Even more than the composition of the church, the church is beautiful because of the way those in the church are to live. This week, we come to part one of our study in Titus 2:1-10. These verses are all about how every individual in the church is to live in accordance with God’s Word to show off the beauty of God’s work and word.

This week we will see:

(We will back in Titus next week, but this week, I wanted to remind you of God's amazing grace as seen in Ephesians 2:1-10).

Every believer’s testimony of salvation is different. If you add names and faces to the story of God’s grace, the testimonies may be slightly or drastically different.

grace

We’re going to see this story of resurrection in three parts:

False teachers have existed in every age of the church. From those who deny the deity of Christ to those who deny the humanity of Christ. From those who add works to salvation and those who say the saved aren’t to do any work after salvation. From the first century to the middle ages to the 21st century, false teachers have always abounded. 

This was true in Crete, which is one of the reasons Paul wrote to Titus, and it is true today. The Question is - what should we think about false teachers? How are we to respond to error in the pulpit? Paul shows Titus how he was to respond and by seeing this, we will learn how we can respond as well. 

We do similar things with the men we think should be pastoring and shepherding our churches. What makes someone “pastor-material?”

When Paul told Titus to ordain certain men to be pastors, he didn’t give him a list of leadership skills or speaking qualifications. He didn’t emphasize eloquence or appearance. Paul describes pastor-material by telling us what he must be and what he must do. 

Dear (insert whoever’s name here).... If we write a letter, that’s how we will begin our letters. Our greetings are not that extravagant. Even in emails, our greetings consist of - Good afternoon, hope you’re doing well or something of that nature. Our greetings are drastically different from the way they would have written letters in the first century - especially the apostle Paul. 

Titus 1:1-4 is a Gospel-centered and grace-filled greeting. It introduces us to who we will be reading from and what his heartbeat is over the next few chapters.

We will see:

What if I told you that you don’t have to put the weight of the world on your shoulders? You don't have to live each day under the burden of hyper-productivity. You don't have to carry the weight of failing again, sinning again, and falling again. Instead, you can live each day resting in Jesus. 

All we must do is hear and respond to the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30. 

Luke 2:1-7 details the birth of Jesus, but without verses 8-14 we don't know the significance of His birth. The angel appears to the shepherds that night to declare to them the good news of Jesus birth - A savior is born. The good news of Christmas is the greatest news ever told.

The Christmas season is and should be filled with hope. However, it’s not because of a chubby dude squeezing into your chimney. It’s not because that special someone will meet you under the mistletoe. Frosty may be a jolly, happy soul, but he can neither thrill nor heal your soul. Rudolph, with his nose so bright may guide Santa’s sleigh, but he can’t light your way to hope. 

Where is hope found? In a lowly manger, after a decree of a wicked ruler. The Savior is born and this is hope.