The Message of the Church
Titus 2: 11-15
Paul had already provided much insight for Titus in regard to establishing a firm foundation upon which to build the church. He had instructed him to ordain elders in every city, those who would be able to aid in the leadership and ministry of the church. He had warned him about false teachers coming in their midst, and offered wisdom in dealing with this danger. He revealed the importance of Christian conduct among all believers, and the need for committed discipleship within the church.
Now that Paul felt confident in his instruction regarding the structure of the church, he shared with Titus the most important task of the church – proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to those who had yet to hear and respond. The church would be involved in many aspects of ministry, but none would exceed the importance of the Gospel. If she accomplished nothing else, she was to proclaim the Gospel to a lost and dying world in hopes of seeing the transformation of lives through Christ.
As we strive to serve the Lord in our day, we need reminded of the preeminence of the Gospel in regard to the ministry of the church. We too must ensure that the Gospel is proclaimed. Apart from lives being transformed in Christ, we will never be able to achieve the other aspects of ministry. It is impossible to disciple an unbeliever in the faith. Apart from salvation and genuine conversion, we won’t have those who step up in leadership roles and make an impact for Christ.
As we are reminded of the importance of the Gospel in ministry, I want to examine the doctrines of grace as we consider: The Message of the Church.
I. The Access through Grace (11) – For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. I’m certain that most of you would agree that God’s grace is nothing short of amazing. Clearly God is superior to man in every way. Isaiah 55:9- For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Ps.145:17 – The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Man could never obtain the righteousness of God. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no, not one. So, what hope does man have if he can never attain the righteousness of God? He has hope in grace! God’s grace wasn’t offered to a select few or a special group; it has been offered freely to all who will receive it. There has never been a soul so wicked, a heart so hard, or a mind so corrupt that Jesus couldn’t save. He reached into the depths of sin to save each and every one.
God’s grace isn’t based on our works of righteousness; it is available to whosoever will! Some may think God could never love them, that their life is too far gone, and there is no hope for them. Nothing could be further from the truth. 2 Pet.3:9- The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The fact is – God stands ready to fill your life with His grace today!
II. The Ability of Grace (12) – Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. I remember talking with a friend about the Lord. He understood that Jesus loved him and that He died for him, but he was afraid he couldn’t live the Christian life. He said, “I’ll get saved when I can live it.” I haven’t seen him in years, but he still can’t live it; none of us can! You may be thinking the same thing today; I just can’t live up to what God expects. It has been said – God loves you the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way! The life I live isn’t lived in my ability. I face the same temptations you do.
God’s grace provides the ability to live for Him. Gal.2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. You’ll never live a perfect life; we all make mistakes, but when you get saved, God will change your desires. You’ll find yourself wanting to please the Lord.
Grace will change your appetite – you’ll hunger and thirst after righteousness. It will change your attitude – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Grace will change your actions – Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. You will not always live like you want too, but you won’t live like you used too. You’ll have a desire to live like you ought too!
Grace allows us to live soberly – practicing self-control. It is through grace that we abstain from all appearance of evil and deny the flesh. Grace allows us to live righteously –that is to live a life that reveals to the world the indwelling Christ. It also allows us to live godly – a life that is pleasing to God. Grace provides the ability to live a Christian life.
III. The Anticipation in Grace (13) – Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Once we are saved, we become a new creature in Christ. We no longer stand condemned, belonging to the world, but become part of the body of Christ. Grace provides hope this world cannot give! God’s grace sent Jesus the first time to conquer sin, providing for our redemption, and that same grace will send Him the second time to call for the church. 1 Thes.4:16-17 – For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
God’s grace exceeds all boundaries of this world. It isn’t affected by time or distance. There is coming a day when Jesus will return, and the saved by grace will spend one eternal day in heaven! Grace allows us to look beyond the trials of this life to a brighter day coming. Col.3:4 –When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 1 John 3:2 – Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Grace has provided a home for the redeemed. It is the fulfillment of His grace that the saved long to see. We must accept His grace for this to become reality for us. Why would anyone turn down such amazing grace?
You might ask, how is all this possible? Notice:
IV. The Author of Grace (14) – Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. I have told you that grace is a free gift; it is free, but it wasn’t cheap! The grace offered to humanity cost my dear Savior His life. He gave Himself that we might live. Truly grace came at Christ’s expense. Were it not for Calvary, grace would be of no effect.
So, what does all of this mean to us? Notice why Jesus gave Himself – that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He died upon the cross in order to cleanse us from our sin. Rom.6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The truth is, Jesus loved you and me enough to become our sacrifice.
I hope you realize that you, and all people are loved. Jesus wants to take our lives of sin and despair, exchanging them for a life of joy and victory through His amazing grace. He can make right whatever is wrong in any life. He has already paid the debt sin had caused. Grace provides so much to the believer, but you will never experience its fullness apart from Jesus!
V. The Appeal to Grace (15) – These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Paul knew the importance of grace and the need for sharing the Gospel. He challenged Titus to be faithful in proclaiming the Gospel to all who would hear.
Titus was also expected to exhort others regarding the Gospel. This has the idea of “encouraging.” He would encounter many who were desperate, lonely, and without hope. He possessed the Good News that offers hope and life. He was entrusted to exhort others in the Gospel.
Paul also challenged Titus to rebuke others regarding the Gospel. This does not imply that he was to act self-righteously or in a condescending manner, but he was to challenge those who rejected the Gospel, urging them to respond in faith to the grace offered in Christ. He was expected to address sin when he discovered it, calling people unto repentance and faith. All of this was to be done in boldness, regardless of the thoughts or actions of others. Sharing the Gospel was the priority for Titus and the church in Crete.
Conclusion: The single greatest moment in my life was when I received Christ as my Savior. His grace was extended as I saw myself hopelessly lost and separated from Him. I recognized my need and believed in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. Now, as a believer in Christ and preacher of the Gospel, I am obligated to share the grace of our Lord that brings salvation with others.
We all share that responsibility. Sharing the Gospel is not reserved for the pastor. Every believer is commanded to proclaim the Good News with those who have yet to respond. Do you need wisdom and courage to share the Gospel? Maybe the Spirit has dealt with your heart today regarding salvation? Have you sensed your need and desire to become part of the body of Christ? For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Why not come to Christ by faith today, repent of sin, and receive Christ as your Savior?
