Audio by book titus

Being a Jesus Learner is not linear. We do not always soar higher and higher in our spiritual journey. Instead, there is often a disconnect between what we say we believe and how we act. In this teaching we explore the 'spiral view' of discipleship. Obedience ensures we catch the thermal that will cause us to grow in our faith; disobedience will have us crashing landing in a field.

Don't ever think that being saved by God's grace is a license to sin as much as you like. Grace is active - Teacher Grace is always instructing us to deny that which is ungodly and live in a right way before God and people.  Jesus wants us to be zealots; not the religious kind who say much but do not live what they say. Instead, He wants us to be zealous to live out the grace He has freely given us.

If someone won't believe in the Good News that Jesus brings, the next best thing is that they become better citizens. Paul reminds his readers of some of good qualities citizens should have. Taking a look back at our lives, its amazing what Jesus has done in us. God saved us not on the basis of our good deeds but according to His own mercy. We have been regenerated- born anew by His Spirit. So the waters of baptism, the pews of a church, the religious associations we may have cannot bring about this new life. It's nothing short of a miracle by God's Power.

In his closing remarks Paul reminds Titus of the need to insist on good works to follow good theology. Many people love to debate and argue about grey matters. This behaviour can become divisive and ultimately damaging to the body. Such people should be given 2 warnings to see if they are teachable.  If not they are then to be removed from the assembly. Practical good deeds are what really profits -especially when there are pressing needs to be met.  Lets not settle for mere theological knowledge at the expense of good 'old-fashioned' practical Christianity.