Excellent & Profitable Teaching

Text: Titus 3:1-8
Theme: Certain themes should take priority when we teach.
Key verses: “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” (v.1-2). “…He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously…so that we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (v. 6-7). “…And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone” (v. 8).
What God said to me: Let’s review what Paul said is “excellent and profitable”: Be subject to authority, be ready to do good, don’t slander others, be peaceable and considerate, and show true humility toward all. What do these have in common? They all have to do with your actions–especially toward other people. These particular exhortments are helpful and “profitable” for your fellow man. Why did Paul not emphasize matters of the heart as important to teach here? Look back to chapter 2. Paul had already hammered on that premise for behavior when he talked about grace. Grace teaches you “to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives…” But notice where and when you should live such godly lives: “in this present age” (2:12). What kind of godliness will make any real difference to people in this present world? Godliness and purity on the inside alone is not enough. Godliness only becomes “profitable” to others when it works itself out of you and affects your outward behavior toward others. Check yourself on each and every trait Paul listed. Don’t lump them all together–and certainly don’t assume you already exhude each of them to the max. You have room for improvement, Dwayne. Show true humility to others by first of all remaining teachable yourself.
What I said to God: Thank You my precious Savior, for meeting with me this beautiful morning in KY! I know I’m blessed out the wazoo. I have no inkling how fortunate I really am and how much grace You continue to show to me and my family. May we ever be captivated by Your love and grace! And please show me areas when I’m not loving others as I should and not showing them Jesus in my daily walk. I want to be, I must be, holy, as You are holy.