Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

Living in a pluralistic society is not foreign to the New Testament. The Church was born in such a context.

And so, it is not surprising then when the Bible gives us instructions for how to live as followers of Christ in such a context. What are we to do when our values and belief are so misunderstood by the surrounding culture and attacked from both the left and right? Well, this is precisely the question that is behind Paul’s statement to the believers on the island of Crete. Paul commands the church not to be arrogant and divisive with their unbelieving neighbors and authorities, but rather to humbly serve them. They are to be “ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men” (Titus 3 NASB).

Paul gives at least two reasons for this response. First the Gospel humbles us. It reminds us that the sin at work in the world is exactly the same sin that once held us captive and still seeks to control us. “We ourselves were once…disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures” (Titus 3:3). If you know Christ, then you should be very familiar with your own sin, and therefore full of empathy towards your fellow sinners.

Secondly, Paul reminds us that the only reason we are set free from the absolute rule of sin is the absolute free and sovereign love of God in Christ. We did nothing to save ourselves; He did it all. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:4-5 ESV).

We need not feel threatened when attacked. We are secure in the sovereign love of God. Such security frees us, genuinely and gladly, to serve others.

Have you been so freed?

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

Titus 3 (ESV)

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.