Lord I Ain't What I WasGraphical sermon notes by,

Rev. Ed Whitman

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts

© Copyright 2015 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

Titus 3: 3-8

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.

We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Titus 3: 3-8

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.

Titus 3: 3-8

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3: 3-8

This is a trustworthy saying. 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.

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us … through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit … so that … we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life … I want you to stress these things …

Titus 3: 4-8 (edited)

Titus: the ManOne of Paul’s mentorees

Church planter with Paul in Crete

Left behind to organize / oversee

Letter – more detailed instructions

Titus: the LetterChapter 1 Orderliness in Church life

Chapter 2 Godliness in Home life

Chapter 3 Relationships in the World

Prepare teaching on Christian behavior in a non-Christian society

Titus: the LetterRelationships in the World

Remind believers about the necessity of being:

-Good Citizens verse 1 -Good Neighbors verse 2

-Motivation verses 3-8

Good Citizen – Good Neighbor

Remind them to be submissive to rulers

and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and

to show perfect courtesy toward __ ______Titus 3: 1-2 ESV

“…toward all people”

Possible Reaction

Some People! All people?

Need more motivation than a mandate from one of God’s

preachers!

Paul’s (anticipated?) Response

Stress the Gospel story with them

so that they will continue to devotethemselves to good works.

Titus 3: 8

A Good Opportunity to STRESS the ABC’s of our faith

Motivation to persevere in doing good:-Fellow believers (at home and church)

-All people in your world

Expression of appreciation for all that our Savior has done for us

Let’s

Pray

Our Salvation – Titus 3: 3-7

A. OUR PAST CONDITION -We were foolish and

disobedient -We were deceived and

enslaved by passions and pleasures

-We lived in malice and envy -We lived being hated and

hating one another

Our Salvation – Titus 3: 3-7

B. GOD’S WORK IN OUR LIVES NOW

-We are saved by grace “kindness and love of God”“not because of

righteousness things we had done” -We are being renewed by the Holy Spirit

“through the washing of rebirth and renewal”

Our Salvation – Titus 3: 3-7 C. HEAVEN IS OUR

DESTINATION -Having been justified by

His grace, -we might become heirs,

having the hope of eternal life.

Catherine Hankey - 1866I love to tell the story of

unseen things above,Of Jesus and His glory, of

Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;

It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Catherine Hankey - 1866

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story

of Jesus and His love.

“I love to tell the story… the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Do you love to hear the story?Does hearing the Gospel stressed do it for you? What?

-Motivate you to respond by living a life of love and

good works for God’s glory?

towards fellow believers

and your neighbors?

Do you have a gratitude attitude?

Civil War Battlefield Bible

"Lord, I ain't what I oughta be,

And I ain't what I wanna be,

And I ain't what I gonna be.

But Lord, I thank ya, I ain't what I was."

Titus 3: 8

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.