Saved by God for Good Titus 3:1-8 Introduction: Chesterton was asked, “If you were stranded on an island and could have only one book, what would it be?” He replied: "Thomas's Guide to Practical Shipbuilding." If a small group of new Christians were stranded on the island of Crete, what single book would they need? Titus! Titus is God’s Guide to Practical Church building. Titus 3 begins with four necessary reminders to Christians: Remind them of the Virtuous Citizen (Titus 3:1-2) Remind them of the Lost Soul (3) Remind them of the Regenerated Heir (4-7) Remind them of the Engaged Christian (8) 1, The Virtuous Citizen Titus 3:1 (NASB), “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.” Seven characteristics are given as reminders to be virtuous citizen: Subject to rulers, authorities. Submission to authority is the default position of the Christian in society, in the family, and in the church. Obedient. Obedience to the laws of the land and city ordinances. Ready for every good deed. Believers should demonstrate a readiness to engage and create goodwill in the community. Not slanderous. Slander is a great sin, a public lie, a personal attack, a false witness, abusive speech, an exaggerated report with the intent to ruin someone’s character/career. Not contentious. Se are to contend for the faith, but not be contentious. We are do defend our faith, but not be defensive. This is an art and skill believers must learn in public dialogue. Gentle. This means sweetly reasonable and in control of our temper. Considerate of all people. Christians need to mind our manners and be polite and respectful in public… with all people. Illustration: George Washington didn’t become a Colonel, or our 1st President because it was handed to him. He earned it by learning to be virtuous and courageous. When he was 14-15 years old, he copied an entire book by hand in his notebook (in perfect cursive). The book was, “The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation.” Washington copied all 110 rules. (His notebook can still be seen at the Library of Congress). Rule 40: Strive not with your superiors in argument but always submit your judgment to others with modesty. • As a Christian we strive to be civil and decent – having a good reputation in our community. The Lost Soul Titus 3:3 (NASB), “For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.” The Lost Soul (Titus 3:3) Seven characteristics are given as reminders of the hopeless condition of the lost soul: Foolish – unwise, unthinking, lacking any spiritual understanding. Disobedient – stubborn, rebellious, impersuasible. Deceived – led astray, mistaken (a deceived person doesn’t know they are decieved)! Enslaved (to various lusts and pleasures) - addicted, under the influence, serving the idols of fleshly appetites. In malice and envy – driven to hurt people (and thinking its fun!), being resentful of someone is better off than you. Hateful – this person is hated by others for being so despicable to others. Hating one another – is an intense dislike of people and of God. Titus reminds us we were all lost like this, until God’s grace changed us. There is a famous saying spoken when a man was being led to the gallows, the saying goes… “There, but for the grace of God, go I,” The Regenerated Heir Titus 3:4 (NASB), “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” This may be the most concise statement of the Gospel in the NT. One main idea stands out in v5: HE SAVED US! (this is the main verb) There is no salvation for anyone, if God is not a saving God! Seven characteristics are given as reminders of true salvation by God: (coming next week) CLOSING: A true story of salvation about Nori in the book, Women Who Risk: Secret Agents for Jesus in the Muslim World by Tom and Joann Doyle.