## Be Mindful

## Titus 3:1-3

When Paul wrote to Titus, he pointedly explained that he had been sent to Crete for a purpose. The church was in need of direction. Titus was given the task of setting things in order; he was also told to teach them sound doctrine; and in our text this morning we see Paul instructed Titus to remind the church of a few things. As we begin this New Year, I think it would be of value for us to consider what instructions Paul gave Titus. He says to 'put them in mind' or as we would say today, we need to be reminded of some things. So let me do that this morning. Nothing new, nothing earth shattering, simply some things that we need to remember as we embark upon another year here at Grace Baptist Temple. We need to be reminded of:

I. Our Commission. v2

A. Show Christ to the World

1. There is a two-fold purpose in living a proper Christian life.

2. First, there is the matter of pleasing God.

a. First and foremost we ought to live in a manner that will please our Heavenly Father.

b. The glory of God is always the objective of whatever we do.

c. Living as the Bible commands is motivated by the desire to glorify God.

(1 Corinthians 10:31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

3. But there is also the matter of showing the world of what Christ can do in a person's life.

4. That is called 'our testimony'.

5. In verse two the word "shewing" reminds us that there is something to be seen in the life of those who claim to be Christians.

6. It has been well said that the only Bible some will ever read is our life.

7. Does our life present a distorted version of the Bible or one that is a true reflection and interpretation?

(Matthew 5:16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

8. One of the reasons that God has left us here in this world is to show Christ to the world.

B. Share Christ with the World

1. Our commission involves both our walk and our talk.

2. There is what we are to show and there is what we are to say.

3. In what we know as the Great Commission, as Jesus departed back to heaven, He said: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

4. Jesus was speaking of how Christians are to share their faith, tell others, talk to others about being saved.

The Paradox of Our Times:

- Christ has no body on earth but ours,
- He has no hands but our hands...
- We have only one life, which soon will pass,
- And only what's done for Christ will last!

5. We live in a world where people need to hear and know that Jesus died for them.

6. Evangelism is heaven's mandate. It is our commission.

7. We are not of this world, but we live in this world, and our commission is to take as many people to heaven with us as possible.

8. Our ability to fulfill this commission depends on our showing and sharing Christ to and with the world.

II. Be Mindful Of Our Conduct v1-2

A. We are to be Good Citizens

1. The words "principalities and powers" refers to those in authority over us.

2. Those in secular government and laws that are over us; our governmental leaders.

3. The word "powers" refers to the system by which we are ruled and would be descriptive of the laws of our government.

4. "Magistrates" speaks of rulers or people placed in authority to enforce the laws of a system.

5. We would think of policemen, judges, etc.

(Romans 13:1) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

6. Here Paul gives specific reasons why we should be "subject unto the higher powers."

a. First, human government and the governing authorities have been "ordained of God."

b. To resist authority is to resist "the ordinance of God."

c. Government is designed to promote the "good" of its citizens and society.

B. We are to be 'ready to every good work'

1. Ready to help others.

2. Ready to become involved in our community and do what we can to make it better.

3. We need to be looking for opportunities to help others and do things that benefit others.

(Galatians 6:10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

C. We are to be Kind

1. The word translated "speak evil" means to slander, curse, and treat with contempt.

2. As Christians, we may find ourselves the object of such treatment, but that is not to be our behavior toward others.

3. The word "brawlers" has the idea of being contentious; but we are to be friendly and peaceful.

4. Paul also uses the word 'gentle' and that word carries the idea of being moderate and fair in ones treatment of others.

5. We live in a world that is anything but kind to Christians, but as believers, we are to respond in kindness to the world.

III. Be Mindful Of Our Conversion v3

A. Remember who we were.

1. I don't mean we need to be shackled by our past.

2. But we need to remember where we were before Christ saved us.

3. We need to remember that we used to be "foolish"

4. I often look back at something I did or something I thought and say, "Man I was stupid!."

5. The sinful lives we lived were "foolish", "disobedient", and "deceived".

6. The simple truth is, there is nothing pretty about the kind of person we used to be before God saved us.

7. Some were worse than others, but all were sinners.

B. Remember how we lived.

1. Every word Paul uses is descriptive of the world in which we live.

2. We must never forget that we were just like the world.

3. We acted like the world and behaved like the world. We were the world!

4. Sometimes folks talk about the 'good old days'.

5. I don't know about you, but I don't want to go back to living like that.

C. Remember how we were changed.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1. But, praise the Lord, Jesus made all the difference in my life.

2. By His grace, He saved me - He forgave me of all my sins - He made me His child - He did it all for me.

3. Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.

4. Remember He can do that for every person who will come to Him in simple faith.

5. We should never get over being saved!

6. Be mindful of what God has done for us.

7. And be mindful of what He wants to do for others.

(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

(John 10:10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

We need to be mindful of…

- Our Commission
- Our Conduct
- Our Conversion