Sermon Central
-
Grace And Me Series
Contributed by Brian Harvison on Oct 7, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: This is the final sermon in the series looking at the book of Titus and how we all, young and old, should live a life of example that follows the Scriptural guidelines, and how it all revolves around the grace of God
Grace and Me
This is our final study in the series Short and Sweet
And this morning we are looking at the book of Titus
This letter was written by Paul and the recipient was Titus
A young pastor facing the assignment of setting in order the churches on the island of Crete
It was written about AD 64 around the same time as I Timothy
Probably from Macedonia when Paul traveled between his Roman imprisonments
Paul obviously had visited Crete on his way to Ephesus
And upon his departure requested Titus to remain a strengthen the churches that were on this island
The Gospel had spread throughout the island
But there was a great need for someone to “set in order” the things that were wanting
That is where Titus came in
This letter can be basically divided into three parts
Conveniently divided into three chapters
Leadership in the church
Right living in the church
Right living in society
As we begin this letter Paul wastes no time with Titus
The people of Crete were well known as being not exactly of a good reputation
They were known as liars, evil brutes and lazy gluttons
As we read in 1:12
Paul starts the letter off by stating the fact that God cannot lie
Apparently Paul was using this fact as a springboard into how Titus had to choose from among these Cretans some godly men in order to fill the positions of elder, or overseer
Which is what we call today - pastor
This passage is very often used during ordination services
Lets look at verses 6-9
Leadership in the church is very important
As your chosen leader I must live up to a high standard
I’m kind of like Hebrew National hot dogs
I answer to a higher authority
I found this article telling of the perfect pastor
After hundreds of years, a model preacher has been found to suit everyone
He preaches exactly 20 minutes and then sits down
He condemns sin but never hurts anyone
He works from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
In every type of work from preaching to custodial service
He makes $60.00 a week
Wears good clothes, buys books regularly
Has a nice family, drives a good car and gives $100 a week to the church
He also stands ready to contribute to every good work that comes along
He Is 26 years old and has been preaching for 30 years
He is tall and short, thin and heavy set, and handsome
He has one brown eye and one blue
Hair parted in the middle, left side dark and straight, the right, brown and wavy
He has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends all his time with older folk
He smiles all the time with a straight face
Because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work
He makes 15 calls a day on the church members
Spends all his time evangelizing the un-churched
And is never out of his office.
Notice as we look closely at verse 6-9 how most of the qualifications involve character
Not knowledge or skill
A person’s lifestyle and relationships provide a window into his or her character
It is important to have leaders who can effectively preach God’s Word
But it is even more important to have leaders who can live out God’s Word and be examples for others to follow
That’s a lot of pressure on me and my family
We do answer to a higher authority
We need to live lives of example for this church
And we are lousy at it
At least I am
Being a sinner, I cannot be a perfect example
No pastor can
But part of surrendering to the ministry is opening yourself up to scrutiny
And placing your whole life on display
Not only to your church, but to the community as well
It’s a tough job
And I pray that we can live up to the task
But we are to live a life of example
Have you noticed a difference in the salute given by our military men and women as President Bush walks by?
Most folks would not notice anything, but those who have served in the military see it right away
Next time just watch for this
As President Bush leaves his helicopter or Air Force One, the honor guard will salute–first facing the President as he disembarks, turning to face him as he passes by, and then turning again to salute the President’s back as he walks away
Though it is a customary courtesy to the Commander-in-Chief, this kind of salute has not been seen for a long time.
Why? Soldiers aren’t required to turn and face the President as they salute, nor to salute his back
