WEBVTT 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:13.320 Hello, and welcome to the Kalamazoo church of Christ podcast. 00:00:13.519 --> 00:00:14.839 Thank you so much for listening. 00:00:15.300 --> 00:00:16.199 We're startup church. 00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:23.460 We just planted in September, 2020 and at the Kalamazoo church, we believe that Christianity is done best when it is done together. 00:00:23.579 --> 00:00:32.299 And so if you live in the Kalamazoo area, we would love to connect, be it coming to a Sunday service, one of our small groups, or even just grabbing coffee with a member to learn more. 00:00:32.539 --> 00:00:36.439 You can visit kalamazoo.church in order to do that. 00:00:36.920 --> 00:00:40.420 We pray that you are inspired by what you hear today. 00:00:41.159 --> 00:00:42.479 Well, good morning, church. 00:00:44.079 --> 00:00:46.719 Thank you very much for the great introduction. 00:00:47.119 --> 00:00:50.240 I'm very proud of you and Bianca here in Kalamazoo. 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:53.820 So that I feel blessed, man. 00:00:54.700 --> 00:01:01.719 So today we are going to be concluding our study of the book of Titus or Paul's letter to Titus. 00:01:02.560 --> 00:01:04.640 Now, give you a little background here. 00:01:05.099 --> 00:01:09.260 Paul wrote this letter to Titus while Titus was leading the church in Crete. 00:01:09.980 --> 00:01:13.239 About the same time he wrote to Timothy. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:16.019 Now Titus has an impressive resume. 00:01:17.560 --> 00:01:22.140 Titus was a Greek, but that just don't make him a great on a resume, but he was a Greek. 00:01:22.420 --> 00:01:26.159 He was converted to the gospel by Paul himself. 00:01:27.719 --> 00:01:31.140 Titus labored with Paul to spread the gospel. 00:01:34.180 --> 00:01:38.599 He's the one who took the first letter to the Corinthian church. 00:01:39.560 --> 00:01:45.120 The first Corinthian letter, Paul gave it to Titus so he can take it to Corinth. 00:01:46.299 --> 00:01:50.420 And Paul was also the one who gathered donations for the poor in Jerusalem. 00:01:53.189 --> 00:01:56.030 So he's been involved in the ministry quite a bit. 00:01:56.409 --> 00:02:02.709 Now Crete is actually a very prominent area when the letter was written. 00:02:03.170 --> 00:02:08.210 It's an island said to be about a hundred cities in there, so it's fairly large. 00:02:09.270 --> 00:02:20.050 There were many harbors in there and I believe Paul had a vision of spreading the gospel through the merchants and traders there so they can carry the gospel as they go. 00:02:20.830 --> 00:02:24.650 However, the people in Crete were not really the best. 00:02:24.889 --> 00:02:27.430 You probably already know this by when you're reading Titus. 00:02:27.969 --> 00:02:34.210 They were proud, they were arrogant, they were bash, and they were also labeled as liars. 00:02:34.610 --> 00:02:35.789 Well, that's pretty strong. 00:02:36.210 --> 00:02:38.569 So we know that they were not really solid. 00:02:39.550 --> 00:02:44.550 Now Paul's instruction to Titus, I feel are an instructional guide. 00:02:45.889 --> 00:02:50.949 You know, it's like an employee handbook when you're first given in a workplace. 00:02:51.430 --> 00:02:56.930 Those resources guide us with action to take and to avoid in certain situations. 00:02:58.509 --> 00:03:01.469 Now you receive a reward if you follow that instruction. 00:03:01.930 --> 00:03:06.509 After two weeks of pay or 40 hours of work, you get a reward. 00:03:06.889 --> 00:03:09.090 And the reward is generally financial reward. 00:03:10.430 --> 00:03:24.610 However, when receiving a reward for completing your work at the end of the pay period, this chapter, chapter 3, reveals that our efforts don't necessarily earn the reward. 00:03:27.180 --> 00:03:28.560 Instead, it's a gift. 00:03:29.699 --> 00:03:35.740 It is a gift not tied to our action or our performance in God's mercy. 00:03:36.819 --> 00:03:44.780 So, just to let you know this, you're probably already aware, the book of Titus has three chapters in it. 00:03:45.139 --> 00:03:53.979 Two weeks ago, we looked at chapter 1, where Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders and to rebuke false teachers. 00:03:54.139 --> 00:03:56.000 So there were two key elements in there. 00:03:56.520 --> 00:04:01.379 Last week, we did chapter 2, Jaron talked about instruction on life in general. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:07.500 Practical advice to older men, older women, younger men, younger women. 00:04:07.979 --> 00:04:15.860 Today, we're going to examine chapter 3, which discuss how to live a godly life within our community. 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:19.399 I think that's important for us, how we can live a godly life within our community. 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:22.100 So let's start with the first two verses here. 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:31.759 It says here, remind the people to be subject to rulers and authority. 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:42.759 To be obedient, to be ready, to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle towards others. 00:04:44.379 --> 00:04:54.420 You know, to facilitate our understanding of this, even though there are only two verses here, let's break them down into smaller components here. 00:04:57.569 --> 00:05:00.829 Now, it says to be subject to rulers and authority. 00:05:00.829 --> 00:05:08.500 The reason why we need to break it down is I think it will help us understand this a little bit better. 00:05:11.449 --> 00:05:14.149 To be subject to rulers and authority, what does that really mean? 00:05:15.069 --> 00:05:19.430 You know, respect for rulers and authority, including government and church leaders, is crucial. 00:05:20.069 --> 00:05:31.149 It's crucial for the church leaders to obey the church leaders, and also to respect the authority of the government. 00:05:31.149 --> 00:05:36.990 You know, our values and experience and cultural system shapes our opinions. 00:05:37.470 --> 00:05:38.269 We all have opinions. 00:05:42.069 --> 00:05:48.829 See, Paul's message is not to avoid politics, he's not talking about that, but to prioritize respect for authority. 00:05:50.649 --> 00:05:53.310 Now, this is the area in the past that I struggled with. 00:05:56.509 --> 00:06:01.629 I struggled with politics and the policies of certain government or certain leaders. 00:06:01.629 --> 00:06:16.170 I used to follow primaries, and I can even tell you where the rallies are going to be at, and in which city, so much so, because I was really involved in it. 00:06:18.410 --> 00:06:23.629 My struggle was because there was some disagreement with my philosophy and what was going on there. 00:06:24.850 --> 00:06:29.110 However, I learned to relinquish that. 00:06:30.550 --> 00:06:35.310 That mindset, which is no longer bothering me now, because it was consuming me a lot. 00:06:36.370 --> 00:06:41.550 In fact, I was just asked a question, I believe, yesterday, when is the primary, and I did not know the answer. 00:06:42.709 --> 00:06:44.329 That's how far away I have been. 00:06:46.110 --> 00:06:49.009 Jaron asked me the question, and I don't know the answer to that. 00:06:54.120 --> 00:06:57.600 And I thank God for that, because I was consumed by stuff like that. 00:06:58.300 --> 00:07:06.680 Now, it's easy to get caught up in the stress of politics, but it is important to remember that things could always be worse. 00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:14.600 In the past, people lived under harsh rules, like NATO, during ancient Rome. 00:07:16.220 --> 00:07:21.959 And currently, some countries, they suffer from lack of freedom, religious freedom. 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:29.420 So, if your preferred candidate doesn't win, don't worry. 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:31.660 Things could be worse. 00:07:33.920 --> 00:07:46.360 Now, the only thing that is necessary for believers, for us, to disobey the government, is when the government command us to do something that will require us to disobey God. 00:07:49.230 --> 00:07:56.019 Now, at this point, we must obey God, rather than men. 00:07:57.180 --> 00:07:58.839 This is pointed out in the book of Acts. 00:07:58.839 --> 00:08:04.879 In Acts, chapter 5, verse 29, it talks about we must obey God, rather than men. 00:08:06.459 --> 00:08:14.879 Now, we should only stand against anything if human authority tells us, tells men, or leads men to sin. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:17.660 That's why we need to stand up and be disobedient about it. 00:08:17.860 --> 00:08:20.939 But other than that, we need to respect the authority that God has ordained. 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:23.920 The authority that God has ordained. 00:08:24.339 --> 00:08:29.560 Now, let's look at a few verses in the book of Romans that will address this. 00:08:34.470 --> 00:08:35.710 Okay, here. 00:08:38.250 --> 00:08:46.509 In Romans 13, verses 1-2, it says, Let everyone be subject to the governing authority. 00:08:47.649 --> 00:08:51.250 For there is no authority except that which God has established. 00:08:51.250 --> 00:08:55.990 The authority that exists has been established by God. 00:08:56.769 --> 00:09:05.289 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against God, as instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 00:09:05.870 --> 00:09:06.590 That's pretty strong. 00:09:07.269 --> 00:09:08.289 That explains itself. 00:09:09.929 --> 00:09:11.850 God ordained, we need to respect that. 00:09:12.789 --> 00:09:15.330 The next thing here is to be obedient. 00:09:16.549 --> 00:09:19.149 To be subject, to be obedient. 00:09:20.570 --> 00:09:22.529 Now, to be obedient is very vast. 00:09:22.769 --> 00:09:23.850 This is a big topic here. 00:09:25.889 --> 00:09:28.049 And we don't have time to go through that. 00:09:28.490 --> 00:09:32.149 However, I found a quote that sums it up very nicely. 00:09:33.070 --> 00:09:33.929 This is the quote here. 00:09:38.190 --> 00:09:43.009 An inward attitude of submission results in the outward action of obedience. 00:09:44.009 --> 00:09:44.309 Oh, wow. 00:09:45.590 --> 00:10:02.389 So, whether we are submitting to the word of God, whether we are submitting to our relationships, submitting to God, it starts with an inward submission which will result in the outward action of obedience. 00:10:02.769 --> 00:10:03.809 Obedience is a behavior. 00:10:04.789 --> 00:10:09.669 It's an action that we outwardly project, but it has to come from some place. 00:10:10.070 --> 00:10:11.210 That's the inward submission. 00:10:12.370 --> 00:10:13.929 I think I've said enough on this. 00:10:14.029 --> 00:10:17.730 You probably got what I was talking about that I want to explain. 00:10:18.049 --> 00:10:18.830 So, good. 00:10:19.809 --> 00:10:21.549 Let's look at the third item here. 00:10:22.750 --> 00:10:24.730 To be ready to do whatever is good. 00:10:27.700 --> 00:10:32.440 Be prepared to engage in the act of goodness without limitations or boundaries. 00:10:33.360 --> 00:10:41.240 Because whatever implies that there are no restrictions or to the extent which you can do good. 00:10:41.559 --> 00:10:45.460 So, there is no cap how far you can go with doing good. 00:10:50.389 --> 00:10:52.669 So, always remember the word whatever when you're trying to do good. 00:10:55.899 --> 00:10:59.360 And then to slander no one. 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:06.360 Now, it's crucial to be mindful of our words and avoid slandering others. 00:11:07.940 --> 00:11:15.860 This aligns with the fundamental principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves and treating them as we want them to treat us. 00:11:19.200 --> 00:11:26.220 Now, we should be cautious not to tarnish anyone's reputation even if we believe we are justified in doing so. 00:11:28.519 --> 00:11:30.059 What do we really gain from that? 00:11:30.679 --> 00:11:37.460 The harm caused by slander can be subtle and we must strive to avoid it at all costs. 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:39.240 I'll tell you a little story here. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:59.620 Many years ago I can't remember whether it was a Sunday service or it was a midweek but it was a church service and I was whoever was in front I made a comment to the individual sitting next to me and he turned around and he looked at me and he said, that's slandering. 00:12:01.929 --> 00:12:03.350 I was taken aback by that. 00:12:03.450 --> 00:12:04.990 I'm like, I didn't say anything bad. 00:12:06.210 --> 00:12:07.009 But you know what? 00:12:07.090 --> 00:12:09.429 Those subtle things that we don't see. 00:12:09.929 --> 00:12:12.629 I realized after that and I told him, you know what, you're right. 00:12:13.049 --> 00:12:14.110 I shouldn't have said that. 00:12:14.389 --> 00:12:21.970 The subtle things that we say, we probably don't mean any harm but it can eventually grow deeper and deeper in our heart. 00:12:24.950 --> 00:12:27.509 So, at whatever cost we must strive to avoid it. 00:12:28.669 --> 00:12:33.360 And then, be peaceful. 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:34.460 Be peaceable. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:40.080 To be peaceable we must refrain from slandering number one, that we just saw earlier. 00:12:40.580 --> 00:12:48.539 Now Jesus is a peaceful figure who attracts people while obnoxious people repel them. 00:12:50.490 --> 00:12:59.309 So, people generally are not drawn to people who are not peaceful or anxious. 00:12:59.690 --> 00:13:03.070 You're very rarely seeing a group of people huddling around someone who's really anxious. 00:13:04.129 --> 00:13:05.049 You won't find that. 00:13:06.669 --> 00:13:15.029 So, when we know that, so let's go look at the opposite, how we can be at peace or be peaceable so people will be drawn to us. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:21.019 To be considerate. 00:13:23.220 --> 00:13:33.759 Considering the needs of others can be difficult as we may unknowingly cause harm or cause some kind of offense by not being thoughtful. 00:13:37.389 --> 00:13:42.490 We must always consider our consequences of our actions on those around us. 00:13:43.049 --> 00:13:52.129 Sometimes we don't mean it, but when we are not considerate it can create some issues around us. 00:13:52.669 --> 00:13:57.149 So, we always have to bear in mind that we got to always be considerate. 00:13:58.870 --> 00:14:03.529 Finally, number seven, to be gentle towards everyone. 00:14:05.289 --> 00:14:08.929 Exhibiting humility is essential in demonstrating gentleness. 00:14:09.570 --> 00:14:11.509 You have to have humility in order to do that. 00:14:12.830 --> 00:14:15.330 Jesus is a remarkable example of this quality. 00:14:16.210 --> 00:14:20.789 You know, it is hard to demonstrate gentleness when we exhibit pride and arrogance. 00:14:21.990 --> 00:14:24.370 That's a discussion of a whole other time, pride and arrogance. 00:14:24.990 --> 00:14:30.750 So, you know, we look at the seven here, the seven two. 00:14:33.570 --> 00:14:41.950 To be subject, to be obedient, to be ready, to slander, to be peaceable, to be considerate, to be gentle towards everyone. 00:14:42.769 --> 00:14:47.110 Now, you probably ask, just seven, that's it? 00:14:48.149 --> 00:14:53.559 How come there is nothing here about serving the poor or feeding the hungry? 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:07.000 You know, if we focus and excel in these seven areas, again, this is not exclusive. 00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:08.700 There are other areas that we need to grow into. 00:15:11.460 --> 00:15:22.200 These are, you know, the things that I mentioned, feeding the hungry, taking care of the poor, those are byproduct of obedience and readiness to do whatever is good. 00:15:22.700 --> 00:15:23.820 Whatever is good. 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:26.120 So, it is all encompassed in that. 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:28.120 So, it's not just the seven little things here. 00:15:28.419 --> 00:15:29.860 This encompasses a lot. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:33.879 Now, this is verse one and verse two. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:36.879 We've got a lot more to go yet. 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:41.559 So, I'm going to jump to verse nine and then we'll come back to verse three and eight later. 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:56.000 So, verse nine, it says, But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:03.080 Earlier, Paul mentioned things that we should do. 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:05.600 Now he is talking about not to do. 00:16:08.789 --> 00:16:11.649 He is talking about avoid foolish controversies. 00:16:13.049 --> 00:16:15.190 Well, let's see what that means here. 00:16:19.289 --> 00:16:23.929 See, controversies can arise when parties hold different opinions. 00:16:25.169 --> 00:16:29.870 Controversies can go endless unless one or more parties show humility. 00:16:31.730 --> 00:16:38.049 Now, however, it's important to realize when a controversy is not engaging in, to just stop it. 00:16:39.789 --> 00:16:44.889 Engaging in foolish controversy only wastes time and energy and leads down a rabbit hole. 00:16:45.730 --> 00:16:46.950 It is best to let them go. 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:56.080 Now, on the flip side, if the controversy evolves on the issue of salvation, we cannot let that go. 00:16:57.120 --> 00:17:01.960 We need to go to the Bible because the Bible is clear on this. 00:17:02.740 --> 00:17:03.899 We need to refer to the Bible. 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:12.880 Now, if you're having a controversy with someone and discussing this and they are not open to examining the Bible, why engage in it? 00:17:13.380 --> 00:17:14.660 Maybe they are not ready yet. 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:21.920 So, we need to see where people are because sometimes we can go into these controversies and it kind of drains you. 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:30.440 You get frustrated, it's not bringing any benefit. 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:32.000 Genealogy is the second one here. 00:17:34.470 --> 00:17:37.589 Now, we can engage in discussions that are not relevant to salvation. 00:17:39.130 --> 00:17:50.430 Paul's instructions here are not to waste valuable time disputing over foolish matters such as one's ancestry, which is unprofitable and useless. 00:17:51.190 --> 00:17:52.509 Who cares whether Jew or Gentile? 00:17:54.789 --> 00:17:57.009 You know, Christ came and paid the price. 00:17:57.329 --> 00:17:57.990 We are all one. 00:18:04.650 --> 00:18:05.769 Let's look at the other one here. 00:18:06.650 --> 00:18:07.069 Argument. 00:18:08.390 --> 00:18:09.390 Why do you think we argue? 00:18:13.549 --> 00:18:14.349 That's good one. 00:18:15.190 --> 00:18:20.950 When we feel insecure to prove ourselves, we tend to argue. 00:18:22.849 --> 00:18:27.769 However, this behavior doesn't align between considerate and promoting peace. 00:18:30.259 --> 00:18:35.279 You know, I don't see Spencer and Gary here. 00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:38.160 But, you know, football season is around the corner. 00:18:39.720 --> 00:18:47.160 If you see Spencer and Gary in the corner talking about stuff, make sure you tap on their shoulder because they could get into an argument. 00:18:48.700 --> 00:18:56.619 You know, Spencer is going to say his Green Bay Packers are the best and Gary is going to come and say that his new Detroit Lions are the best. 00:18:57.140 --> 00:18:59.039 So, they are going to kind of get into that. 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:05.119 So, if you see them out in the corner, just make sure that, you know, tell them, hey, you know what, it doesn't matter. 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:07.579 Jesus is still Lord. 00:19:10.599 --> 00:19:13.160 You know, we can get arguments on many different items. 00:19:13.160 --> 00:19:15.740 And, you know, if I were to ask you, when is the Sabbath? 00:19:16.900 --> 00:19:17.839 Saturday or Sunday? 00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:20.599 We could have different opinions on it. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:21.680 Why argue about it? 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:23.140 It's not affecting our salvation. 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:26.500 It's not affecting our eternity. 00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:28.920 You can go online and check it. 00:19:28.960 --> 00:19:31.019 They will have two different opposing views on that. 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:36.119 Now, the next one here, the quarrel about the law. 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:44.640 You know, false teachers can swear if we don't watch ourselves. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:49.579 We must bring it back to the Bible and not on opinion. 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:54.539 As I mentioned before, the Bible has the answers to it. 00:19:55.319 --> 00:19:58.660 Sometimes we can get into this quarrel about the law, a discussion. 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:03.380 You know, I was reading something, I can't really remember. 00:20:04.539 --> 00:20:20.380 It said religious individuals generally get into a lot more quarrels about the law because we have our opinions attached to it and not opening up the Bible and examining what the Bible says. 00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:23.859 And even then, when you open up the Bible, we can get into some kind of quarrel. 00:20:27.339 --> 00:20:29.440 So, we got to be careful with that. 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:42.839 In fact, not just Paul was talking about it, I believe in Matthew, okay, anyway, before I get to that, this probably will answer some of the questions or probably provide some solution. 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:49.960 Why foolish controversy, arguing about those and quarreling about the law? 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:52.720 The more you know, the less you need to say. 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:56.819 Let your action speak for itself. 00:20:58.359 --> 00:21:01.940 Let your gentleness, your kindness reveal that. 00:21:03.640 --> 00:21:09.160 Sometimes we let our mouth try to do the convincing, but we have other actions that should compliment that. 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:17.119 In Matthew chapter 7, so it wasn't only Paul talking about false teachers. 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:19.779 Even Jesus mentioned this. 00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:21.980 He said, watch out for false prophets. 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:30.640 When you watch out for false prophets, they come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:32.819 You know, a sheep is gentle. 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:35.119 A ferocious wolf, the opposite. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.759 But you got to be careful with that. 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:41.099 Sometimes we can have ferocious wolves come in sheep's clothing. 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:46.440 So, it is important for us to be anchored in our Bible. 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:50.440 Important for us to have a good understanding of the Bible. 00:21:51.099 --> 00:22:00.859 You know, it's important because if we don't get into that, we can let circumstances and we can let opinion sway us away. 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:05.019 So, are you guys still there? 00:22:06.640 --> 00:22:18.619 Now that I have overwhelmed you with all the things to do and things not to do to avoid from Paul's instruction to Titus, which are equally applicable to us today. 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:22.759 Let's shift gears a little bit here. 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.460 Let's see the good news. 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:31.339 See, all the things that he talked about, the seven do's, the seven to do, and then the four to avoid. 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:35.779 We can do all of that, but that's not what saved us. 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:39.000 We can continue doing that. 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:41.640 We can continue doing good, but that's not what saved us. 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:44.900 So, let's look at, remember I told you I'm going to come back to three and eight. 00:22:45.079 --> 00:22:46.480 So, let's go to three and eight now. 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:50.339 We'll look at from three to five and then we'll go from six to eight. 00:22:51.039 --> 00:23:02.410 So, here it says, at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kind of passion and pleasure. 00:23:03.089 --> 00:23:07.230 We live in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 00:23:08.329 --> 00:23:17.750 But when the kindness and love of God, our Savior, appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. 00:23:18.589 --> 00:23:36.049 He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ, our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs, having the hope of eternal life. 00:23:36.670 --> 00:23:47.170 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to stress this thing so that those who have entrusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. 00:23:47.670 --> 00:23:50.250 These things are excellent and profitable to everyone. 00:23:51.349 --> 00:23:56.890 The other things that he talked about are, you know, remember the controversy, the argument, those are not profitable. 00:23:57.190 --> 00:23:58.490 This is what's profitable here. 00:23:58.950 --> 00:23:59.710 Here's the good news. 00:24:00.109 --> 00:24:03.029 God is always here to transform our lives. 00:24:04.869 --> 00:24:09.849 The transformation is only possible because of God's grace and mercy. 00:24:11.470 --> 00:24:14.289 There is nothing that's a result of our efforts. 00:24:16.990 --> 00:24:19.069 Let's read verse 5 and 6 again here. 00:24:19.829 --> 00:24:21.190 Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't click that. 00:24:21.490 --> 00:24:28.890 Verse 5, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. 00:24:29.430 --> 00:24:35.289 And in verse 6 it says, whom He poured out on earth generously through Jesus Christ, our Savior. 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:42.559 You know, God pours out His grace and mercy generously. 00:24:45.089 --> 00:24:55.869 God's mercy means we are not getting something that we don't deserve. 00:24:56.829 --> 00:24:57.829 That's God's mercy. 00:24:59.170 --> 00:25:06.210 For our actions and for whatever we've done, we're not getting what we deserve. 00:25:08.029 --> 00:25:21.450 In John, I'm going to go to John chapter, 1 John chapter 3, it says, How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. 00:25:22.589 --> 00:25:27.690 Lavish! You know, lavish means something in generous or in excessive amount. 00:25:28.029 --> 00:25:28.690 That's lavish. 00:25:28.869 --> 00:25:29.769 That's what he's saying. 00:25:30.130 --> 00:25:35.789 How great is the love that the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. 00:25:36.369 --> 00:25:44.339 You know, when you are a child of someone, you are entitled to the inheritance, right? 00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:52.380 We are incredibly blessed to be called children of God. 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:56.980 So that means we are entitled to inheritance of God. 00:25:58.460 --> 00:26:00.059 And what is that? 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:02.079 We are heirs to God's kingdom. 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:05.799 We have inheritance that is in God's kingdom. 00:26:07.990 --> 00:26:20.109 So now we must focus on the future or wherever you're going with it and not let our past mistakes or shortfalling hold us back. 00:26:20.730 --> 00:26:30.670 It is very easy if you notice, sometimes the past comes into our mind and the devil can manipulate our thoughts and make us feel inadequate. 00:26:31.690 --> 00:26:32.609 I don't know if you have felt that. 00:26:32.750 --> 00:26:34.150 Sometimes you feel like, I cannot do it. 00:26:34.190 --> 00:26:35.170 I'm not good enough. 00:26:37.089 --> 00:26:39.549 That's not what God promises. 00:26:41.049 --> 00:26:46.230 I think that sometimes we can get into the rabbit hole and that can be difficult to come out. 00:26:48.009 --> 00:26:51.309 Because we are children of God. 00:26:52.069 --> 00:26:55.529 Maybe it would be good to memorize this scripture here. 00:26:55.890 --> 00:27:00.890 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:11.019 So where do we go from here since we have been blessed abundantly? 00:27:13.789 --> 00:27:17.109 Some of us here are excited that you are in Christ. 00:27:17.450 --> 00:27:17.890 Amen. 00:27:19.049 --> 00:27:19.869 That's great. 00:27:20.569 --> 00:27:23.650 Continue the journey and share the excitement with others around you. 00:27:25.049 --> 00:27:33.769 Some of us are on a journey to find God, but may not be ready to devote ourselves or summit to his plan. 00:27:35.009 --> 00:27:40.549 Yet, you might be holding onto something you fear losing. 00:27:42.410 --> 00:27:58.230 You know, 34 years ago I was in that situation where I was seeking and I was not ready to let go or surrender to God. 00:27:59.990 --> 00:28:04.710 There is one thing that someone told me that made a change there. 00:28:06.049 --> 00:28:07.309 There is a comment someone made. 00:28:08.250 --> 00:28:14.690 I was studying a Bible with this leader and we go through a bunch of Bible studies. 00:28:15.089 --> 00:28:18.990 Finally he told me you know, is it okay if we go and meet with the minister? 00:28:20.109 --> 00:28:24.589 They have to pull in a minister to study with me because of my pride and arrogance. 00:28:28.009 --> 00:28:29.690 So seriously, they got to bring him. 00:28:30.190 --> 00:28:31.650 And this is what the minister said though. 00:28:31.789 --> 00:28:33.069 I might be paraphrasing it. 00:28:33.710 --> 00:28:42.549 But he told me, Calvin, you think you can do better in life on your own than with God by your side. 00:28:42.970 --> 00:28:45.309 I was taken back by that. 00:28:45.309 --> 00:28:47.250 And I'm like, how dare you to say stuff like that? 00:28:49.769 --> 00:28:59.089 And I'm glad that he said that because it got me thinking and pondering because I always am self-reliant. 00:29:00.210 --> 00:29:02.349 I came to this country here on my own. 00:29:03.509 --> 00:29:04.309 I had no relatives. 00:29:04.430 --> 00:29:07.589 I went to a college that I did not know anything about the American system. 00:29:07.990 --> 00:29:10.390 I didn't even know what quiz meant in college. 00:29:13.890 --> 00:29:18.690 I took this psychology class in my very first semester and they said, we're going to have a quiz. 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:23.740 Well, if I had looked at the syllabus, I would have known, but I did not do that. 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:28.940 So after the quiz, well, the day before the quiz, my roommate and I were talking. 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:30.039 I said, I have a quiz tomorrow. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.599 He said, are you ready for it? 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:33.160 I'm like, what's there to be ready for a quiz? 00:29:33.460 --> 00:29:38.339 In Malaysia, quiz means you go to class, you just raise up your hand and you answer a question. 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.859 It doesn't affect your grade. 00:29:40.680 --> 00:29:42.740 But here I wasn't ready for it. 00:29:43.220 --> 00:29:46.460 So needless to say, I did not do well. 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:55.759 You know, so when that was presented to me, I am glad that I took some time to reflect on it. 00:29:56.140 --> 00:30:03.420 That I cannot do this, that I cannot do better in life on my own than with God on my side. 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:05.940 And I'm so glad that I made that decision. 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:08.980 Had I not done that, I wouldn't be here today. 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:17.559 So we always reflect, go back to the Bible and see what God's plan. 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:19.500 God has a plan for every one of us here. 00:30:20.319 --> 00:30:34.319 Now, some of us have embraced Christ, but maybe facing challenges that are weighing heavily on your heart, causing us to feel drained and unhappy. 00:30:35.640 --> 00:30:37.200 You know, that can happen over a period of time. 00:30:40.140 --> 00:30:41.799 That's taking you away from God. 00:30:44.079 --> 00:30:45.240 Your joy has been robbed. 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:51.240 And I believe the only way to come back is to reflect on what God has done for us. 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:57.539 So wherever we are, we have God's unfailing love, grace and mercy. 00:30:58.599 --> 00:31:00.720 We need to seek that continuously. 00:31:01.339 --> 00:31:03.799 Some of us, we've been around for a long time. 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:13.900 We feel like we know this and I personally believe that we need to constantly be seeking that. 00:31:14.359 --> 00:31:15.599 That's why we constantly read the Bible. 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:20.779 You know, just because we've been reading the Bible for 20 years doesn't mean we don't need to read the Bible today. 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:23.420 You always will find something in the Bible. 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:30.380 But on the flip side, we are not saved by doing good. 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:42.390 That is, when we are doing good, the things that I showed earlier, that's our way of giving God the glory and doing the work that he has called us to do. 00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:57.859 So, in conclusion, we look at Paul's instructions to Titus for the church in Crete, which are applicable to us here. 00:31:58.900 --> 00:32:07.079 Now as I speak, as I'm speaking here, I hope something has touched or pricked your heart. 00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:18.119 Some areas you feel you are lacking or need to have a deeper growth or need deeper conviction on. 00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:21.200 Remember, you are not alone. 00:32:22.559 --> 00:32:24.220 And no one is perfect. 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:28.000 So, don't feel bad about it. 00:32:32.230 --> 00:32:36.430 Now I'm going to read verse 1 and 2 and then 9 again. 00:32:37.769 --> 00:32:53.869 It says, just for the reminder here, it says, Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle towards everyone. 00:32:54.410 --> 00:32:59.710 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments and quarrels about the law. 00:33:00.970 --> 00:33:06.750 Now, when we see all that, you know, you feel like, you know, I want to improve myself in some of these areas. 00:33:08.509 --> 00:33:10.769 Or you say, well, I want to improve in all of these areas. 00:33:11.349 --> 00:33:16.390 Well, it can be overwhelming to do it on your own. 00:33:16.390 --> 00:33:18.450 That is why we need Jesus. 00:33:19.049 --> 00:33:20.309 We need constant prayer. 00:33:20.930 --> 00:33:23.069 We need others around us to hold us accountable. 00:33:23.670 --> 00:33:25.829 Or we might need someone to mentor us in that area. 00:33:27.109 --> 00:33:38.190 If that's an area you feel compelled to grow, talk to someone that can help you by holding you accountable and praying with and for you. 00:33:38.730 --> 00:33:42.670 And you might need someone to mentor you or to coach you through that process. 00:33:43.329 --> 00:33:45.710 But we cannot just take a big leap here. 00:33:45.809 --> 00:33:47.349 We need to take little steps. 00:33:48.930 --> 00:33:50.509 You probably heard that before. 00:33:51.230 --> 00:33:53.769 And I'm going to tell you why taking little steps is important. 00:33:55.940 --> 00:33:57.259 The importance of little steps. 00:34:01.660 --> 00:34:06.579 Now, the individual, they both have the same goal. 00:34:06.920 --> 00:34:08.099 They want to get to the top. 00:34:09.000 --> 00:34:12.960 But the one on the left, the rungs are smaller, smaller steps. 00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:18.460 The one on the right, not too many rungs there. 00:34:19.360 --> 00:34:21.440 This is where we need people in our life. 00:34:22.699 --> 00:34:28.239 This is where the blind spot that's here that others can see. 00:34:28.320 --> 00:34:31.820 And maybe as a solution, we need to get you another rung here. 00:34:32.280 --> 00:34:34.659 Maybe a couple more rungs before you get to the first step. 00:34:36.119 --> 00:34:44.760 This is why sometimes we feel discouraged and we feel that we cannot change or we cannot grow in whatever area that we're trying to grow. 00:34:49.869 --> 00:35:01.769 So, again, never forget the power of God's love, grace, and mercy that he demonstrated by sacrificing his son on the cross. 00:35:02.869 --> 00:35:12.070 When God talks about grace and mercy, God's love for us is incredible that he gave up his one and only son so that we can be saved. 00:35:13.250 --> 00:35:17.670 Now, as we conclude this message, let's focus on the cross. 00:35:20.590 --> 00:35:23.809 Let's focus on the cross and what took place there. 00:35:24.510 --> 00:35:29.190 We need to look up at the cross to understand and appreciate God's love and mercy. 00:35:29.889 --> 00:35:36.150 It would be hard to understand God's love and mercy if we don't focus on the cross. 00:35:38.010 --> 00:35:39.670 The cross is where everything began. 00:35:40.570 --> 00:35:46.130 Contrary to a lot of different events, sometimes when something is gone, it's the end of it. 00:35:48.690 --> 00:35:52.929 For us Christians, it's actually the beginning of it. 00:35:55.920 --> 00:35:56.739 It is the beginning. 00:35:57.440 --> 00:35:58.960 So, what happened at the cross? 00:36:03.969 --> 00:36:14.030 At the cross, an innocent man gave his body and shed his blood so that we can be redeemed and have eternity. 00:36:15.429 --> 00:36:20.449 Now, we are redeemed at a price that we cannot pay. 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:26.400 We can try, but we won't be able to do that. 00:36:27.300 --> 00:36:31.559 Jesus has demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice by going on the cross for us. 00:36:33.929 --> 00:36:36.449 And it's important for us to be constantly reminded of that. 00:36:36.530 --> 00:36:38.769 That's why we take communion every weekend. 00:36:39.829 --> 00:36:42.389 Now, it's not only on Sunday that we need to be reminded. 00:36:42.530 --> 00:36:47.489 We need to be reminded as we go along in our daily affairs every time. 00:36:49.599 --> 00:36:53.340 Now, let us always remember God's love, grace, and mercy. 00:36:53.340 --> 00:36:55.480 In fact, I probably used that word many times already. 00:36:56.280 --> 00:36:59.699 So, they say you have to use it at least seven times so that you can remember it. 00:37:00.940 --> 00:37:12.800 So, as we take the bread that symbolizes his body and the juice that symbolizes his blood, let us remember what happened at the cross. 00:37:14.480 --> 00:37:18.059 And the power of the cross is incredible. 00:37:18.599 --> 00:37:21.420 And we need to see why did this all happen. 00:37:21.420 --> 00:37:24.599 It all happened because God loved each and every one of us. 00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:29.039 And we are sons of God. 00:37:29.800 --> 00:37:30.699 So, let's pray. 00:37:35.760 --> 00:37:49.099 Our Father in Heaven, God Almighty, we are so thankful for you for sending Jesus, the sacrificial lamb that took our sins away and cleanses from condemnation. 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:56.579 We are so glad that we can experience eternity because of your son Jesus. 00:37:57.300 --> 00:38:01.420 Because of you, you sacrificed your one and only son for us, God. 00:38:02.179 --> 00:38:15.019 As we take the bread that represents the body and the juice that represents the blood of Jesus, we are reminded of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that you bought us at a price that we could have never paid. 00:38:15.960 --> 00:38:17.059 It's in Jesus' name I pray. 00:38:18.039 --> 00:38:18.300 Amen. 00:38:28.300 --> 00:38:32.880 Thank you so much for listening to the Kalamazoo Church of Christ podcast. 00:38:33.260 --> 00:38:36.539 If you're in the Kalamazoo area, we'd love to get connected. 00:38:36.800 --> 00:38:44.179 Please go to kalamazoo.church and fill in your information to come to a Sunday service or any other event that we have going on. 00:38:44.280 --> 00:38:46.800 In any case, you'll be hearing from us next week.