Urgent- Faith In Action Series

Series: Action [#215]

URGENT- FAITH IN ACTION

Titus 3:1-15

Introduction:

This week has been a difficult one. I have new work responsibilities, which came with 11 additional employees to supervise. They are not used to my management style; and I am not used to the defiance. With all that happened, I was able to maintain my composure.

On Friday, Tharon and I performed a funeral service of a longtime friend of his- Rebecca Wilmeth. The funeral was Tharon’s 1st funeral to be the Officiant. Like my 1st funeral to officiate, there was lots of family drama. To add to the stress for Tharon, this was also the mother of 1 of his swimmers. We had it planned out and right as we were starting, Tharon offered up his notes if I needed them. They were not much help because they were in Braille. We completed the service and were standing in the hallway of the Funeral Home; and watching Tharon was inspiring. He recognized many of her friends and spent a moment with them encouraging them. His kindness and love turned a potential battle into a time of healing and peace. Tharon’s actions reminded me of the type of faith we should all have- Faith in action.

Titus 3:1-2

Your faith in action is reflected by…

1. Your conduct in the World.

Paul gave us several reminders concerning the conduct of Christians.

Christians are to…

* Submit to authority.

In a World that often questions authority and resists submission, God gives us a different standard. Paul reminds us that all authority is established by God. This does not mean we are to submit to authority blindly or to support unjust systems. Rather, it calls us to an attitude of humility and respect, recognizing that God is ultimately sovereign over all.

Think of the early Christians who lived under terrible governments. They were called to demonstrate their faith not by rebellion but by respectful submission. Today, we too are challenged to have an attitude that reflects Christ's humility and love, even in the face of disagreement or injustice.

Christians are to…

* Speak evil of no one.

Paul goes on to instruct us to speak evil of no one. In a culture addicted to gossip, slander, and division; this is a tough command. Our words have the power to build up or tear down. As followers of Christ, we are to be different. We are to be known for our kindness, gentleness, and peace.

Titus 3:3-7

Your faith in action is reflected by…

2. Your transformation through Christ.

Paul does not simply instruct us on how to behave; he ties our conduct to the transformative grace of God. In these verses, we are reminded of who we were before Christ and what He has done for us.

Be reminded of…

* Your past.

Paul paints a picture of our past lives- Foolish, disobedient, enslaved to passions and pleasures. Your past is there for you to grow from, not get stuck in. Paul reminds us of our need for grace. When you see how far you have come, you can fully appreciate God's mercy.

Be reminded of…

* God’s generosity.

Paul shifts our focus to the kindness and love of God. It is His mercy, not our merit, that saves us. He poured out His Spirit upon us generously, leading to our renewal and justification. It is God’s grace that keeps us moving forward. God calls us to live in a way that reflects our new selves in Christ.

Titus 3:8-15

Your faith in action is reflected by…

3. Your commitment to good works.

These last verses of this letter emphasize the necessity of good works. Paul writes that those who have believed in God should be careful to devote themselves to good works. This is where our faith takes on flesh; this is where our beliefs become actions.

The good works Paul speaks of are not to earn our salvation; they are evidence of our faith. James tells us that faith without works is dead. Our actions must align with our beliefs. When we engage in acts of kindness, service, and love; we not only bless others, but we also testify to the changing power of the Gospel.

Paul also emphasizes the importance of community. Instructions to avoid foolish controversies and divisions remind us that our unity as the Body of Christ is very important. We are better together as we encourage one another in good works.

Conclusion:

Paul concludes with a few personal notes. He encourages Titus to bring Zenas and Apollos along quickly and reminds believers to be diligent in their own good works. These personal touches highlight the relational aspect of our faith. We are not lone rangers; we are part of a thriving, dynamic community that reflects Christ's love to the world.