…on the sermon preached on 29 November 2020 ActNow! (Applying Christ’s Teaching NOW) follows the weekly sermon series of TPMC, and challenges us to apply and put into practice the biblical truths we hear each week. It is the recommended Bible discussion material for TPMC’s Connect Groups, and leader’s notes are available to all Connect Group Leaders and at the Information Counter. Titus 3 Titus 3 Mr Wee Hian Woon SERMON SYNOPSIS • In the Book of Titus, Apostle Paul writes to give instructions and encouragement to Titus who had been left in charge on the island of Crete in leading the church. In Chapter 1 Apostle Paul gives instructions about the qualifications and appointments of elders and warnings of false teachers. In Chapter 2 he instructs concerning the teaching of sound doctrine to various groups of people. In this third chapter, Apostle Paul dealt on the basic practical details of Christian living. The recurring theme of Chapter 3 is “do good”. Paul had instructed Titus “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works...”. Our Lord Jesus Christ set the perfect example of one who went around doing good and all who were oppressed by the devil, as He taught and preached the gospel of the kingdom. And the greatest good done by Christ Jesus is when He died for sinners (cf. Titus 2:7; 3:1, 8, 14; Acts 10:38, Matthew 4:23). • The call to do good is based on the gospel that includes both faith and works. DDDoctrineDoctrine precedes doingdoing. We are “saved not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 3:5-6). Our justification comes by grace through faith alone, not works. Salvation is entirely on the basis of God’s mercy. It is not earned by doing good works. Salvation is a free gift of grace from God to those who believe Christ died on the cross to pay the price of our sin and through believing on Him are given life everlasting. When believers are saved, Christ’s Spirit blesses them beyond measure (more abundantly). The Holy Spirit is given so that believers will be transformed “by washing of regeneration” and “renewing of the Holy Spirit” to live like Christ, going around doing good (Titus 3:5). • We are saved to do good. Doctrine precedes doing and duty follows doctridoctrinenenene. Apostle Paul urged Titus to affirm constantly that “those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men” (Titus 3:8). Faith is not just a private matter between God and you. A saved person exercises excellent and profitable impact on the lives of others. For example, Titus was instructed to remind the people to be obedient as responsible citizen and to be ready to do whatever is good (Titus 3:1). Whenever believers can, support all efforts of those in power to improve the lives of others. • The second aspect of doing good is in believers’ interaction and interpersonal relationship toward “all men” including non-believers or those who behave annoyingly. Christians are called to show restraint and courtesy (Titus 3:2-3) toward others. Relationally within the church, Christians do good by fostering unity in the church. Paul caution Titus against factious individuals who sow discord and after two admonitions, to have nothing to do with such subverted persons. (cf. Titus 3:9-11). • Paul instructed Titus to help and provide for the journey and needs of two missionaries who were sent to Crete. The third example to devote themselves to doing what is good, is to provide for those in need and not live unproductive lives. Writing Team: Agnes Goh, Foo Ming Tay, Hannah Ng, Lye Kuan Loy, Ravi Cuttilan 1 / 2 …on the sermon preached on 29 November 2020 ActNow! (Applying Christ’s Teaching NOW) follows the weekly sermon series of TPMC, and challenges us to apply and put into practice the biblical truths we hear each week. It is the recommended Bible discussion material for TPMC’s Connect Groups, and leader’s notes are available to all Connect Group Leaders and at the Information Counter. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS RELATE 1. Share something you randomly did to help someone recently or witness a random act of kindness? What initial thoughts come to your mind and how did the action impact the other person or those around? REFLECT 2. Mother Teresa once said, “We’re not doing this (good works) because we’re social workers. We’re doing this because we’re followers of the King.” The sermon highlighted categories/types of good works in relationship to others – how we relate to government and authority (social relationships); how we relate to non-believers (community relationships); how we relate to fellow believers (church relationships). How does the good work we do differentiate from social work or good works that society or other religions do? Why is this important? [Verses to help us go deeper: 1 Corinthians 13:3; 1 Peter 2:11-21; Matthew 5:14-16; ] RESPOND 3. Apostle Paul gave seven qualities of godly character in Titus 3:1-2 (a) subject to rulers and authority (b) obedient (c) ready for every good work (d) not speaking evil of others (e) peaceable (f) gentle (g) showing all humility to all men. Which of these would you strive for with God’s help and why? Share how you could demonstrate these characteristics and be ‘ready for every good work’ daily? [Verses to help us go deeper: James 4:11-12, Romans 12:1-3, 9-21] PRAYER POINTERS • Thank God for His mercy in saving us through Jesus Christ and His gracious providence. • Seek God forgiveness for our disobedience and failure in doing good for His glory and name sake. • Pray for godly wisdom and discernment in our daily activities so that we may be ready for every good work He has prepared for us to do as His Spirit leads. SCRIPTURE TO MEDITATE ON “5not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. [Titus 3:5-6, NKJV] Writing Team: Agnes Goh, Foo Ming Tay, Hannah Ng, Lye Kuan Loy, Ravi Cuttilan 2 / 2 .