Be: Part III

Become A Follower

“Be Series”

Titus 2

2 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. ESV

Introduction:  For this “Be Series” we are using the Book of Titus as our guide and template…

Disclaimer:  I will be butchering the English Language this Morning to Prove a Point…so give me a pass this week. 

Last we talked about “Be Christian.”  The essence was about Believing…and how it means to Entrust…

Definition:  To trust in the Person and the Claims of Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and exclusively!  Activating a New Birth that results in a Lifestyle that mirrors His values and teachings and ways so others may see and know Him.

I asked us to wrestle with this All Inclusive Exclusivity…

Transition:  So, after we Believe, we are to Become…

We believe to receive Eternal Life; we continue to believe to Live an Abundant Life…

Abundant Life and Abundant Living is tied to Becoming…

1. Become

John 1:12-13

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ESV

Mark 1:17

17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” ESV

1. Become means “to come into what you Be” “to begin what you are to be”  it literally mean to rise into what you “Be”
   1. Many people say they “Be Christian…” but they have not yet risen into what they say they Be…
   2. It is more than identifying with…We must Become…
2. In Luke’s gospel he tells a story that we know as the Prodigal Son…
   1. In verse 12 of Luke 15 the younger son told his father…”Give me what is mine…”
   2. Yet in the 19^th verse of Luke 15 we see the young boy return to his dad with a completely different mindset….he says, “Make Me…”
3. Jesus told His “would be” followers I will make you Become Fishers of Men…
   1. You’re not there yet…but in time you will become…but becoming is tied to Following…
4. A Growing / Maturing Christian Becomes Less and Less Self-Centered
   1. Okay let’s be honest…outside of Jesus…in the New Testament Paul might have been the most famous and accomplished of the Christ Followers…you can make a good argument for Peter…but Paul is extremely significant…but listen to Paul’s attitude and heart…

1. Titus 1:1

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ ESV

Rom 1:1

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, ESV

• I recall being at a meeting with Brent and this guy comes up giving his pitch to Brent…I simply stood there being ignored…which was completely fine with me…but as the conversation continued…Brent let the cat out of the bag that I was the Lead Pastor at MercyGate and introduced me to the guy…Oh this guys attitude, demeanor and conversation completely changed…but the truth is…He was talking to the right guy to begin with…Brent actually was the Pastor who could answer his question and resolve his problem…

1. See what Paul knew…and we need to know is…
   1. We are servants…that is who I am becoming…
   2. Just called…my doing…something else….
2. How Do We Become

Acts 28:30-31

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. NKJV

Titus 2:1-2

2 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. NIV

1. We preach for inspiration but teach for formation…
   1. We Preach the Kingdom, but We Teach the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ…
   2. The gift of Teacher is included in the giftings that list the Apostle and Prophet…

• We have many inspired uninformed people…who don’t live out sound doctrine…

1. Make no mistake I want you to be inspired, motivated, encouraged, built up…but ultimately you will live what you learn…
2. Becoming a Follower is a Process
   1. We all become at different rates, speeds and times…but we are none the less becoming…
   2. Let’s be honest if we look at
      1. Peter, James and John…
      2. It seems James and John are processing and living out the teachings of Jesus a little more quickly than Peter…
      3. But they are all Becoming…
      4. Thomas is the slowest of them all…but they learn, live and Become Christ Followers…eventually giving their lives for what they have Become…

• Why Become a Follower
  1. Back to our Opening Reading of Titus…Paul is urging Titus to help these Cretans become true Followers of Christ and let evidence show up in their Families…
     1. You know you can fool a lot of people but you can’t fool family…they know…
     2. That is one of the reasons I know Jesus was who he said he was and did what they say He did…it wasn’t until after his death, burial and resurrection did his Siblings Believe in Him and Follow Him…
  2. So in Titus 2 we see all the Relationships that proof of being a Jesus Follower should show up in…
     1. The way Older Men…Mature men should live, the way women should live and treat other younger women
     2. The way young men and young ladies should conduct themselves…
  3. Titus 2

2 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say. (NLT)

1. Here is Why we must Be and Become
   1. Verse 5 – So God’s Word is not Discredited
   2. Verse 8 – So People stop making Evil Accusations

• Verse 10 – So the Gospel message isn’t compelling….

1. Closing
   1. Paul is teaching the Cretans as well as us…The Gospel message must prove itself in our households, in Culture and in the Marketplace….
   2. And it happens by Grace.
      1. God’s grace and Generous and His Grace brings Change…it Enables us to Become!!!
   3. John the Baptist demonstrates to us the Attitude and true heart of someone who really Desires to Become….
      1. John 3:30
      2. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. (NLT)

1. Jesus do this in me…