the words of Jesus “Follow me” and the urge to obey rises up within you, then you can be assured that God is at work”
That is such a relief to know Listen
I talk to many people during the week and on Sunday.
By nature, I feel everyone should instantly respond to God’s word, instantly love Him like I love Him. By definition, God calls us to follow him, we must respond. If we don’t, it’s on us. If they don’t, it is on them
Don’t worry if they say no- there are many professing Christians that have decided not to follow Jesus.
either they have never repented and turned to Christ, or
They think discipleship is optional.
Either way, The Lord needs to deal with their heart.
Bon Hoeffer says:
Only those who are obedient believe and only those who believe are obedient
This is why I have spent so much time on basic things. The church and God’s people need to return to the fact that disciple-making is for everyone. It is not optional.
It is time for all to commit to going deeper in our relationship with God.
you cannot live for Jesus without Jesus.
You cannot live differently from the world, if the one who makes us different doesn’t control our lives.
Jesus is the real transformer
Remember what I said earlier.
Beliefs and Behavior go together.
Following Jesus isn’t automatic. You must choose.
One of the devils lies he feeds Christians is that spiritual greatness is only for a few.
Those super-saints
Those called to a big ministry.
Those who have great education
“If anyone” means everyone- disciples applies to anyone who chooses “The life of Christ”
You must say no to self to say yes to God.
You must deny yourself.
We are to live it, breath it, digest it, to imitate Christ. Then we are to go out and live it by example and teach others.
Titus 2:6-8 read from the Bible.
When you and I answered the call to follow, it was with our whole life.
I’m a realist. I realize that everyone will not live for Christ. Some even professing Christ as Lord.
Question to you:
Will you live for Christ?
Will you be sold out in all areas of your life?
Will you imitate Christ by your actions?
II. Teach (mentor others)
Titus 2:1
But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine
The blueprint is your Bible
The blueprint is what the Lord is showing and has done for you .
Men:
Get involved with other men in your life.
We should have divorce recovery, addition recovery, grief recovery. Everyone has something they can share to help someone else.
Mentor someone who can benefit what you have went through and what the Lord has shown you over the years. (Be looking for someone)
The best teaching I ever received has come from a one on one from a man who has shared from his heart with the love of Christ.
The man who is mentoring me right now is 92 years old, repeats himself often, loses his thoughts, but shares of his experiences from the heart and the love of Christ just’s permeates from him as he shares what the Lord has done in his life.
He has made an impact.
“A gray head is a crown of glory, it is found in the way of righteousness. Prov. 16:3
Men- mentor someone
Women- get involved with some women in your life.
Women today need to hear the faithfulness of God.
They need to know what a godly life looks like.
They wrestle with career and family
They wrestle with time schedules that are killing them.
They battle self worth.
Listen- mentoring matters
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
May I add- show and tell what is good.
Sound doctrine is more that the 5 senses.
Illustration-
Here is an example of logic.
A college student was in a philosophy class which had a discussion about God’s existence. The professor presented the following. “Has anyone in this class heard God? Nobody spoke. Has anyone in this class touched God? Again, nobody spoke. Has anyone in this class seen God? When nobody spoke for the third time, he simply stated, then there is no God.” one student thought for a moment, and then asked for permission to reply. Curious to hear this bold students response, the professor granted it, and the student stood up and asked the following question of his classmates. “Has anyone in this class heard our professors brain? Silence. “Has anyone in this class touched our professors brain? Absolute silence. Has anyone in this class see our professors brain? When nobody in the class dared to speak, the student concluded, then, according to our professors logic, it must be true that our professor has no brain”
Closing:
Do you want others to practice what they see or hear in your life? If not change it?
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, put it into practice Phil 4:9 paraphrased)
Illustration
I like this. A man had a I love Jesus sticker on his car. One day, as he sped in and out of traffic, he realized his driving was not setting a good Christian example. He solved the problem by removing the sticker from his car.
We cannot remove the sticker from our life. We must accept the accountability. We do not need to remove the sticker. We need to live out our faith
Titus 2:11-13 read from the Bible
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in this
present age, while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.
The blueprint is living out your faith and using it to reach others for Christ.
We all have a responsibility for those around us.
Please rate this sermon so I know if I am meeting your need.
