Remember Your Chains
Titus 3:1-8
Pastor Jefferson M. Williams
Chenoa Baptist Church
3-21-2021
Remind Me
I had the opportunity to share my testimony at Pastor Gary’s church in Middletown, Indiana last week. I was supposed to bring Gary some books and asked him to remind me. Of course, I forgot. Gary actually said, “I feel like I was supposed to remind you of something.” Liz just laughed at us. We all need reminding.
“Remind me.” This is the job of a pastor. We have nothing original to say. We are to remind you of what is true and what the Scriptures say again and again and again.
“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.” (I Peter 1:12)
Where We’ve Been
In the first chapter of Titus, Paul has focused on doctrine, right thinking versus false teaching. This is foundational and necessary to start our Christian journey.
But in chapter two, he will make the case that doctrine leads to duty, belief affects behavior, and orthodoxy results in orthopraxy.
In other words, if we say we are Christians, how we live out our faith is just as important as what we say we believe.
There is something supernaturally beautiful about a church that is full of people who take the call to follow Jesus seriously.
A watching world is desperate for hope and we have the honor of being ambassadors of Jesus Christ to them.
Alistair Begg writes, “The church has always been at it’s best when we are radically different from the world around us.”
Last week, we studied verses 11-15 and saw that past grace, present grace, future grace and redeeming grace of God is the fuel that fires our desires to live out our faith by doing good works.
If you missed that sermon, you can always watch it on our FaceBook or Twitter pages, YouTube channel, or the church website.
Chapter one covers doctrine and duty in the church.
Chapter two covers doctrine and duty in the home.
Chapter three covers doctrine and duty in the world.
In chapter three, Paul is going to direct Titus to remind the Cretan believers of who they represent, of who they used to be, of who saved them and why, and what their mission is on the sin-filled island of Crete.
How we live matters and
Turn to Titus 3.
Prayer
Remember who you Represent
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus 3:1-2)
The word “remind” means to call to mind what is already known. What has Titus been teaching the new Cretan believers that he needs to be constantly reminding them about?
In 67 B.C., the island of Crete was subjected to Roman rule. The Cretans were notorious for insurrections, murders, and wars. They were not happy about being under the thumb of Rome and resisted authority every chance they got.
Titus reminded these new believers that they were salt and light in a dark, hopeless, pagan society. They represented the Lord Jesus Christ. They could not get caught up in fighting the government on every issue because it would distract from their mission and hurt their witness with the very people they were trying to reach.
Unlike the normal Cretan, they were to be “subject to rulers and authorities…” (v. 1)
This is a theme that Paul drives home again and again in his letters.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” (I Peter 2:13-15)
And
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Rom 13:1-2)
And
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (I Tim 2:1-2)
Paul wrote this during the time of Nero and the iron rule of Rome.
How are the Cretans to do that? By “being obedient…”
The Cretans were to be obedient to the rulers and authorities on Crete. They were to pay taxes, to follow the laws, and show respect and pray for their leaders.
The only time they were allowed to disobey the authorities was when the government forced them to what what the Bible forbids or stops us from doing what the Bible commands. ?
We see this in Acts 5 when Peter and the other apostles were brought before the religious leaders for preaching the gospel.
Peter responded with conviction:
“Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! (Acts 5:29)
Not only were they to submit and obey but also they were to be winsome witnesses for Jesus by being “ready to do whatever is good.”
The Cretan Christians were to be productive, fruitful citizens who would be known for aggressive goodness, an eagerness to do what can help the authorities.
When the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, Jeremiah gave this encouragement:
“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jer 29:4-7)
We are not live in isolation, in a Christian bubble or subculture, but to affect the society with the power of the Gospel.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16)
Paul then moves to our behavior toward all people in the society, especially non-believers.
to slander no one
This Greek word is where we get our word, “blasphemy.” It means to speak evil of, to treat with contempt.
to be peaceable
This means to actively avoid quarrels and fighting.
* to be considerate
This means “reasonable, kind, selfless, gracious, gentle.”
always be gentle toward everyone
This means humility, courtesy, power under control. This isn’t someone who is “fighting for their rights.”
Paul told Timothy that our gentleness, especially with those who disagree with us, can be a catalyst for their salvation:
?
“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Tim 2:25)
The Cretans didn’t get to pick and choose who they were going treat like this. Paul made it clear - everyone.
Remember that Cretan’s by nature were “always lairs, evil brutes, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12) and the false teachers were “rebellious, full of meaningless talk and deception…” (Titus 1:10)
Titus is remind these first generation Christians that how they react to the governing authorities and their unbelieving neighbors, family, and friends should be markedly different than the normal Cretan citizen.
Point to Ponder:
We live in a society that is very similar to the island of Crete. They were completely surrounded by pagan influences. They were grieved over the sin and lack of reverence toward God they observed in their culture. They were ruled by godless Rome and resented their authority over them.
Maybe this sounds familiar. Maybe you are saddening by the moral chaos in our society. Perhaps you are angry at the people who believe are the culprits of our culture’s decline. You might even be fearful of what is happening and what could happen in the future.
What should be our response? Can we disagree with laws or rules we think are unfair? Paul’s words are our north star.
We need to remember our mission. Our number one priority is the propagation of the Gospel because that is the only thing that is going to change hearts from the inside out. And only changed hearts can change a culture.
In the 1990s, a prominent Christian figure proposed starting an “anti-defamation” league for Christians. He said, “They call us names so we will call them names right back.”
We are not called to “fight for our rights,” to set up pseudo-Christian political power structures, “fight the system, “ or even overthrow the government.
Paul wrote to Titus in a world where Nero had used Christians as torches at his orgies and the colosseums were full of people watching the latest “Christian vs. Lion” fight card.
We need to be very clear who we represent. We do not represent a political party or any political candidates. We represent the Lord Jesus Christ and are called to use our words, deeds, and very lives to help people understand the Gospel.
In the past few years, I’ve watched people who claim the name of Christ be rude, arrogant, combative, use racial and ethnic slurs, wish individuals dead, and make violent threats against the very people we are called to reach with the Gospel.
In the wake of the violence toward Asian Americans this past week, perpetrated by a self-professed Christian, I wanted to show you another clip of a real preacher in a real sermon giving us a great example of using your words in such a way that you destroy any witness you might have had.
‘[YouTube clip - Dr. Tony Hutson -joke]
Jeremy Lin, a Harvard alum, professional basketball player and strong born-again Christ Follower, admitted recently that players have called him “Corona Virus” and a opposing player asked how he could see the score board with those slant eyes.
Social media has made this exponentially worse. People say things on FaceBook and Twitter that they would never say to the person’s face.
The Madness has begun and yesterday 15th seed Oral Roberts upset 2nd seed Ohio State. After the game, one of the Buckeyes stars E.J. Liddell received a message on Twitter that said: “You are such a ________ disgrace. Don’t ever show your face at Ohio State. We hate you. I hope you die, I really do.”
In response, Liddell who is 20 years old posted, “What did I do to deserve this? I’m human.”
Now do you really think the troll that posted that threatening message would say it to his face? E.J. is six foot seven and two hundred and forty pounds!
Some of you needs to take a long, hard look at your social media activity. Is your desire to be “right” overwhelming your allegiance to Christ and to the Words of Scripture?
Can we disagree with people? Of course, but we can do that without being disagreeable. Can we call attention the things in society that we believe are wrong? Yes, but we can do that without insulting and belittling people.
I memorized Romans 12:18 and Ephesians 4:29 many years ago because I learned some very unhealthy patterns from my parents when it came to conflict:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph 4:29)
Author and pastor Tim Chester writes:
“We are to be people who are proactively looking for opportunities to bless our cities and serve our neighbors.”
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor 5:19-21)
Let’s take the Scriptures seriously and remember who we represent as we live out our faith in a pagan society.
Remember your Chains
“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)
Paul goes on to remind Titus and the Cretan Christians of their past. Why are we to view the non-christians around us with such tenderness and grace?
Because we were once just like they are and the only difference is the grace of God.
Paul has several descriptions of what we were like before Jesus:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (Eph 2:1-4)
Paul lists seven descriptions of their former life without Christ:
foolish - this means a lack of spiritual understanding.
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (Eph 4:18)
disobedient - this means rebellious against God and His Word
deceived - we were led astray by satan, this is passive, we were victims of evil forces we couldn’t control
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Cor 4:4)
enslaved to all kinds of passions and pleasures - we were mastered (2 Peter 2:19) by lusts and evil desires and found that we were never satisfied
living in malice - we were ill-willed toward others, selfish, didn’t care if we hurt others
envy - we were greedy and coveted things which were not our own
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Prov 14:30)?
Being hated and hating others - we disregard others feelings, we were indifferent to their pain, we used our words to cause others pain.
Point to Ponder:
You may shake your head and say, “But pastor, I grew up in a Christian home and I never really rebelled or didn’t much wrong. This list just doesn’t describe me.”
But it does. This is how all humans are before Christ comes into their lives to transform their heart. You may not have exhibited these actions and attitudes outward but they were all there and more.
Jesus said,
“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Matt 7:21-23)
Point ot Ponder:
Do you remember your chains? Do you remember what it’s like to be lost?
Are you expecting cows to lay eggs? Are you angry for sinners acting like sinners?
Do you have the same heart as Jesus for those who disrespect you or reject you?
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:41-42)
I don’t have any tattoos, mainly because I’m a wimp, but if I did, I would get 2 Corinthians 5:17 to be a constant reminder that there but the grace of God go I:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Pastor David Guzik lists four effects of remembering our past:
We should, above all people, show gratitude for how God changed us
2. Remembering our former life builds humility in us. We didn’t save or change ourselves.
3. This will lead to kindness and grace toward those who are currently still in that place of hopelessness.
4. This will build up our faith to know that if God can change us, he can change those who are still lost.
Remember your Savior
“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. 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 3:4-7)
Many commentators believe this one long sentence in the Greek might have been a creed or early hymn that the church would have been familiar with at that time.
Paul wants to set up a contrast and he usually does that by “at one time…but when.”
At one time, we were lost and hopeless, helpless, and hell bound. But…
There are a lot of “buts” in the Bible but this may be the best but of them all.
But when the kindness and love of our Savior appeared
Kindness means “goodness of heart.” Paul wrote:
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
Love in this verse were we get the word philanthropy. MacArthur defines this as “ “pity, compassion, and eagerness to deliver from pain or distress because of strong affection.”
Remember that this word “appeared” is the Greek word where we get the word “epiphany.”
The word “epiphaneia” is the visible appearing of something or someone that was invisible prior.
In classical Greek, it could refer to dawn or day break when the sun leaps over the horizon in our view. It can also mean an enemy jumping out of ambush.
But the most appropriate usage for our text is that of a god or a hero breaking into a hopeless situation in order to rescue someone from danger.
This kindness and love [philanthropy] appeared at the Incarnation of Jesus! At the birth of Christ in a manager in Bethlehem the epiphany of God’s grace burst on to the world’s stage revealing God’s heart and ushering a new age.
He saved us, not because of any righteous thing we had done, but because of His mercy.
Our salvation was not because of anything we did or could do. We didn’t deserve it and couldn’t earn it. We can never hop high enough for God’s holiness. God’s heart was motivated by kindness, grace, and mercy.
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” (Micah 7:18)
Paul wrote to Timothy:
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Tim 1:9)?
Jonathan Edwards said,
“You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.”
In his book called, “Speechless,” Steven Curtis Chapman writes: “In the gospel we discover that we are far worse off than we ever thought, and far more loved that we ever dreamed.”
Paulo wrote to the believers at Ephesus;
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. “ (Eph 2:8-9)
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
Our salvation was the work of God the Father initiating, God the Son went to the cross, and the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renews from the inside out.
He saved from the penalty of sin. He is saving us from the power of sin. He will save us from the presence of sin.
This verse is not teaching that baptism saves us. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality.
The Holy Spirit is the agent of transformation in our new lives. He regenerates us and renews us from the inside out.
Ezekiel prophesied this would come to pass:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezek 36:25-26)
And God is not stingy but pours out the Spirit generously, which should take us right back to Acts 2 when the holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost, which was prophesied by Joel:
“And afterward,I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29)
so that, having been justified by his grace…
In Christ, God had declared us righteous not based on anything we have done but solely upon his grace.
“However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.” (Romans 4:6)
we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Once we were without hope and now that God haw saved us and made us his children, we have the best hope of all - eternal life.
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:16-17)
What’s the cause of our salvation? God’s kindness, love and mercy
What’s the effect? Regeneration, renewal, justification
What’s the means? The power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus
What’s the goal? Heirs of eternal life
Point to Ponder:
My friend Brain Bill shows the difference between our Pre-Conversion Condition Post-Conversion Condition:
Foolish Saved by His Kindness
Disobedient Saved by His Love
Deceived Saved by His Mercy
Enslaved Saved by His Regeneration
Malice Saved by His Spirit
Envy Saved by His Son
Hate Saved by His Grace
Has God saved you? What are you trusting in to get you into heaven? Have you been born again? I didn’t ask if you went to church, or if you were an American, or whether your parents were believers. Are you a new creation?
Remember your Mission
“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.” (Titus 3:8)
Paul instructs Titus to stress “these things.” What things? Generally, what he has wrote in the entire letter thus far, but specifically, the creed/hymn that he has just written in verses 4-7.
The Christians on Crete are to devote themselves to doing what is good.
Remember, we are not saved by good works but for good works.
D. L. Moody used to say he was glad we are not saved by our good works, because he didn’t want to sit in heaven listening to people brag about how they got there.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 6:10)
Throughout this short letter, Paul has focused again and again on good works (1:16, 2:7, 14, 3:1,8)
They had a mission. Live in such a way that “no one will malign the word of God” (2:5), and “those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (2:8) and “so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” (2:10)
Peter wrote of this mission:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (I Peter 2:11-12)
I have a friend who does this better than anyone I know. In the time that I’ve known her, she has given away or help buy three different vehicles and she’s paid multiple friends’ legal bills. During Covid she called and ask her employer if anyone needed help and she paid their bills.
She had a friend who went through a really tough divorce and when even this person’s own family wouldn’t speak to her. She didn’t judge her but took long walks with her and let her vent.
Recently, she went grocery shopping for a friend who had Covid and when she tried to pay for them she told her that “Walmart was giving away free groceries that day.”
This week, she took a gift card to the pharmacy workers and took coffee to a young friend who was having a bad day.
She discipled multiple younger women, often sending them encouraging texts to start the day. ?
She’s done these things, most of the time under the radar, for the entire time I’ve known her.
When I asked her why she did these things, she said, “See the need. Meet the need. I just don’t see what’s so hard about that?!”
I promised to keep her identity a secret but I’ll just say that I really think she’s amazing and she makes me want to be a better man and use my good works to point to Jesus like she does.
Point to Ponder:
How are you living out your faith? Are you let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven?
Remember your Chains
I want to end today with a video that will help you remember your chains.
Ending Video: Remember your Chains - Steven Curtis Chapman
