Final Actions for the United Church (Titus 3:9-15) INTRODUCTION John Adams said the unity at the signing of the Declaration of Independence was miraculous. “Thirteen clocks were made to strike together: a perfection of mechanism, which no artist had ever before effected.” - John Adams, July 2, 1776 Titus closes with three action points to declare their dependence upon God and to unite the church in Crete. Avoid foolish controversies. Titus 3:9 (NASB), “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless.” Reject a divisive person. Titus 3:10 (NASB), “Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.” • Titus 1:10, “...who must be silenced” Proverbs 6:16, “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who declares lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” Learn to engage in good deeds. Titus 3:14 (NASB), “Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.” • Titus 1:12, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” • Titus 1:16, “They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.” “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” - Hebrews 13:16 CONCLUSION “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley (1703-1791)