TItus 3 | Saved to Be Set Apart

Titus 3:1-15) Saved to Be Set Apart

Big Idea- Because of God’s grace that saved us when we were lost, we are called to live lives set apart, submitting to God’s order and devoting ourselves to good works that reflect His love to the world.

V.1-2 Duties of a preacher part 2: remind people of 6 areas on how a Christian should be in their public life summarized by submit to authority, don’t fight and do good works.

Why do we fight? James 4:1-2 the desire to have your way because we want to be in control, to be god.

What’s the antidote? James 4:7- Submit yourselves to God. Submitting means trusting God’s authority and design, it humbles us and reorients our hearts and brings peace.

Biblical understanding of Submission: Sub-mission. Coming under God’s mission.

1. Why Submit?
2. Submission is Biblical -100 explicit commands to submit to authorities and 450+ implicit commands.
3. God establishes all Authority: Rom. 13:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:13 reinforce that submitting to authorities, even flawed ones, reflects trust in God’s order.
4. Jesus’ example: Jesus manifests the way of Submission, Lucifer, the way of rebellion. If He submitted, how much more should we?
5. V.3 Why submit and do good works with kindness? Because we have grace.
6. Why it’s good for us:
7. Submission frees us:
8. From the chaos of attempting to control. James 4:7 Submit to God. Paul says, Submit to God’s order, and you’ll find peace and purpose in doing good.
9. For good works and our great joy. When we submit, we align with God’s good purposes and ultimately into God’s place of joy, peace, meaning, satisfaction.
10. To show the gospel’s glory: By submitting in a rebellious world, like under Nero, we shine as God’s people (1 Peter 2:12). We make the gospel beautiful.
11. To grow in faith: Even under Nero, submission reflected trust in God and is easily the best way to be fruitful and grow faith.
12. When not to submit: when it contradicts God’s authority (Acts 5:29)
13. How do I submit joyfully? V.4-7 Because the cross covers our sin and secures God’s everlasting favor for us as sinners; every single good thing was purchased by the cross.

V.8 Devote: Idea is to take ownership. To lead yourself to good works. Because of whom Jesus is and what he’s done, Romans 12:1-in view of God’s mercies, do good works!

V.9-11 Not profitable things: Our default is majoring on minor points and they foster division rather than promoting love, unity, and good works and a focus on the gospel.

1. The fruit of Submission: Good works V.12-14 168 hours in one week. Can you give one?

Next week we are starting the Summer of Solomon. Let me know if there is a proverb or a section of Solomon’s writing you’d like to see addressed!

See next page for Extra Notes and Grow group questions

Pg. 24 Touching Godliness

Many Christians remain shallow and carnal… The reason is that they are still control of their lives and God cannot mold them… They fight to save their lives, in the end they lose them. Questions that indicate a lack of surrender and submission to authority:

1. Do you lack a sense of purpose and peace in your life?
2. Do you regularly experience strife and disunity with others?
3. Is it difficult for you to believe and obey the commands of God?
4. Do you live with strong and unbending opinions?
5. Do you lack humility and a gentle spirit?
6. Are you defensive when questioned about your choices?
7. Do you feel hurt and offended when somebody corrects you?
8. Do you lord things over people and cause them pain?
9. Are you desperate to be in control of situations.

Our flesh struggles with submission because it requires brokenness.

Grow Group Questions:

1. Based on James 4:1-2, what are some of the desires that tend to lead us into conflict and fighting, and how can recognizing these desires help us?
2. Submission to God and delegated authorities is an antidote to our desire for control. Can you share an example from your own life where choosing submission brought peace or a positive outcome?
3. How does understanding submission to God and His delegated authorities motivate you to live a life of purpose and good works?
4. How can we distinguish between healthy theological discussion and the “foolish debates” Paul warns against in Titus 3:9? What are some practical ways to avoid getting drawn into unprofitable arguments?
5. Why is submission such an effective pathway to spiritual growth, considering that submission is not always easy, especially under flawed authorities?

Kid-Friendly Summary for Parents to Share:

You know how sometimes it’s hard to listen to grown-ups, like when they tell you to clean your room or eat your vegetables? The Bible verses we learned about today talks about why it’s good to listen to and respect the people in charge, like your parents, teachers, or even the rules at school. It’s not just because they said so, but because God wants us to be kind, helpful, and get along with everyone. When we do good things and are kind to others, it shows how special God’s love is and makes the world a better place!

Questions for Parents to Ask Kids:

1. Can you think of a time when listening to a grown-up helped you or someone else?
2. What is one kind thing you can do for someone this week?