Titus - 11

A Study Of The Book Of Titus.

Lesson 11 Chapter 2:13 – 15

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Verse 13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
1. I we go all the way back to verse 11 we have a greater understanding of verse 13. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12.) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” The same grace of God that brings salvation also brings us the teaching to deny ungodliness and live according to Gods word. Therefore it is this same grace that brought the salvation and good works that makes us ready to meet Jesus Christ in His second coming.

a. Christians that do not live godly lives are not ready to meet Jesus in the clouds; because there at that time is judgment. 2 Timothy 4:8 "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Loving His appearing is looking for Him.

b. However we who are living by Gods grace and Gods word are ready for His “glorious appearing”

c. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:5 “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.”

2. “Looking” that is with eager desire. For that glorious appearing.

a. Looking – because we know what is coming on that glorious day. Philippians 3:20 - 21 "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (21.) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

b. Christ Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, by Him, in heaven, how wonderful and I look forward to seeing my Lord and seeing our prepared place. So yes it is “with eager desire” we await His coming.

c. However not all truly do.

3. “…of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” our Saviour is the great God.
1. Verse 14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works”
1. Jesus Christ gave himself on that cross to redeem the lost elect. This is another reason we are looking with eager desire” for His coming, He is our Saviour. John 10:15 “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

a. Galatians 1:4 “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” – that is from the hold it had on us.

b. Let us all remember God has supplied us all (that is all the saved) with enough grace to deliver us from all evil.

2. “…that he might redeem us from all iniquity…” – “all” Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” By cleansing “all” of their iniquity”
3. “…and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” – Well Israel of old but here it is the Gentile Christians.

a. The words “peculiar people” means - being beyond usual, that is, special (one’s own) – meaning a people chosen, and redeemed by Jesus Christ.

b. Deuteronomy 7:6 "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth."

c. 1 Peter 1:18-21 "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19.) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (20.) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (21.) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”

4. “…zealous of good works” meaning we have a earnest desire to do good works. Because of Gods grace. Everything goes back to verse 11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation…” brings everything else to us. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
2. Verse 15 “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
1. “These things speak…” What things “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation…” that is everything that the grace of God brings to us.

a. John Gill said; “Sound doctrine, the doctrine of grace, the doctrines of salvation and redemption by Christ, of peace, pardon, and cleansing by his blood; these speak out clearly, plainly, publicly, boldly, and faithfully.

b. “…and rebuke with all authority…” it is only with truth that we can rebuke. The truth is our authority to rebuke. Gods grace also gives us the right to rebuke, how can one sinner rebuke another? Because that are living in the grace of God. Mark 1:22 “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.”

2. “…Let no man despise thee.” The word “despise” means - to think beyond – that is to think beyond the authority of grace and truth. We are not allowed to make the scriptures of private interpretation. 2 Peter 1:20 - 21 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (21.) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
3. We must always walk in the truth, there is no room for exception. 1 Timothy 4:11 - 13 "These things command and teach. (12.) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (13.) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."