The Message Of The Church Series

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!