Doing It By the Numbers
Titus 3:3-8
September 5, 1999
Rev. Charles S. Mims
Pastor's Note: This sermon is not much more than a bare outline. It is not fleshed out with illustrations and needs more application as well as more in depth exposition. These are simply my notes for this morning's service. A service that will undoubtedly have a time crunch.
The Holy Bible, King James Version
Titus 3:3 through Titus 3:8
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient,
deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness
and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by
the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which
he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That
being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of
eternal life. 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I
will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Today in our services we are celebrating two of the ordinances that show publicly our obedience to the Lord. Not only are we called out to become “sons of God” but we are set aside and marked by our obedience. Obedience is the public affirmation of what we know to be true in our hearts. To be sure one does not need to observe either baptism or the Lord’s Supper in order to achieve the salvation promised us in scripture. Our salvation has been secured through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
We do, however, need to observe these ordinances to show to the world our obedience. Baptism represents the symbolism of our sins being washed away, while the Lord’s Supper reminds us of Christ who washed those sins away. They are vital activities in the life of a Christian for the well-being of our relationship. When we participate, even vicariously as in the case of our baptism this morning, we strengthen our resolve, and it seems often we feel a little closer to our Lord.
Usually when we talk about a baptism we often refer back to John 3:5 where Jesus is discussing the new birth with Nicodemus.
The Holy Bible, King James Version
John 3:5
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I
say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he
cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
The act of baptism in effect symbolizes that new birth. This new birth gives us a feeling of newness, or freshness. Today’s scripture also imparts that feeling of a new life. When we enter into a relationship with the Lord he changes us in ways that are beyond imagination. Positive changes, changes that can only improve the quality of our existence.
Often when undertaking a new task it is helpful to have directions, or instructions on how to proceed. This morning we are going to look at beginning a new life, and we will go by the numbers.
One Change
First there is one magnificent change in our life. We use many different words to describe this event, but they are all the same change. We might say we were saved, or washed. We might say that we have been forgiven, or that Christ has renewed us. Each of these refer to that moment in which Christ changed us.
Oh what a change it was! Today’s scripture tells us what we were changed from. Our sinful reprobate existence is changed forever. No longer are we foolish and disobedient. No longer are we slaves to sin, living in pleasure, delighting in things that are evil. Our hateful thoughts and angry bearing is forever changed.
We become justified, sanctified, and glorified. We who were unholy, become holy before the living god. We go from being as sons of Satan to become the sons of God.
When a change like this takes place, it is incumbent upon us to rejoice. To thank the Lord for the wonders that he has wrought. Obedience in baptism is but one way to say thank you to our God.
Two Important Facts (vv 5-6)
Second we find two facts that are important in our relationship. The first one is that our works do not save us. It is not by our might that we achieve this salvation. There is nothing that we can do on our own that would make us worthy to stand before God. It is not the number of times we darken the doors of the church, or the amount of money we place in the offering plate that determines our salvation. It is not good deeds which we have done, nor the people we have helped that determines our salvation.
Instead our salvation is given to us because of God’s mercy and his grace. Were it not for His intense love for us, we would remain floundering in sin. But, by His grace we are saved! This is the second fact. The regeneration, the rebirth, it all comes from God. He chose to give us an option, he chose to offer us a solution.
By the grace of God we are made victorious over sin. By the grace of God we are made whole.
Three Symbols
Third we find three symbols of our relationship in this passage of scripture. The first of these three is that we are washed clean. Our sins are forgiven, and washed away. This is a powerful image of cleanliness. Today’s baptism is an outward sign of that washing away. Baptism symbolizes this cleansing of our life. We are put under the water, and come out clean again. Only the ordinance of baptism can convey this symbolic truth. There will come a time when we realize it is more than mere symbolism though. While the outward act of baptism is simply a symbol, then inward changes are much, much more. It is these inward changes that the ordinance represents.
The second symbol we find in our scripture the new birth. When we accept Christ into our lives, we are being reborn. Just as Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about. It symbolizes a death to the old us, and a rebirth into a new creation. The word regeneration in verse five is the same concept found in John 3:5. We are regenerated; brought back to life. This new birth is symbolized by the raising up out of the water in our baptism ceremony. A new life is born, and we are the recipients of this wonderful regeneration.
The third symbol we find is the symbolism of a renewal. We have a new life, a new mind, a new attitude, a new self, a new outlook, and even a new promise. We have been renewed. This new creature that we become is a sanctified creation.
Four Attributes of God
Finally we find four attributes of God. God is described as good, kind, merciful, and full of grace. It is because of God’s goodness that we are able to see the direction we should go. God is so good is so much more than just a cutesy little song we sing, it is an actual fact. God is good. He defines goodness for us.
His kindness should inspire us to be kinder to others. He is the epitome of a kind and gentle leader. His kindness offers to us the option to receive his mercy.
He is merciful. We deserve to pay the penalty for our sins, but he grants us clemency. He gives to us what we don’t deserve. Because He is good and kind.
His mercy is extended to us by His grace. His grace covers our lives and delivers us from our sins. It is by the grace of god that we are made Holy.
Copyright ©1999 by Claim The Victory Ministries
South Peninsula Baptist Church
Daytona Beach, FL