March 8, 2020

A CHANGED LIFE
March 08, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever had a gift that was so perfect, so “right” for the one who would receive it, that you thrilled with anticipation as you visualized their joy? Was it received as you had hoped? Good or bad, can you share your story?

Open:
The apostle Paul was able to offer the most significant of all testimonies after his salvation: he was completely changed in his thinking and his actions. Later, as he penned letters to the churches he ministered to, he encouraged all believers through the centuries to be aware of the immeasurable gift given by the grace of God, and he pushed the churches to be all that they could be—impacting the world until Jesus returns. His message to Titus is a great example of the changed life available through Jesus Christ.

Key Verse: Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”

Focal Passage: Titus 2:11-15.

We are saved by the grace of God

  • Read Titus 2:11. Why was it necessary for God’s grace to be manifest to mankind?
  • If God had not made a way for you to be saved, how would you have found salvation? Had you lived during Old Testament times, what would you have done to know God?
  • Who did His grace appear to?

Which should affect the way we live and act

  • Read verse 12. If you are truly aware of how much it cost God to provide salvation for you, how has it changed your lifestyle? Can someone share how much your life changed upon salvation?
  • As you grow in faith and knowledge of God, what are some of the qualities that have become your “normal” actions?
  • What are some of the ways your lifestyle differs from the world around you?

As we wait for the great promise

  • Read Titus 2:13. What was the great promise that Paul was speaking of?
  • Read John 14:1-4. What promise did Jesus make in these verses? Last week we learned God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). What feelings do you experience knowing Jesus’ promise to return for you is sure?

Because He has changed us for a reason

  • Read verse 14. Have you ever sacrificed yourself in some way for someone? How did they receive your gift (of time, money, etc.)?   
  • Do you feel you are truly committed to serving Christ? Discuss some of the challenges that you encounter as you try to walk as He walked (Are you invited places that He would not go? Are your words flavored with profanity that you justify? Do you take His name in vain, as a habit?).

So we can change the world through Him

  • Read verse 15. Can you share what you did this week to further the gospel to any ONE person?
  • Discuss: will anyone in your circle of friends or co-workers desire to be a Christian because of you?

Close:

What a marvelous message from Paul that has come down through the ages to bless us! God’s grace is constantly manifested to us through His word, as we read and receive the strength we need in this ungodly world. It truly becomes a circle: we spend time in His word, receive the promises and life lessons made to us as His children, grow as we seek to know Him better, return to His word, and increase in faith and knowledge of Him! The more we grow, the more we desire to grow, and His promises shine even brighter on our path. The love and joy flow out of us to bless others as we go our way.

One of the added blessings in your reading is knowing it so well you began to match scripture to scripture. One section or thought will remind you of another passage, and suddenly you find a confirmation in a totally different book of the Bible! It is like a treasure hunt. And as we let the scripture produce godly fruit in us,  (Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet. 1:5-8) we realize God is shaping and growing us to reach the world for Him. It is an amazing, fruitful time that His word truly never “returns void.”

This week search your heart to see what level of commitment you show at work, or in your daily routine. As we bring this sermon to a close, spend time this week to understand God’s reason for choosing to place His love upon YOU.

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