1 00:00:04,900 --> 00:00:09,900 Well, good morning. As Jasper said, my name is 2 00:00:09,900 --> 00:00:14,300 Steve. I am a just a sinner saved by 3 00:00:14,300 --> 00:00:17,700 grace. Who's also humbled to be one of 4 00:00:17,708 --> 00:00:20,500 the Elder candidates here at your life. 5 00:00:21,800 --> 00:00:25,000 I'd like to add my welcome to visitors this morning. 6 00:00:26,600 --> 00:00:29,800 Thank you for being here. If this is your first time here 7 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:34,300 I ask you one other thing and that is Please Don't Judge this. 8 00:00:34,500 --> 00:00:38,300 Loving gospel teaching Church by my precinct. 9 00:00:39,700 --> 00:00:44,600 It's a good excuse for you to come back again and hear some of 10 00:00:44,600 --> 00:00:46,200 the other Godly men. We've got here. 11 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:48,700 Preach, amen. Good. 12 00:00:48,700 --> 00:00:50,000 I'm glad you did. Make me on that. 13 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:51,200 Thank you. I appreciate. 14 00:00:51,200 --> 00:00:53,100 I appreciate, I really appreciate that. 15 00:00:54,800 --> 00:00:57,400 Before we get started, I want to share something with you. 16 00:00:57,400 --> 00:01:00,400 That I was told a couple of weeks ago about preaching. 17 00:01:00,900 --> 00:01:06,200 I'll keep the source undisclosed but But I was told that you can 18 00:01:06,200 --> 00:01:10,300 tell when a preacher is getting better at preaching because his 19 00:01:10,300 --> 00:01:14,700 sermons are getting longer. So I think this is maybe the 20 00:01:14,700 --> 00:01:17,700 third or fourth time for me to preach. 21 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:22,100 So if what I was told is true when I finish today, you can 22 00:01:22,100 --> 00:01:25,300 look at the clock and rate my progress for yourself. 23 00:01:26,400 --> 00:01:29,000 But on the other hand you may just want me to stick with one 24 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:32,600 of my little 15 minutes or minutes when I come back the 25 00:01:32,600 --> 00:01:37,700 next time. My grandson cult told me 26 00:01:37,700 --> 00:01:39,400 yesterday. I asked him how long you wanted 27 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:41,600 me to preach and he told me 100 hours. 28 00:01:41,800 --> 00:01:49,400 So we're we're not going there. I promise, seriously, as I Was 29 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:53,900 preparing for this sermon this week, I had a thought about 30 00:01:53,900 --> 00:01:59,300 prayer, you know, there's many times that we're asked to pray 31 00:01:59,300 --> 00:02:03,800 for people that we don't know. Think about it, for example, in 32 00:02:03,800 --> 00:02:06,200 homegroup. Oops, when we share prayer 33 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:10,300 requests. Someone might ask for prayer for 34 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:15,600 maybe an extended family member A co-worker, a friend, that has 35 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:22,500 maybe gotten a devastating medical diagnosis and I realized 36 00:02:22,500 --> 00:02:27,500 that if I truly care about praying for that person, I 37 00:02:27,500 --> 00:02:29,900 should pray for their salvation first. 38 00:02:30,400 --> 00:02:35,700 And then ask God for healing. God knows we want everybody to 39 00:02:35,700 --> 00:02:37,700 be healed, right? He knows. 40 00:02:37,900 --> 00:02:40,400 That. But what about the Eternal 41 00:02:40,400 --> 00:02:43,000 importance of their relationship with Jesus? 42 00:02:44,100 --> 00:02:46,800 Shouldn't we just be just as concerned about that? 43 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:53,600 Just a thought I had this week we I promise we didn't add that 44 00:02:53,600 --> 00:02:55,400 to the price of admission this morning. 45 00:02:55,400 --> 00:02:58,000 So that's just just a thought I had. 46 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:03,100 I wanted to share with you this morning before we pray and so 47 00:03:03,100 --> 00:03:12,000 let's do that now. Father you are the very essence 48 00:03:12,500 --> 00:03:18,400 of Love, grace and mercy and we thank you for that. 49 00:03:18,500 --> 00:03:26,100 We thank you for this day. Father, I pray that as we enjoy 50 00:03:26,100 --> 00:03:32,600 these blessings from you that we'd never forget to pray for 51 00:03:32,600 --> 00:03:35,100 those who do not know the comfort. 52 00:03:35,300 --> 00:03:39,600 Your salvation. Thank you for the season this 53 00:03:39,600 --> 00:03:43,500 time of year when we get together as family and friends 54 00:03:44,100 --> 00:03:50,000 and enjoy each other. Father, I especially asked now 55 00:03:50,700 --> 00:03:54,600 as this today is one of the busiest travel days of the year 56 00:03:55,200 --> 00:04:01,000 that you be with those of us who are not here, who are, who are 57 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:03,100 traveling, maybe back home today. 58 00:04:04,800 --> 00:04:08,900 I just pray that you give them safe travels so that they can be 59 00:04:08,900 --> 00:04:14,500 back with us next week. I asked father for me for 60 00:04:14,500 --> 00:04:18,200 clarity for Simplicity in my words. 61 00:04:18,500 --> 00:04:25,600 Calm my anxious spirit. And finally, father, part of the 62 00:04:25,608 --> 00:04:29,200 scripture this morning contains some difficult teaching. 63 00:04:30,500 --> 00:04:36,200 I pray that your people hear and understand that destruction as 64 00:04:37,300 --> 00:04:43,300 you know, as all instruction in your word is from you and is 65 00:04:43,300 --> 00:04:48,600 good purposeful and trustworthy. These things we ask in your 66 00:04:48,600 --> 00:04:53,900 most, holy name, they meant this morning. 67 00:04:53,900 --> 00:04:58,200 We'll be looking at the last portion of Titus, man, it seems 68 00:04:58,200 --> 00:05:02,000 like we've been in Titus for a really long time for such a 69 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:04,900 small, tightly packed the epistle. 70 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:12,400 Next week, we will start our Advent series that. 71 00:05:12,400 --> 00:05:13,900 Right. Okay. 72 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:18,000 Next week, we'll start Advent, which will bring us up through 73 00:05:18,000 --> 00:05:21,600 the Christian Christmas season up to Christmas. 74 00:05:22,700 --> 00:05:27,200 So, to finish up. Titus lists, let's take a quick 75 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:32,600 review of what we've seen over these last several weeks at the 76 00:05:32,608 --> 00:05:36,700 beginning of chapter 1. After Paul's greeting, he tells 77 00:05:36,700 --> 00:05:38,500 tight. Us to put everything in order 78 00:05:38,900 --> 00:05:43,700 and to appoint elders. We also see the need for proper 79 00:05:43,800 --> 00:05:46,800 leadership in the laying out of requirements for elders. 80 00:05:48,100 --> 00:05:51,300 Then we see a chapter 2 and continuing through most of 81 00:05:51,300 --> 00:05:56,100 chapter 3 how the false teachers were causing problems, even 82 00:05:56,100 --> 00:05:58,200 resulting in divisions within families. 83 00:05:59,300 --> 00:06:03,400 Paul also provides instruction for right, living, including a 84 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:08,400 reminder of the Regeneration and renewal of the holy spirit that 85 00:06:08,400 --> 00:06:13,200 Kyle laid out for us last week. Pauline cursed is readers in 86 00:06:13,200 --> 00:06:17,700 chapter 3 verse 7, when he says, so that being justified by 87 00:06:17,900 --> 00:06:23,300 Grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal 88 00:06:23,300 --> 00:06:26,800 life. Pauline's the epistle with a 89 00:06:26,808 --> 00:06:31,100 final warning to false teachers. And as always with Paul, he 90 00:06:31,100 --> 00:06:36,500 includes encouragement to the church and those who are 91 00:06:36,500 --> 00:06:40,700 specifically helping him, this is what would be will be looking 92 00:06:40,700 --> 00:06:43,000 at today. So look with me. 93 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:50,800 Now, Titus 3 beginning in chapter 8, where it says, 94 00:06:51,900 --> 00:06:56,100 beginning in chapter 8, the saying is trustworthy and I want 95 00:06:56,100 --> 00:07:00,200 you to insist on these things. So that those who have believed 96 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:04,100 in God, may be careful to devote themselves to good works. 97 00:07:04,600 --> 00:07:09,200 These things are excellent and profitable for people, but avoid 98 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:13,000 foolish controversies, genealogies dissensions, and 99 00:07:13,000 --> 00:07:17,400 quarrels about the law for they are unprofitable and worthless. 100 00:07:18,300 --> 00:07:22,900 As for the person who stirs up division after warning him once 101 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:27,700 and then twice have nothing more to do with him knowing that such 102 00:07:27,700 --> 00:07:32,300 a person is Warped and sinful, he is self-condemned. 103 00:07:33,600 --> 00:07:39,100 When I sinned Artemis or tychus to you, do your best to come to 104 00:07:39,100 --> 00:07:42,400 me at nicopolis for I have decided to spend the winter 105 00:07:42,400 --> 00:07:45,200 there. Do your best to speeds, Enos the 106 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:49,600 lawyer and a Polish on their way, see that they lack nothing 107 00:07:50,100 --> 00:07:53,400 and let our people learn to devote themselves to good works. 108 00:07:53,900 --> 00:07:59,600 So as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful All 109 00:07:59,600 --> 00:08:02,700 who are with me, send, greetings to you greet. 110 00:08:02,700 --> 00:08:07,100 Those who love us in the faith Grace be with you all. 111 00:08:08,700 --> 00:08:14,000 And speaking of Grace, be with you, all it is in your bulletin. 112 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:16,700 You see that the title of a message is pursuing? 113 00:08:16,700 --> 00:08:19,400 What is profitable? That is my fault because I 114 00:08:19,400 --> 00:08:23,800 didn't communicate. Well, this week, the actual 115 00:08:23,800 --> 00:08:26,600 title. This morning is Grace be to you 116 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:32,200 all. Moving on verse, eight begins is 117 00:08:32,200 --> 00:08:36,799 a carryover and a reiteration of something that has always been 118 00:08:36,799 --> 00:08:39,400 mentioned. And that is the saying is 119 00:08:39,400 --> 00:08:44,100 trustworthy. If you look back in chapter 1, 120 00:08:44,300 --> 00:08:47,900 while Paul is laying out, the qualifications for elders in 121 00:08:47,900 --> 00:08:53,400 verse 9, he says he referring to an elder must hold Fern to the 122 00:08:53,400 --> 00:08:58,500 trustworthy word as taut, so that he may be able to give 123 00:08:58,500 --> 00:09:02,800 instruction in sound doctrine. That is the Gospel of Jesus 124 00:09:02,800 --> 00:09:06,700 Christ, and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 125 00:09:07,800 --> 00:09:16,400 So, the word saying used in, 3:8 and referred to in chapter 1 126 00:09:16,400 --> 00:09:21,700 verse 9, as sound Doctrine is also mentioned in 1st, Timothy 127 00:09:21,700 --> 00:09:27,000 Chapter 1, beginning in verse 8 where Paul writes now we know 128 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:30,500 that the law is good. If one uses it lawfully, 129 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:35,300 understand this that the law has not laid down for the just 130 00:09:35,300 --> 00:09:39,200 before the Lawless and disobedient for the ungodly and 131 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:44,200 sinners for the holy Unholy. And profane for those who strike 132 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:48,900 their fathers and mothers for murderers the sexually immoral, 133 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:54,000 sexually immoral, men, who practice, homosexuality in, 134 00:09:54,000 --> 00:09:59,100 slavers liars, perjurers and whatever else is contrary to 135 00:09:59,200 --> 00:10:02,600 here. It is sound Doctrine, in 136 00:10:02,600 --> 00:10:05,600 accordance with the gospel of the glory of the Blessed God in 137 00:10:05,600 --> 00:10:10,600 which I have been entrusted. The footnote in my ESB, Bible 138 00:10:10,700 --> 00:10:14,100 says that sound Doctrine is used here in 1st. 139 00:10:14,100 --> 00:10:21,300 Timothy is the participle of the Greek word high giano and is 140 00:10:21,300 --> 00:10:24,800 found seven times in first and second Timothy and Titus. 141 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:30,200 Here, it's translated to the English word sound and includes 142 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:34,500 the idea of help in the sense of healthy or health-giving 143 00:10:34,500 --> 00:10:38,400 doctrine and in phrases such as I am. 144 00:10:38,400 --> 00:10:44,000 Well, and in good health, I am right, reasonable pure and 145 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:48,100 uncorrupted. So by definition the term, the 146 00:10:48,100 --> 00:10:52,900 sound Doctrine, is the health or health, giving that flows 147 00:10:52,900 --> 00:10:57,500 directly from the gospel. This continuing verse 8, the 148 00:10:57,500 --> 00:11:01,200 saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these 149 00:11:01,200 --> 00:11:05,300 things. So that, so though, so that 150 00:11:05,300 --> 00:11:09,500 those who have believed in God, may be careful to devote 151 00:11:09,500 --> 00:11:15,000 themselves to Good Works. The lifestyle, Paul and Visions 152 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:19,700 here does not occur in Von involuntarily or spontaneously, 153 00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:24,000 a Christian should carefully plan to achieve spiritual goals 154 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:27,600 when it comes to Desiring, a Godly character and, and, and 155 00:11:27,600 --> 00:11:30,500 Ambitions for useful Ministry and service. 156 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:35,700 The reformed expository commentary. 157 00:11:35,700 --> 00:11:39,100 Says this, it's pretty long but but I think it's important for 158 00:11:39,100 --> 00:11:44,200 us to hear for those who envisioned growth in Godless to 159 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:46,900 be difficult. Paul points out, the great 160 00:11:46,900 --> 00:11:50,400 benefit, these things are excellent and profitable. 161 00:11:50,400 --> 00:11:54,200 For people. A Christians time is not wasted 162 00:11:54,200 --> 00:11:58,800 in studying the Bible, praying for Spiritual progress and 163 00:11:58,800 --> 00:12:01,300 diligently. Practicing what has been taught 164 00:12:02,100 --> 00:12:05,600 Our holy character and good works break blessing into the 165 00:12:05,600 --> 00:12:10,200 lives of those around us, Daniel Lake and points out that these 166 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:13,900 good works are profitable for everyone saved. 167 00:12:13,900 --> 00:12:18,200 And unsaved the latter seeing the beauty of our new life and 168 00:12:18,200 --> 00:12:23,000 being drawn to Christ. William Hendrickson adds that 169 00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:24,800 the Christians. Good works. 170 00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:30,700 Bring life, joy and peace. Where before there was death, 171 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:39,100 Darkness sadness, and fear. If a pastor or a friend of 172 00:12:39,100 --> 00:12:44,400 yours, ask you, what are you working on in your spiritual 173 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:47,500 life? Would you have an answer? 174 00:12:49,500 --> 00:12:54,400 Couch. We as Christians should always 175 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:56,300 have an answer, right? Amen. 176 00:12:59,300 --> 00:13:04,000 Verse 9. But avoid foolish controversies 177 00:13:04,400 --> 00:13:08,300 genealogies dissensions and quarrels about the law for they 178 00:13:08,300 --> 00:13:12,900 are unprofitable and worthless. It is not enough for Titus to 179 00:13:12,900 --> 00:13:16,600 continually teach trustworthy sound Doctrine in order to 180 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:22,900 produce a good gospel result. He must also be constantly aware 181 00:13:22,900 --> 00:13:27,500 of the activities of the false teachers that would have the 182 00:13:27,500 --> 00:13:31,800 opposite effect. Here Paul returns to the theme 183 00:13:31,800 --> 00:13:36,300 that he's been stressing. Titus was not all was not to 184 00:13:36,300 --> 00:13:41,700 allow his ministry to become embroiled in pointless, debates 185 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:46,300 and divisions. You know where a worthless 186 00:13:46,300 --> 00:13:48,000 controversies. Begin. 187 00:13:50,100 --> 00:13:54,700 They begin with in the selfish mind of, man. when I get the 188 00:13:54,700 --> 00:13:59,400 idea that I'm not going to let you appear more intelligent than 189 00:13:59,400 --> 00:14:03,200 I am, I could easily find something to disagree with you 190 00:14:03,200 --> 00:14:12,600 about I've got a personal secular example of this idea of 191 00:14:13,000 --> 00:14:17,600 trivial insignificant controversies, and it involves 192 00:14:17,600 --> 00:14:23,100 my learning experience in raising cattle. and I got to say 193 00:14:23,100 --> 00:14:31,500 this first, I dearly love my wife and my family, my family, 194 00:14:32,600 --> 00:14:37,300 or her family has taken me in and treated me just as one of 195 00:14:37,300 --> 00:14:40,900 their own as you're about to see Sure. 196 00:14:40,900 --> 00:14:44,600 Okay, here I go. I hope I really don't get in 197 00:14:44,600 --> 00:14:47,800 trouble with this. Y'all. 198 00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:53,900 Just keep this amongst us. Okay, now as I've mentioned, you 199 00:14:53,900 --> 00:14:57,400 all, before I was born and raised just outside of Atlanta 200 00:14:57,400 --> 00:15:04,200 Georgia, The closest thing I ever saw to a cow was in the 201 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:06,000 meat section in the grocery store. 202 00:15:08,300 --> 00:15:11,900 So fast forward, many years solder and I are married. 203 00:15:13,200 --> 00:15:16,600 Her father has gotten to the point to where he couldn't take 204 00:15:16,600 --> 00:15:18,800 care of the family farm in sauna. 205 00:15:18,800 --> 00:15:24,900 And I are the only ones that have the time to be able to do 206 00:15:24,900 --> 00:15:31,000 all these things that need to be done. now, when I say I didn't 207 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:37,900 know anything about farming, I really mean that, I mean, that 208 00:15:37,900 --> 00:15:43,500 one of the first lessons I had to learn, was that just because 209 00:15:43,500 --> 00:15:46,000 a cow had horns, did mean, it was a bull. 210 00:15:47,800 --> 00:15:55,100 Now I grew up deer hunting and I just couldn't understand what. 211 00:15:55,100 --> 00:15:57,200 So why aren't cows like deer? Why? 212 00:15:57,200 --> 00:15:58,800 I don't understand. God made him different. 213 00:15:58,800 --> 00:16:02,200 I just I never got that. But that was the first lesson I 214 00:16:02,200 --> 00:16:05,700 had to learn. Anyway, the point of the story 215 00:16:05,700 --> 00:16:11,200 is that I quickly found out that everyone had their own opinions 216 00:16:11,400 --> 00:16:13,800 as to how the form should be run. 217 00:16:15,900 --> 00:16:18,800 You know, there was things to do like cut hay. 218 00:16:19,900 --> 00:16:24,400 Things like do we have armyworms in the Hayfield or not? 219 00:16:25,600 --> 00:16:29,500 Which calf goes with which Mama? Which feel do the cows need to 220 00:16:29,508 --> 00:16:39,400 be on When do we nude need to? Move the hay rings in man in the 221 00:16:39,400 --> 00:16:43,800 winter time. When do we start feeding, how 222 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:48,400 often do we feed? When do we need? 223 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:53,500 You know, it was just way too much for me to understand and 224 00:16:53,500 --> 00:17:00,200 to, in to absorb But my point here is that everyone had their 225 00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:03,100 own ideas as to how to raise cows. 226 00:17:04,300 --> 00:17:06,099 There wasn't an instruction book. 227 00:17:07,200 --> 00:17:11,599 Everybody had their opinions. And from time to time it did 228 00:17:11,599 --> 00:17:17,599 cause a little bit of friction. But obviously situation such as 229 00:17:17,599 --> 00:17:20,900 farming only have temporal consequences. 230 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:26,000 But in cases of biblical doctrinal issues, the results 231 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:31,700 can have eternal consequences. Let's say, I get an idea in my 232 00:17:31,700 --> 00:17:35,400 head that may be completely and totally wrong. 233 00:17:36,700 --> 00:17:39,600 But you know what? If I spend a little bit of time, 234 00:17:40,300 --> 00:17:43,000 I can easily find somebody to agree with me. 235 00:17:44,400 --> 00:17:48,600 I was curious about this this week so I went to the one place 236 00:17:48,600 --> 00:17:52,300 that seems to be the cache containing all the knowledge in 237 00:17:52,308 --> 00:17:56,800 the world. You know, Google that's behind 238 00:17:56,800 --> 00:18:05,000 Facebook but I used Google and I typed in Christian doctrine, The 239 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:11,500 results were over 76 million. so I thought, well, let's kind of 240 00:18:11,800 --> 00:18:17,700 Pare this down a little bit so I went to Amazon went just to the 241 00:18:17,700 --> 00:18:24,600 books section typed in Christian doctrine, And got over six and a 242 00:18:24,600 --> 00:18:30,400 half Million results. Now, please don't understand. 243 00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:36,500 Miss understand what I'm saying? I'm all for a constant diet of 244 00:18:36,500 --> 00:18:41,100 god-centered Articles podcasts, whatever. 245 00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:47,400 We need that But what this shows is that it's easy for false 246 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:52,000 teaching to result in controversy, if we don't use 247 00:18:52,000 --> 00:18:57,900 God's word as the source and only resource to which we hold 248 00:18:57,900 --> 00:19:03,900 all others accountable. Paul sites genealogies as a 249 00:19:03,900 --> 00:19:07,900 source of contention. Meaning that your family tree is 250 00:19:07,900 --> 00:19:12,900 not worth arguing over. If it were then I should tell 251 00:19:12,900 --> 00:19:19,100 you that on a Genealogy website. One time I got on there and 252 00:19:19,700 --> 00:19:23,600 looked up my father started clicking on his side. 253 00:19:24,700 --> 00:19:28,400 Now, I know all this was just absolutely the truth because it 254 00:19:28,400 --> 00:19:33,500 was on that website. I was able to go back hundreds, 255 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:42,500 even a few thousand years. And well anyway, do have y'all 256 00:19:42,500 --> 00:19:44,500 seen Braveheart? Everybody seen Braveheart. 257 00:19:44,900 --> 00:19:46,600 Oh yeah, one of the greatest movies of. 258 00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:52,300 All right. So according to this website, 259 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:55,900 again, let me stress that this is absolutely true because it 260 00:19:55,900 --> 00:20:00,400 was on the website. I am related to Robert the Bruce 261 00:20:01,800 --> 00:20:04,500 You remember him? He's the one that betrayed 262 00:20:04,500 --> 00:20:08,300 William Wallace. They're close to the end and, 263 00:20:08,300 --> 00:20:14,400 and by association to Robert the Bruce, I'm also a descendant of 264 00:20:14,400 --> 00:20:16,900 King. Robert, the third of Scotland, 265 00:20:20,600 --> 00:20:27,300 So what does that mean for me? Absolutely nothing, right? 266 00:20:28,300 --> 00:20:31,000 But this is exactly what Paul was talking about here. 267 00:20:31,500 --> 00:20:36,200 Judaizers were trying to use their family trees to prove 268 00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:40,200 their perceived intellectual prowess over the teachings of 269 00:20:40,200 --> 00:20:45,400 Titus. Dissensions refer to the to word 270 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:50,000 battles, and quarrels about the law refers to the legalistic 271 00:20:50,200 --> 00:20:53,000 demands that were being added to the gospel. 272 00:20:54,500 --> 00:20:58,700 The common theme is that of a jewish-christian blend in which 273 00:20:58,700 --> 00:21:02,100 a burden of extra-biblical? Demands was placed on the 274 00:21:02,108 --> 00:21:05,700 people. Gordon fee sums up the problem. 275 00:21:06,200 --> 00:21:12,500 Apparently, some Hellenistic that is Greek Jews on Crete, who 276 00:21:12,500 --> 00:21:17,000 had accepted Christ. We're also promoting continuing 277 00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:21,400 connections with Judaism, especially in the form of 278 00:21:21,800 --> 00:21:26,200 speculative teachings, and rigorous Devotion to rules and 279 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:30,000 regulations. John Calvin describes. 280 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:34,900 These controversies as whatever is pointless trifling and he 281 00:21:34,900 --> 00:21:40,600 relevant by false teachers seek to be lauded for their subtle 282 00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:46,400 speculations. Today, this might include 283 00:21:46,700 --> 00:21:51,400 dogmatic positions that extend beyond the clear teaching of 284 00:21:51,400 --> 00:21:54,800 scripture that are bound to produce. 285 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:58,400 Disagreements? Remember earlier, when I 286 00:21:58,400 --> 00:22:04,800 mentioned the search, I did on Google and Amazon, it's no 287 00:22:04,800 --> 00:22:09,600 wonder why the danger of false teaching is such a potential for 288 00:22:09,600 --> 00:22:15,400 division. remember also, in the first century Christian churches 289 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:20,600 didn't have complete the complete New Testament They 290 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:24,700 didn't have a nice compact leather-bound, scroll that they 291 00:22:24,700 --> 00:22:30,900 depended now, they depended greatly no solely on letters 292 00:22:30,900 --> 00:22:35,500 written to them by Spirit-filled Apostles for their instruction. 293 00:22:36,900 --> 00:22:41,700 Today, we have the benefit of the entire Canon of scripture. 294 00:22:43,300 --> 00:22:48,000 When we seek Clarity, we have the ability to reference one 295 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:51,400 verse to another to assure correct understanding. 296 00:22:52,200 --> 00:22:56,300 But even with this blessing dissension is still an issue in 297 00:22:56,300 --> 00:23:00,400 churches today. Paul doesn't take the time to 298 00:23:00,400 --> 00:23:02,400 elaborate on each of these controversies. 299 00:23:02,800 --> 00:23:06,600 He just points out. These matters are unprofitable 300 00:23:06,700 --> 00:23:13,000 and worthless. Now, he is in no way referring 301 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:18,000 to honest sincere questions. That we also often have one of 302 00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:20,900 the greatest blessings of being part of a Congregation of 303 00:23:20,900 --> 00:23:25,600 Believers is the ability to discuss these issues with others 304 00:23:25,600 --> 00:23:30,800 who are also seeking truth. But when a spirit of dogmatic 305 00:23:31,100 --> 00:23:35,400 critical argument is brought into discussion of a point of 306 00:23:35,400 --> 00:23:39,200 contention. The only results is a dead end. 307 00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:43,200 A popular commentary. I references. 308 00:23:43,200 --> 00:23:48,600 This how much more is this true when the subject matter is 309 00:23:48,600 --> 00:23:54,200 speculative theories about end times or distinctions in 310 00:23:54,200 --> 00:23:57,800 Systematic Theology? So, fine that it requires an 311 00:23:57,800 --> 00:24:02,200 advanced degree to even understand the terminology. 312 00:24:03,900 --> 00:24:06,600 In some cases sincere disagreements over the 313 00:24:06,600 --> 00:24:10,500 sacraments or church government warrant careful discussion. 314 00:24:11,800 --> 00:24:16,500 Yet when sincere gospel believing friends, cannot come 315 00:24:16,500 --> 00:24:20,100 to agreement. They should show mutual respect 316 00:24:20,100 --> 00:24:26,700 for different practices. So long as vital gospel, 317 00:24:26,700 --> 00:24:34,200 principles are not steak. Quite often prolonging of debate 318 00:24:34,200 --> 00:24:36,600 yields. Increasing heat with decreasing 319 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:39,700 light so that nothing good is accomplished. 320 00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:43,500 Whether the argument has been won or lost spiritual energy has 321 00:24:43,500 --> 00:24:49,400 been misplaced and needless Strife has been stirred how much 322 00:24:49,400 --> 00:24:55,000 more worthless are damaging and damaging our such debates when 323 00:24:55,000 --> 00:25:00,500 the positions extend beyond scripture or are even contrary. 324 00:25:01,000 --> 00:25:08,000 To the gospel. Okay, here we are at verses 10 325 00:25:08,200 --> 00:25:13,600 and 11. Earlier, when I prayed, I 326 00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:18,200 mentioned that there was a difficult part of this portion 327 00:25:18,200 --> 00:25:22,300 of scripture. And this is it. 328 00:25:25,400 --> 00:25:31,100 Verse 10 as for a person who stirs up division after warning 329 00:25:31,100 --> 00:25:35,600 him once and then twice have nothing more to do with him. 330 00:25:36,800 --> 00:25:41,600 Knowing that such a person is Warped and sinful, he is 331 00:25:41,600 --> 00:25:46,800 self-condemned. The Greek word for this. 332 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:53,900 Divisive person is Hera Tico's from which we derive, the word 333 00:25:53,900 --> 00:25:57,700 heretic. While the word later came to 334 00:25:57,700 --> 00:26:02,400 identify a person who holds false doctrines its original 335 00:26:02,400 --> 00:26:05,300 meaning, pointed to a controversial person 336 00:26:05,700 --> 00:26:10,900 specializing in half-truths and misinterpretations in order to 337 00:26:10,900 --> 00:26:14,500 win, others over to their personal opinion. 338 00:26:15,300 --> 00:26:17,500 While creating harmful divisions. 339 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:23,500 This is the only time this word is used in Scripture. 340 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:30,800 Back in chapter 1, verse 10, right after Paul, is the koala 341 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:35,100 qualifications for elders? He says, for there are many, who 342 00:26:35,100 --> 00:26:38,200 are insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers, 343 00:26:38,800 --> 00:26:41,500 especially those of the circumcision party. 344 00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:46,700 Continuing in verse 11, they must be silenced since they are 345 00:26:46,700 --> 00:26:49,900 upsetting whole families by teaching. 346 00:26:49,900 --> 00:26:56,100 For shameful, gain with they ought, not to teach Friends, is 347 00:26:56,100 --> 00:27:00,300 I've mentioned already to cause issues within a family including 348 00:27:00,300 --> 00:27:03,900 the church. Family regarding untruths is 349 00:27:03,900 --> 00:27:10,700 wicked and cannot be overlooked a footnote in my Bible says it 350 00:27:10,700 --> 00:27:17,300 well To love Christ, means to love his church and seek to 351 00:27:17,300 --> 00:27:21,400 build it by word and deed the sin. 352 00:27:21,600 --> 00:27:26,800 And apathy often seen in church May at times require strong 353 00:27:26,800 --> 00:27:29,400 criticism and be a cause for grief. 354 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:37,400 But Christ shed his own blood to create the church and the church 355 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:43,100 is God's primary conduit of his grace and glory to the world. 356 00:27:45,300 --> 00:27:49,600 Listen to Jesus words in Matthew, 18 beginning in verse 357 00:27:49,600 --> 00:27:52,800 15. If your brother sins against you 358 00:27:53,200 --> 00:27:57,300 go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. 359 00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:01,500 If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 360 00:28:02,500 --> 00:28:06,700 But if he does not, listen, take one or two others along with you 361 00:28:07,600 --> 00:28:11,300 that every charge may be established by the evidence of 362 00:28:11,300 --> 00:28:15,900 two or three Witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, 363 00:28:16,100 --> 00:28:20,700 tell it to the church and if he refuses to listen, even to the 364 00:28:20,700 --> 00:28:27,400 church, let him be to you as a gentile or a tax collector. 365 00:28:29,600 --> 00:28:34,300 Now, there's a vast difference between rock solid, Biblical 366 00:28:34,300 --> 00:28:37,100 doctrines and matters of conscience. 367 00:28:38,800 --> 00:28:44,200 Let's say that we have a church member who denies the Virgin 368 00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:49,700 birth. A basic tenet of our faith. 369 00:28:50,800 --> 00:28:55,000 I'm talking about someone who has supposedly turned from sin 370 00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:57,100 been baptized and join the church. 371 00:28:59,100 --> 00:29:03,400 Not someone who is unsaved and is just attending our church. 372 00:29:05,100 --> 00:29:09,800 Our hypothetical church member has this wrong belief and begins 373 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:14,800 to boldly express it. In biblical manhood, Sunday 374 00:29:14,800 --> 00:29:19,000 school homegroup. Anytime he gets a chance. 375 00:29:21,400 --> 00:29:25,100 And he's attempting to recruit others into believing as he 376 00:29:25,100 --> 00:29:30,700 does. Brothers and sisters, God's word 377 00:29:30,700 --> 00:29:35,800 tells us that this is not to be tolerated, remember? 378 00:29:35,800 --> 00:29:41,300 However, that those that are unsaved or new Believers, can 379 00:29:41,300 --> 00:29:43,800 many times have wrong beliefs, just because they don't 380 00:29:43,800 --> 00:29:51,300 understand in cases, such as this, it's our responsibility To 381 00:29:51,300 --> 00:29:54,000 disciple them and show them the truth. 382 00:29:55,300 --> 00:29:59,100 Churches should be a hospital for the sick and hurting, not a 383 00:29:59,100 --> 00:30:01,000 hotel for the holy. Amen. 384 00:30:03,700 --> 00:30:06,800 On the other side of this coin, we have matters of conscience. 385 00:30:08,200 --> 00:30:10,900 These are issues where some Grace can be extended. 386 00:30:11,500 --> 00:30:15,700 For example, if a woman feels led to follow a scriptural 387 00:30:15,700 --> 00:30:21,300 teaching, concerning a certain way to dress, or let's say all 388 00:30:21,300 --> 00:30:25,400 of us guys, decide that we need to follow the Old Testament 389 00:30:25,400 --> 00:30:31,100 teaching of not cutting our beards, Other than Kyle having 390 00:30:31,100 --> 00:30:33,700 to look at a room full of ZZ Top. 391 00:30:33,700 --> 00:30:37,700 One of these every week. There's nothing wrong or 392 00:30:37,700 --> 00:30:41,100 unscriptural about either of these situations. 393 00:30:42,400 --> 00:30:46,600 There are all manner of things that we can feel convicted to do 394 00:30:46,900 --> 00:30:51,500 or be that do not violate scripture that are totally fine. 395 00:30:52,300 --> 00:30:58,700 As long as your conviction does not cause you or your brother or 396 00:30:58,700 --> 00:31:03,200 sister to sin. Notice that in Jesus words and 397 00:31:03,200 --> 00:31:07,000 Paul's teaching church discipline begins with an 398 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:09,700 attempt to reclaim the offending person. 399 00:31:11,300 --> 00:31:14,600 So, it must always be when Church Authority is asserted 400 00:31:14,700 --> 00:31:17,100 against an erring member of the community. 401 00:31:18,800 --> 00:31:22,000 Not only once, but even twice, there must be a warning. 402 00:31:22,800 --> 00:31:27,400 But when such warnings are ignored, the church is to have 403 00:31:27,400 --> 00:31:31,800 nothing more to do with him. Now this is not the first time. 404 00:31:31,800 --> 00:31:35,300 Paul's address this idea of church discipline in First 405 00:31:35,300 --> 00:31:39,000 Corinthians 5 beginning in verse 1, he says it is actually 406 00:31:39,000 --> 00:31:44,500 reported that there is sexual immorality among you and of a 407 00:31:44,500 --> 00:31:50,300 kind that is not even tolerated. Among the pagans for a man, has 408 00:31:50,300 --> 00:31:55,400 his father's wife and you are arrogant taught you not to 409 00:31:55,400 --> 00:31:58,600 rather ought. You not rather to mourn. 410 00:31:58,600 --> 00:32:03,200 Let him who has Done. This be removed from among you. 411 00:32:05,000 --> 00:32:09,400 Church discipline and especially the sanction of excommunication 412 00:32:10,300 --> 00:32:14,900 can produce tension within a church and lead to criticism of 413 00:32:14,900 --> 00:32:20,500 Godly leaders. Yet properly exercise discipline 414 00:32:20,500 --> 00:32:23,900 remains necessary for the help of the church. 415 00:32:26,100 --> 00:32:30,500 What Paul says of the view of the divisive teacher is 416 00:32:30,500 --> 00:32:33,700 similarly. True of professing, believers 417 00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:40,600 who will not repent of adultery, spousal abuse slander or any 418 00:32:40,600 --> 00:32:45,000 number of other sins. They have judged themselves, 419 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:49,700 mother unwillingness to respond to warnings and appeals to 420 00:32:49,700 --> 00:32:53,500 repentance. Paul justifies this discipline 421 00:32:53,500 --> 00:32:59,300 in verse 11 verse 11 knowing that such a person is Warped and 422 00:32:59,300 --> 00:33:04,600 sinful. He Is self-condemned, We must 423 00:33:04,600 --> 00:33:07,600 always remember that. The church is Christ bride, and 424 00:33:07,600 --> 00:33:10,900 he died for her. The shunning of this person is 425 00:33:10,900 --> 00:33:15,400 not a decision of a specific person or persons of their own 426 00:33:15,400 --> 00:33:18,600 accord. No, the excommunication is a 427 00:33:18,600 --> 00:33:22,400 result of his own persistent. Transgression. 428 00:33:25,600 --> 00:33:29,500 What are we to do? Let this person continue in 429 00:33:29,500 --> 00:33:33,700 their lives. Risking others Eternal lives. 430 00:33:33,700 --> 00:33:39,200 If they should also believe the untruths, or are we to follow 431 00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:45,000 the scriptural commands and by doing so, Pray for them to 432 00:33:45,000 --> 00:33:50,500 recognize their sin and repent saving them from an eternity of 433 00:33:50,500 --> 00:33:54,300 punishment. I know this is a difficult 434 00:33:54,300 --> 00:33:57,300 portion of scripture. It seems as though it really 435 00:33:57,300 --> 00:34:02,800 belongs in the Old Testament where example of Wrath of of a 436 00:34:02,800 --> 00:34:09,100 wrathful god are numerous but consider it a blessing that this 437 00:34:09,100 --> 00:34:14,500 assembly of Believers led by Faithful Men of God have made a 438 00:34:14,500 --> 00:34:20,000 conscious decision to preach the full counsel of God and His holy 439 00:34:20,000 --> 00:34:24,300 word and Not skip over controversial or difficult 440 00:34:24,300 --> 00:34:30,300 passages right man. Paul closes his letter to Titus 441 00:34:30,600 --> 00:34:36,199 with some Specific Instructions beginning in verse 12, When I 442 00:34:36,199 --> 00:34:40,400 sin Artemis or tychus to you, do your best to come to me at 443 00:34:40,400 --> 00:34:42,500 night. Accomplice for I have decided to 444 00:34:42,507 --> 00:34:46,199 spend the winter there. Do your best to speeds, Enos the 445 00:34:46,199 --> 00:34:50,400 lawyer and a policy on their way, see that they lack nothing 446 00:34:51,000 --> 00:34:54,100 and let our people learn to devote themselves to good works. 447 00:34:54,699 --> 00:34:58,900 So as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfaithful. 448 00:35:00,200 --> 00:35:03,700 All who are with me, send, greetings to you greet. 449 00:35:03,700 --> 00:35:08,200 Those who love us in the faith Grace be with you all. 450 00:35:09,800 --> 00:35:13,300 So even in these parting words, the overarching theme of the 451 00:35:13,308 --> 00:35:17,100 letters. Still addressed that is we are 452 00:35:17,100 --> 00:35:22,900 to devote ourselves to, right? Living and the resulting good 453 00:35:22,900 --> 00:35:26,500 works. These words depict and emphasize 454 00:35:26,500 --> 00:35:31,100 the kind of worthwhile life that Paul wants Titus to cultivate 455 00:35:31,100 --> 00:35:36,500 among his believers. And these instructions, Scholars 456 00:35:36,500 --> 00:35:39,800 suggest that Paul is writing from Macedonia, or maybe 457 00:35:40,500 --> 00:35:45,400 Philippi, but he mentions his plans to go to nicopolis, which 458 00:35:45,400 --> 00:35:49,000 is on the western coast of Greece and spend the winter 459 00:35:49,000 --> 00:35:52,000 there. He says he is sending either 460 00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:56,200 Artemis or Titus to relieve Titus and Crete. 461 00:35:57,300 --> 00:36:02,000 We find in second Timothy 4:12, which was written after the 462 00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:07,000 letter to Titus that tie caucus who accompanied Paul on his 463 00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:11,300 third missionary journey. He's also mentioned it Ephesians 464 00:36:11,300 --> 00:36:15,600 6 in Colossians 4 as a beloved brother and faithful Minister. 465 00:36:16,500 --> 00:36:22,100 He was sent to Ephesus so that would lead us to presume that 466 00:36:22,700 --> 00:36:29,300 Artemis was sent to Creek to You've taught us verse 13. 467 00:36:29,300 --> 00:36:33,400 Tells us that the letter was carried by Zenus, the lawyer and 468 00:36:33,400 --> 00:36:36,400 a Polish. There's no other mention of 469 00:36:36,400 --> 00:36:41,900 zenith Zenus anywhere but Apollo's. 470 00:36:42,200 --> 00:36:45,900 We know well from acts in First Corinthians where he's described 471 00:36:45,900 --> 00:36:50,200 as a zealous and able teacher of God's word. 472 00:36:51,200 --> 00:36:55,600 The example, set by these men provides a pattern of how every 473 00:36:55,600 --> 00:37:00,200 believer should respond to the gospel, message of God's grace, 474 00:37:00,200 --> 00:37:05,400 and mercy for sinners. In Jesus Christ, we should be 475 00:37:05,400 --> 00:37:08,000 using our spiritual gifts. Whether they involve teaching 476 00:37:08,000 --> 00:37:13,200 encouragement Administration, or even, just the most simple task 477 00:37:13,200 --> 00:37:16,600 to keep laboring with fellow Believers in the work of the 478 00:37:16,600 --> 00:37:20,800 ministry. All Christians are to be 479 00:37:20,808 --> 00:37:24,000 productive. Active not only working to meet 480 00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:28,200 their own needs and those of their immediate families but 481 00:37:28,200 --> 00:37:31,800 also pulling together to build up the church and deliver the 482 00:37:31,800 --> 00:37:37,200 gospel to a sinful World. Jesus, bring Salvation to God's 483 00:37:37,200 --> 00:37:41,400 elect creating a people which is the church. 484 00:37:42,700 --> 00:37:47,900 Who by his example show us how to love one another as 485 00:37:47,900 --> 00:37:50,000 Christians. We must be willing to show. 486 00:37:50,100 --> 00:37:54,900 Good Works to others by devoting ourselves The Godly things and 487 00:37:54,900 --> 00:37:59,700 by showing commitment to the work of the Gospel, But the 488 00:37:59,700 --> 00:38:03,700 greatest result of all comes from an acceptance of the grace 489 00:38:03,700 --> 00:38:07,900 of God, that is available to everyone in Jesus Christ through 490 00:38:07,900 --> 00:38:12,100 faith. Paul stressed, the place of good 491 00:38:12,100 --> 00:38:15,400 works and godly character throughout this epistle. 492 00:38:16,100 --> 00:38:20,300 But I'm sure that he would also insist that godliness begins in 493 00:38:20,300 --> 00:38:25,200 God's grace and a fruitful Christian Life relies on the 494 00:38:25,200 --> 00:38:30,100 resources of that Grace. Price t. 495 00:38:30,700 --> 00:38:35,900 L can start coming up? Paul. 496 00:38:35,900 --> 00:38:42,300 Finally, he closes his counsel to Titus by reminding us that in 497 00:38:42,300 --> 00:38:47,700 all our endeavors, we must pray for the mercy and power that God 498 00:38:47,700 --> 00:38:49,800 so graciously provides to his people. 499 00:38:51,600 --> 00:38:55,900 Daniel lakid rights, only God's grace will give us balance 500 00:38:56,100 --> 00:39:01,300 self-control, wisdom and endurance by God's grace, and 501 00:39:01,300 --> 00:39:04,700 for God's glory, we will be equipped and enabled to stand 502 00:39:04,700 --> 00:39:07,700 and serve. Even when the odds are against 503 00:39:07,700 --> 00:39:10,000 us and the battle seems all for nothing. 504 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:17,100 Titus 3 4 through 7 once again taught us that God's grace saves 505 00:39:17,100 --> 00:39:21,000 us through the goodness and loving kindness that appeared 506 00:39:21,000 --> 00:39:23,900 with our Like you're by God's grace. 507 00:39:23,900 --> 00:39:29,000 The holy spirit is poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ. 508 00:39:30,500 --> 00:39:35,900 We must remember God's unending Grace, finding it in his 509 00:39:35,900 --> 00:39:38,200 Sovereign. Mercy through the slave, the 510 00:39:38,200 --> 00:39:44,800 Savior whom he has sent in his son. by Grace, we may leave a 511 00:39:44,800 --> 00:39:49,600 legacy to the glory of God and the Eternal enrichment of those 512 00:39:49,600 --> 00:39:55,300 who are brought to Jesus through our shared labors I chose the 513 00:39:55,300 --> 00:40:00,700 sermon title Grace, be with you all, because even after all the 514 00:40:00,700 --> 00:40:05,600 good instructions and the hard issues Paul deals with in his 515 00:40:05,600 --> 00:40:11,500 letter that Heidi's he is always is encouraging the reader to 516 00:40:11,500 --> 00:40:15,700 continue in the good work and also showing his love for them. 517 00:40:17,700 --> 00:40:23,500 I pray today that God's word has encouraged you and that you will 518 00:40:23,600 --> 00:40:29,100 leave here knowing that you are loved Grace be with you all. 519 00:40:27,800 --> 00:40:29,100 Grace be with you all.