A REASON TO BE DIFFERENT
Titus 2:11-14
When God redeemed Israel from slavery in Egypt, He had a purpose for them.
He called them to be His people.
They were to be distinct from other nations–to “stand out in the crowd!”
Because they failed to fulfill this mission, God sent them into captivity, to learn to serve Him and glorify Him
After Christ’s death, God called a new group of people to Himself.
He wanted His new people to live a distinctive lifestyle in a pagan world
Paul presents appropriate lifestyle for godly people, in pagan society.
Most important: see ourselves from God's perspective and live accordingly.
God wants us ALL to adorn our doctrine with our practice.
While the specifics of what that lifestyle looks like differs from one group to another–all ought to demonstrate that God has changed our lives!
Our attractive lifestyle draws others to Jesus
Basic question: WHY SHOULD WE LIVE THIS WAY?
The rest of the book deals with this question: Why?
In short: such a lifestyle is the logical response to God’s grace, demonstrated to us in Christ’s death.
[ We’re motivated to live this way because . . . ]
GOD’S GRACE HAS APPEARED 2:11
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”
The motivation for a godly lifestyle is God’s work of grace in our life.
Popular definition: “unmerited favor.”--a gift we don’t deserve.
Rom. 5:8: God “demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”
God gave us a gift we didn’t deserve: He gave us life.
God has given us salvation through death of Christ => we should be different.
When we understand grace, it won’t lead to libertinism.
God’s grace isn’t a license to sin.
God’s grace motivates us to gratitude for all God has done for us
Paul’s appeal is based on the fact that God’s grace HAS appeared.
He’s not presenting a legalistic way to earn something from God.
God already demonstrated favor, without merit of any kind on our part.
His grace is the source of salvation, for all people.
That salvation comes to all who trust His Son.
Eph. 2:8-9 “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
John 1:12 “To all who received him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”
That grace of God—salvation offered to all people—has already come!
He offers it to all who trust in His Son
God’s grace--that appeared in Christ--WILL make a difference in our life!
God’s grace in our life produces fruit.
THE FRUIT OF GOD'S GRACE 2:12-13
“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”,
The grace of God has taught us to leave our old lifestyle
NEGATIVE FRUIT: God’s grace teaches us to "Just say NO!”
God’s grace produces rejection of lifestyle we used to follow--which world still follows!
God’s grace teaches us to say “NO!” to ungodly living.
-To ungodliness--to all activities that reflect
--lack of piety --lack of God's perspective
Daily activities that leave God out of our lives
God’s grace teaches us to say “NO!” to worldly desires
--to things people whose lives are rooted in this world desire
Not only has God’s grace changed our activities.
He’s also changed our attitudes.
Grace trains us to say “No” to desires that characterize the world.
"Me first!" "I want what I want when I want it!"
Self at center of the universe.
God’s grace has a negative side. We have left our old lifestyle.
God’s grace also has a positive side
It isn’t just seen in what we don’t do.
It’s also seen in positive side of what God has done in our life:
God’s people are often thought of as negative.
Our reputation is often based on things we don’t do.
—including the popular idea that Christians don’t have any fun!
“We don’t smoke, and we don’t chew! And we don’t go with girls who do!”
God’s people should be known for what God has done for us.
Positive effects of God’s grace set us apart from the crowd!
The grace of God has taught us to live a new lifestyle--
POSITIVE FRUIT: God’s grace teaches us to SAY "YES!" 2:12-13
“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”,
God’s grace teaches us to say “YES!” to God’s perspective (discernment)
—living in accordance with God’s perspective
Live so we demonstrate that we understand how God views life.
He has given us a new way to see life, and a new way to see ourselves.
Our focus is no longer on US, but on GOD!
We view ourselves as HE sees us, then live on basis of His perspective.
God’s grace teaches us to say “YES!” to righteousness--treat others justly
Pagan culture teaches everyone to watch out for themselves.
“Watch out for #1!” “If we don’t, no one will!”
The grace of God teaches us to watch out for each other.
—to treat others as we want to be treated—to deal with others fairly.
God’s grace teaches us to say “Yes” to godly living--"rightly religious"
In contrast with "ungodliness" mentioned above--same root + "a" (negative)
In contrast to people living without taking God into account, we live aware of God’s presence.
Our life centers on realization that God exists; He cares how we live.
We live this way now, because we know what the future holds 13
“While we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”,
We have a hope.
Climax of God’s plan for human history will be fulfilled when Christ comes again
His glorious 2nd coming is our hope, in midst of chaos of life.
God’s people has hope, in generation without hope, we look forward to our Lord’s return!
Confusion floating around about our Lord’s return.
Skeptics laugh at the thought.
Some set dates.
Saints wait--expectantly—looking forward to His coming.
What NOT to do about it—
Don’t set dates
Don’t quit work and move to a mountain top.
What TO DO about it—
Watch expectantly for His coming.
Live as though He might come today—while you wait!
Let that hope purify your life! Be sure you’re ready for His coming!
We’re careful how we live now, because we’re waiting for Jesus’ glorious appearance
The Message: This new life which we enjoy now “is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ appears.”
We live a distinct life, because we’re waiting for Jesus to come!
Shackleton left men on Elephant Island in the Antarctic, intending to go back for them, but was delayed and couldn’t return as planned.
When he finally set out, water had frozen and he was cut off from them.
3 times he tried but was blocked by ice.
Finally, he found a narrow channel.
Guiding his vessel to the island, he was surprised to find his men alive and well.
They had belongings packed and were ready to board, soon they were on their way home.
Once out of danger, Shackleton asked how each man was ready to depart.
Every morning leader rolled up his sleeping bag and shouted, "Get your things together, men.
The boss may come today."
He may come today! Are WE waiting?
How does that wait affect OUR life this week?
THE PURPOSE OF GOD'S GRACE 2:14
“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Jesus gave Himself that he might free us from wickedness
He has “redeemed” us. He bought us, so He can set us free.
“Free will” isn’t a biblical concept.
Humans aren’t free!
Scripture says we are SLAVES!
Jesus gave Himself, He paid with His own blood, in order to free us!
Jesus gave Himself that he might purify a people
He wants His people to be . . .
A people that is totally His
A people that is eager to do good works (zealous of good works)
Jesus gave Himself for us to PURIFY a people, eager to do what is good.
God desires a pure people.
We’re so contaminated by our culture you can hardly tell the difference.
It’s no new insight to observe that our culture is on a downhill slide.
In 1939, one 4-letter word in Gone with the Wind created a major scandal
When television first began, married couples slept in twin beds!
Now, we allow “entertainment” into our homes we never would have permitted a generation ago.
What saddens God’s heart: His people go along with our culture
Abortion rate among people in evangelical churches is not significantly different from those in the general culture.
Pornography on cable television, Internet and elsewhere is rampant!
Abuse–both sexual and physical– is common!
Unfaithfulness –even among pastors has become epidemic!
How has God’s grace made our lives different?
Several years ago God brought me to a new commitment to purity, when I read a report from a major evangelical conference.
I’ve forgotten exact figures, but my impression is that nearly half of those present ordered pay-per-view, sexually-explicit movies in their rooms.
Jesus gave himself to PURIFY a people for Himself.
He didn’t free us so we could do “whatever I feel like doing!”
He set us free so we could serve Him.
He set us free so we could be pure.
He set us free so we would be eager to do what is good.
GOD’S GRACE HAS APPEARED, to establish in a pagan world, a people that belong to Him--eager to live for Him.
Grace calls us to action daily--in the midst of a pagan culture.
In pagan culture of Paul’s day, where pagan gods surrounded, but made no difference in their lives, people needed to see: the grace of God has appeared, by looking at lives of God’s people.
In post-modern era, when people no longer believe in absolute truth, people need to see: the grace of God has appeared, by looking at lives of God’s people.
How will they see it? What difference does it make?
When God’s grace produces in God’s people what it was sent to teach us:
. . . when we leave the old lifestyle
. . . when we live the new lifestyle
. . . then, people will take note that the grace of God has appeared, and will be attracted to the One Who came to reveal it!
Let me make clear, again: the basis of this lifestyle is the grace of God.
It isn’t another legalistic attempt to “play by the rules” and somehow please God.
If you’re here without Christ, if you’ve never trusted Him and received God’s grace, that Jesus came to give, you’ll never be able to live this kind of life.
We must trust HIM! I want to invite you to do that this morning.
But having received that gift of life by His grace, we’re reminded that God’s purpose was to make us different--to free us from the old lifestyle and give us NEW LIFE!
If you’ve already received God’s grace. If you’re trusting His Son, . . .
the grace of God that’s appeared in our life should be producing it’s fruit in us/
It teaches us to say “No” to the old lifestyle of ungodly living and self-centered attitudes.
It teaches us to say “Yes” to new lifestyle of discernment, righteousness and godly living.
Bob McAlister, visiting Death Row, "saw a stomach-churning sight in cell occupied by `Rusty' Woomer. Rusty was sitting on the floor--motionless.
Dozens of roaches covered the wall and floor, crawling all over him.
He didn’t even flick them off.'
35-year-old murderer of 4, facing electric chair, had sunk to depths of hopelessness.
Bob wasn't sure how to react.
Finally, he pleaded: `Rusty, just say the name Jesus.'
Slowly, with great effort, the nearly comatose inmate whispered His name.
"Bob explained how Jesus is the God of hope.
When Bob asked if he wanted to accept Christ's forgiveness, Rusty nodded.
Through his tears, he prayed: `Jesus, I've hurt a lot of people.
Ain't no way I deserve You to hear me, but I'm tired, and I'm sick, and I'm lonely.
My mama's died, and I never got to tell her bye.
Please forgive me, Jesus, for everything I've done.
I don't know much about You, but I'm willing to learn, and I thank You for listening to me.'
A week later, Bob walked up to his cell; it was spotless.
Dirt, roaches and porno magazines were gone.
Walls were scrubbed, bed was made, scent of disinfectant hung in air.'
Rusty was smiling and enthusiastic.
“I spent all weekend cleaning out my cell because I figured that's what Jesus wanted me to do."
Have WE cleaned up our “cell” because that’s what Jesus would want US to do?
THE GRACE OF GOD HAS APPEARED!
In our day it has reached farther than ever before!
The light should be easier to see everywhere.
Are more people living godly lives than ever before? Are the effects more visible?
Have you received the grace of God?
WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS IT MADE –IN OUR LIFE?
What changes are needed for the grace of God to become apparent to people watching?