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Auditorium Class Fall 2013

Titus 3:1-2 Remind them 3:1 Be subject to rulers Consider: Mark 12:17 “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Romans 13:1-8 “render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” (7) 1 Peter 2:13-14 “submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors...” Civil war, civil disobedience, and “passive resistance” would not fit the character of a saint, one who is to be subject to rulers.

Titus 3:1-2 Remind them 3:2 Speak evil of no man, be no brawlers Consider: 1:7 “no striker” (“not violent” NIV) 2:9 “servants...not answering again” (“not to talk back” NIV) Meekness should be shown in our reaction to insults from men. 1 Peter 2:19-23 “Christ... who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” A Christian should practice “perfect courtesy toward all people.” ESV

Titus 3:3-8 Christians have been forgiven 3:3 For we ourselves were once... 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “and such were some of you: but ye are washed” Having been saved, we should be living differently. (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:1, 22-24) 3:5 washing of regeneration Revelation 7:14 “washed their robes in the blood of the lamb” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “and such were some of you: but ye are washed”

Titus 3:3-8 Christians have been forgiven 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness, but according to his mercy God’s grace is the basis of our salvation. God’s grace is what makes our salvation possible. Consider Jericho to illustrate the difference between the basis for a gift and the conditions for receiving a gift. God gave Jericho to israel based upon his grace, they certainly didn’t deserve it. But Israel received that gift conditionally upon their obedience to God’s commands. In order to receive the “gift” of Jericho, they had to walk around the city for seven days. Joshua 6:2-5 Israel received Jericho “not by works of righteousness”, but on the basis of God’s grace.

Titus 3:3-8 Christians have been forgiven 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness, but according to his mercy Question: Is the blood of Christ necessary for our forgiveness? We understand from other passages that the blood of Christ is necessary for our forgiveness. Mercy and grace do not exclude the blood of Christ. Question: Are repentance and other conditions necessary for forgiveness? We understand from other passages that repentance and other commands are necessary for our forgiveness. Mercy and grace do not exclude repentance. Many passages teach us the conditions we must meet in order to be washed from our sins by the blood of Christ. Take passages about baptism for example. (Colossians 2:11-13, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16) Man’s forgiveness is based upon God’s grace, but conditioned upon his obedience.

Titus 3:9-11 Avoid foolish questions Has God spoken? Deuteronomy 29:29, Luke 20:33-38 Some things are not revealed Deuteronomy 29:29, Luke 20:33-38 Some things are revealed 2 Corinthians 4:13 We want wisdom to understand the difference. and the spirit of faith to speak. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 Accept the wholesome words of the Lord. Colossians 2:14-17 Let no man judge us in regard to the OT law (shadow of things to come)..

Titus 3:12-15 Paul’s closing remarks 3:14 Learn to maintain good works 2:14 zealous of good works 3:1 be ready to every good work (“to be ready to do whatever is good” NIV) Proverbs 6:18 “feet that be swift in running to mischief” Christians should develop a propensity for doing good. Acts 10:38 “Jesus of Nazareth... who went about doing good.”