Memory Verse: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5)
Scripture Reading: Titus 3:1-15 / Ephesians 2:1-13
Introduction: People are of all sizes and vary in strength. No yardstick of physical attributes could be used to measure people of the Kingdom. It wouldn’t be fair; rather, God accepts a willing mind. As we notice all the way through, it seems to be the desire of the mind that qualifies us for the kingdom.
At the very outset it is a deep desire to do right, to serve God and to be in the kingdom that makes it proper for God to call us. We qualify for the next step by accepting this gift of salvation through His Son. Many folk have the first qualification but stumble at the second, trying to by-pass conversion through yielding to the Savior. They hope at this juncture to substitute “good works.”
Later it is still the desire of the mind which causes us to seek the fellowship of the saints in preference to that of others. God likes what He sees and draws close to us, the Word becomes precious and so we grow thereby. Later yet, we qualify for the final exams through the desires of our mind. We can look back across our life and see that we have walked with Him because we wanted to.
Tiny things can disqualify us: One disobedience—cost Saul his kingdom, one disobedience—prevented Moses from entering the Land of Canaan, and one lie—cost Ananias and Sapphira everything.
There are many sad pictures within the covers of the Bible. One is found in the “close” decision of Agrippa not to become a Christian. As Paul laid out before the eminent man the claims of the Gospel, he was brought face to face with a time of decision. What it was that held him back we may never know; his position, his family, his friends, one or all of them together—the decision was close, he teetered and tottered and then toppled the wrong way and so, not qualifying for the kingdom of God.
A recurring theme throughout the New Testament is that Christians should live up to their holy calling. What a tragedy it will be for some to stand ashamed at Christ’s return when it is laid out by example how much better it would be to abound in the Spirit, empowered to do what we are called to do. Since Paul has been exhorting Titus to emphasize good works in his ministry with the Cretans, he wants to make it clear that such works have no value in saving a person; rather it is solely on the basis of God’s mercy that we are delivered from the penalty of our sin. It is through this continual process of Christian living that we are enabled by the Holy Spirit which results in our growth, both in character and good works.
Lesson Questions:
- What instruction is given regarding subjection to civil powers? Titus 3:1. Do we have any experiences of the early Christians given in the Bible, concerning exceptions to this instruction? Matthew 22:17-21; Matthew 17:24-27; Romans 13:1-8; 1 Peter 2:13-15.
- What is said further about speech and conduct? Titus 3:2. Is it possible to speak evil of no man? Ephesians 4:31.
- What does Paul say to Titus concerning their own manner of living? Titus 3:3; Galatians 1:6-7.
- As we consider these words, remembering what God did for them in making them new creatures, are we not encouraged to surrender our lives to Him? 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:3; Romans 3:3-4.
- Although all were in such a lost condition what appeared and how? Titus 3:4.
- According to what does our Father save us? Titus 3:5. By what two acts is the work done? Ephesians 4:4-8; John 3:1-3; Romans 12:1-2.
- How did our God shed upon us—this washing and renewing? Titus 3:6. How are we justified? Romans 5:1-5. By this act, what do we become? Titus 3:7; Romans 5:9-11. Are we indeed heirs of eternal life? John 3:16; Titus 1:2.
- What is the faithful saying which Paul desires Titus to affirm and how often? Titus 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15-16.
- Discuss what should be avoided and why. Titus 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:16-17.
- How can we be sure? 2 Timothy 2:19; Revelation 21:14; Ephesians 2:20-22.