The Door Of Opportunity Series

The Door of Opportunity

Titus 2: 11-15

Today I want to begin a new series entitled: Church – A New Testament Model. As I began to pray and prepare this series, the first question I felt it necessary to answer was – how does one gain entrance into the church? Just in case there is any confusion, I am speaking of the body of Christ, those who have received the Lord in salvation. The church is not the building in which we meet, but the body of believers who gather here. So what must one do to gain entrance; where is the door of access to the church? I hope to answer that question today.

We know, according to the apostle Paul that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works we perform or traditions we keep. Eph.2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. Countless passages in Scripture reveal salvation being the door of entrance into the church. Jesus described Himself as the Door. John 10:9 – I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. We know that salvation is obtained by grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Door of salvation.

If salvation is by grace, coming by and through the Door, Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, then who has access to this door? To whom is salvation made available? The passage before us deals beautifully with the fundamental doctrines of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone as the means of salvation. I want to discuss: The Door of Opportunity.

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! You may think that God could never love you, that your life is too far gone, and there is no hope for you. Dear friend, 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.