DRESS CODE FOR IDEAL CITIZENS
Titus 2:15-3:2
"If John is supposed to be a Christian, I don't want anything to do with it!
“So you’re a ‘born again’ Christian. I used to have a ‘born again’ employee.
He ripped off a bunch of my equipment!”
“I used to have a friend at school who was a Christian.
She told my friends a bunch of lies about me, and now none of them will speak to me. SOME FRIEND!”
It’s sad that such impressions are the only ones some people ever get of the gospel, and of God’s people.
How do WE look to people who are watching us?
It’s been said that: "We are the only Bible some of our neighbors will ever read!"
Or, as one popular song puts it: “You are the only Jesus, some people will ever see!”
That’s why it’s important that authentic Christians—those who have “the real thing” —live in a way that demonstrates God has made a difference in our lives.
Our life ought to demonstrate that God has transformed us–it can be explained no other way.
This isn’t a very complicated concept!
Again this week, it doesn’t take a lot of profound analysis to discover what Paul means!
An old saying, attributed to various great spokesmen affirms:
“It’s not the parts of Scripture I don’t understand that cause me a hard time,
it’s the parts I understand full well, and fail to practice that bother me.”
If we would just practice these principles, we’d impact the world by our lives!
Christians citizens–people to whom the grace of God has appeared–in 21st century, pagan society, ought to live in a way that demonstrates that God has transformed us--that can be explained no other way.
Paul summarizes what godly lifestyle expects of citizens in our community.
As our neighbors look at our involvement in our community, what should they see?
Titus 2:15-3:2: These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
AUTHORITY OF OUR MESSAGE 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Our message is authoritative, . . .
–not because of the messenger who proclaims it,
–not because of the brilliance with which we present it.
Our message is our final authority because of its source!
Our statement of faith reminds us: We believe the Bible is “the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed.”
The Bible is the last word because it’s God’s Word!
Paul urges Titus to present this message as often as he has opportunity.
Sound doctrine and good conduct go together.
They complement each other.
“Take advantage of every possible means to focus on this theme.”
Encourage people and urge them to live this way!
Paul urges Titus not to give anyone cause to look down on him.
1 Tim. 4:12 gives the same advice to Timothy.
Some look down on Timothy because he’s young—a risk for older church people.
In Salt Lake City I was frequently the oldest member of the Elder Board.
In Tucson that wasn’t likely to happen–ever!
Here the board has been a mix of mostly younger–but some older men.
We talk about having been married for 40 years; people smile. “Why, you’re just kids!!!”
Our focus isn’t on the messenger. It doesn’t matter how old the messenger.
Our authority isn’t based on the age of the messenger, nor on his position.
Our authority is based on the fact that God has spoken!
It’s HIS message, not the preacher’s!
Titus’ task is to preach God’s Word with authority;
not to give people reason to criticize;
and not to worry about how people perceive him.
WE are not the focus!
We are proclaiming God’s Word.
We don’t have to worry what people think about it.
Paul’s counsel to Titus is a “two-edged sword.”
“Be careful about your life so you don’t give anyone occasion to criticize you.”
But, on the other hand, “Don’t back off, or be embarrassed; you are called by God.”
We don’t have same personal commission, but we do have same message.
There’s a difference between speaking with authority because we have God’s Word,
and having to be right all the time, or having a “know-it-all” attitude.
WE aren’t commissioned to have the last word,
but we are commissioned to speak GOD’S Word as our FINAL authority.
God’s Word isn’t optional; accepted or rejected by hearers as we deem best.
It isn’t up for a vote.
He doesn’t even ask if we like it!
God has spoken! Our role is to believe His Word and do what He says!
Balance between using God’s Word with authority, and fighting for MY opinions.
I give you permission to disagree with MY views about anything.
Look at God’s Word.
If what I say is there, you’d better pay attention to what HE says.
Taking GOD’S WORD lightly may be dangerous to your health!
What HAS God said, that we need to pay attention to?
Our life is to be characterized by responsible citizenship and by a “good neighbor” policy.
It’s not easy to live as a good citizen in a pagan society.
Paul shows Titus how to live as God’s children in a pagan society.
TESTIMONY BEFORE OUR GOVERNMENT 3:1a “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
WE SHOULD BE IDEAL CITIZENS!
What is attitude of a pagan society toward those who rule over them? Our attitude?
Teach God’s people to submit and to obey authorities
This isn’t just an option to be considered! GOD HAS SPOKEN!
Society’s attitude: we respect leaders as long as they respect our rights.
When government doesn’t do what WE think, that gives us the right to rebel.
Our attitude should be different.
God establishes governments.
He establishes kings, and He removes them when He thinks it’s appropriate.
Every authority is there because God has placed them there (Rom. 13:1).
Since God sets up and takes down kings, and we recognize His authority over us,
we submit to the government HE sets up.
When rulers abuse authority God gives,
HE assumes responsibility for correcting injustice
and for removing those who lead wrongly.
SUBMIT to authority
—God’s children acknowledge authority God established and submit.
Submission and obedience are similar; but they aren’t synonyms.
To submit: is to place yourself under authority God has established.
It involves our attitude, our willingness to do whatever those in authority require.
Submission is voluntary.
We submit ourselves. No one can impose submission.
Husbands, have you been kidding yourself with the delusion that you can somehow force your wife into submission? Harangue her into it?
Do you think physical abuse can force a woman to submit to your authority?
Dream on!!!
Submission is a heart-response. It’s always voluntary.
It only comes when someone decides to submit.
Submission isn’t conditional!
We say, I’ll submit when they do what God tells them to do!
Dream on!!! This was Rome!!! Rome didn’t do it. Neither will U.S.!
God says submit to your leaders.
God put them there.
He’ll remove them, or control them, in HIS time!
Submit to those in authority over you!
It’s possible to obey without submitting, like child who sat down “on the outside” but was “still standing up on the inside!”That isn’t submission.
It’s possible to submit without obeying.
Submission places me “under orders” to those in authority.
Sometimes person in submission is unable to obey an order.
If I ask Helen to lift 500 pounds, she can’t obey,
even though she may be totally submissive and desire to do my will.
Submissive person may not be able to sacrifice moral or biblical principles.
Leaders told apostles to stop talking about Jesus;
they had to obey God, but accepted punishment with thanksgiving!
Some jump to excuse for disobeying, then refuse to accept consequences.
If you choose disobedience, be sure the basis is biblical principle,
and be sure you’re willing to accept consequences, with praise to God
“for having been counted worthy to suffer for His name.”
Rome was far from perfect; those who caused Paul to suffer were not just.
Paul urges Christians to submit anyway, and to demonstrate their trust in God.
OBEY those in authority—testimony as good citizens includes reputation for obeying law
There may be occasions when God calls on His people to disobey government, as in Acts 5,
–that isn’t the normal response God desires.
Paul obeyed rulers, and submitted to them, even when they held him unjustly for 5 years!
Soldiers realized he wasn’t in jail for crimes;
he remained without protest.
God’s people should be outstanding citizens.
If we must disobey, it’s based on biblical principle; it’s an exception.
We are not revolutionaries, fighting for overthrow of authority.
God’s people should NOT be rebellious.
We’re to submit to those God places in authority.
Thus God uses us to fulfill His purposes and He receives glory.
TESTIMONY BEFORE OUR NEIGHBORS 3:1b-2 3:1[Remind the people] . . . to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
BE IDEAL NEIGHBORS!
I’m glad Paul introduced this section with the words: “Remind people . . . “
It’s “child’s stuff!” There’s nothing new or profound here.
We just need to be reminded: Christian people should make good neighbors!
FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD NEIGHBORS:
1. Be ready to do whatever’s good –Broad summary exhortation
Importance of doing what is good:
1:8 “love what is good” 2:3 “teach what is good”
2:14 “be eager to do what is good”
3:1 “be ready to do whatever is good” 3:8 “do what is good”
Christian neighbors should be influence for good in community in every way —not just issues Christians usually crusade for!
Participate in projects that contribute to well being of our community.
God’s people have been at front, launching movements that improve society.
Christians gave birth to hospitals, to schools, to welfare, and social reform.
When God reveals Himself through His people, society benefits.
A returning missionary was asked about life in New Guinea. He explained:
life looked more hopeless than in a jungle of tigers.'
People lacked moral sense.
If a mother were carrying her baby and the baby cried, she would throw it into a ditch.
If a man saw his father break a leg, he would leave him by the road.
'What did you do?'
'When I saw a baby crying, I picked it up and loved it.
When I saw a man with a broken leg, I tried to mend it.
When I found people hungry, I fed them.
Finally they asked, “Why are you doing this?"
Then I explained the gospel! When I returned home, I left a church!'"
Do people who observe us see an eagerness to do whatever is good?
Are we good neighbors, good citizens in our community?
Do people just see crusaders for few issues we’re committed to?
Do we care about things neighbors care about?
We should be known as good neighbors, people who care about others.
This lifestyle is result of understanding the extent of God’s grace.
We get proud and judgmental when we forget what God saved us out of!
We should remember what we used to be, thank God for His mercy,
and reach out to people struggling with the issues we used to struggle with.
2 specific NEGATIVE characteristics–”We should not . . .”
2. Don’t criticize others [NIV = “slander no one”]—Don’t malign others--gossip, criticism
Earl Wilson: “Gossip is when you hear something you like about someone you don't.”
If you’re one of those Christians whose favorite hymn is "I Love to Tell the Story,"
Paul says, “Cut it out!”
The tongue can do more harm than any other member in our body.
Whoever said, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me!”
didn’t understand human nature!
It won’t help our reputation if we’re always putting others down.
Do people avoid talking about others in front of us because we don’t get involved in that sport?
God’s people ought to be known for NOT participating in harmful criticism.
Many godly people I’ve known model what a transformed tongue looks like.
Some people never speak evil of another.
They concentrate on building up, rather than tearing down.
That’s what God wants His people to look like!
3. Don’t fight —[NIV = “be peaceable”] non-contentious, refuse to engage in quarrels/conflicts.
Root: describes people who enjoy a good fight, who have a fighting spirit.
Adds negative, “NOT!”
It refers more to attitude, than actions.
Some people never have physical fights, but go after others with tongue!
People who like to pick fights don’t make friends and aren’t effective at attracting people to Christ.
We shouldn’t have a reputation for stirring up trouble.
While we are people of conviction, don’t insist everyone agree—even Christian view.
Allow others same freedom to disagree with us that we want for ourselves.
Christians should be known as peacemakers, solving conflicts, NOT creating them.
2 POSITIVE characteristics–We should . . .
4. Be kind to others [NIV = “be considerate”] –Opposite of negative characteristics
Literally describes a person who ‘goes beyond what the letter of the law requires.”
Pharisees insisted on the letter, and with that were satisfied.
Jesus insisted godliness goes beyond letter, to seek people’s best interest.
He warned: learn what God means: “I desire mercy, rather than sacrifice!”
God wants more than legalistic justice–a people known for concern for others.
5. Be considerate [NIV = “show true humility toward all”]
Show consideration—Attitude of humility and gentleness
Peter: such an attitude before those who stray, quiets those who oppose truth.
It’s hard to fight kind people who won’t respond in kind to angry attacks!
It’s easier to love people without Christ when we remember what our life used to look like.
If it weren’t for God’s grace, we’d still be acting like that!
Starting point: if it’s true that "We are the only Bible some of our neighbors will ever read!"
Or, as song says, “You are the only Jesus, some people will ever see!”
then we should ask ourselves, what are people learning from watching US?
Can they see how God has changed OUR life?
Do they see something so different that it can only be explained by the fact that Jesus died to free us from slavery to sin and His Spirit lives in us?
If we were to start to act like this, what would change next week?
Are we known for submissive attitude toward government, or for criticizing those in authority over us?
Are we law-abiding citizens, supporting local government, contributing to well-being of our community, or do we try to get our own way, or to get away with something?
Are we known as people who attempt to do whatever is good?
Do we build people up, make people feel good about others, or do we criticize and tear down?
Do we attempt to live in peace and harmony, or do we prefer a good fight?
Are we kind to others, especially to neighbors who haven’t trusted Christ?
Do others see in us character traits of consideration for others, courtesy, humility, and gentleness, or are they turned off by our antagonistic, critical attitudes?
Cretan Christians lived in a society where these attitudes weren’t popular.
Post-modern Christians live in a society where these attitudes aren’t popular.
Evangelical sub-culture even has an explanation why we shouldn’t live this way.
We rationalize our negative attitudes toward government.
We give good reasons why we should criticize and attack public officials, and unsaved neighbors.
So could the Cretans. This was Rome! But Paul says, “STOP IT!”
We should be known as ideal citizens, ideal neighbors,
who submit to those God has placed in authority,
and are ready to do whatever is good for our neighbors!
Bottom line: Does our conduct as citizens of our community attract people to our Savior?
What’s it going to take—what’s God going to have to change in our lives—to get people to notice that God has changed our lives—for good?
1 Pet. 2:12, in oppressive society, when pagans see our good deeds, . . .
they will glorify God because of what they see in us.
Are we provoking that response in our neighborhood?
What will God have to change in our lives before that can happen?