Getting Serious About Following Jesus

9/30/2012 – Evening Service - 5pm

Devoted

(Titus 3:8-11)

[8] The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things,

The message that we have been considering in Titus is not optional or unimportant. The faith that we love has a life of holiness that it demands. Ministers like Titus need to insist on the gospel of grace, and to help people in the church to walk in the way of the Spirit of God. This is an important aspect of what it means to be a devoted follower of Christ.

so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

You believe in God? Good. So does the devil. But He does not love God. You do. If you love Him, you will do what He says. These are not small points that are one (inspired) writer's ax to grind. They are a major chorus that all the New Testament (and Old Testament) writers sing out with real gusto!

Believe in God? Absolutely! Be devoted to Him in your life? Yes again! What are good works if not the transformation of every relationship and activity in your life according to the way of the Word, the heart of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit? Good works are not some showy or fake spirituality. They are Romans 12:1-2 lived out in a “normal” life, yielding abnormal (heavenly) results, thirty, sixty, hundred-fold.

This is the way we obey God. This is how we show our appreciation for the work of salvation that Jesus did for us. This is the way we grow as Christians. It is the excellent way mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:1, the way of love. And it is very good for others too.

By whom are you willing to be inconvenienced? Just how much are you willing to be inconvenienced? Jesus was willing to be inconvenienced for all who would believe in Him. How much? Inconvenienced enough to die for them. Growing in that willingness to be living sacrifices for others is a life-long project. We need to get right on it.

[9] But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

If you are going to try this, you need to clear your calender of any previous engagements in the category of foolish controversies, or general wastes of time. Your time is not your own, because your life is not your own. Don't neglect your families, and take time to get rest and refreshment. Sure. But recognize a true waste of time for what it is. And give up everything that is nasty and worthless. You're too busy for that.

[10] As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11] knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

People that will not follow this directive but who insist on being petty and divisive cannot continue to distract the church forever. Titus needed to be ready to see such people removed from the church after a couple of warnings. Rotten behavior is not part of anyone's Christian freedom. We have a better Savior than that. And we just don't have the time for anything that is obviously not love.