IN HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE

Text: Titus 1
19 February 2012

(I) HOPE AS A STRONG AND POWERFUL BASIS

“In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,…” Titus 1:2

1. Aspects of hope

a) In Hope of eternal life

i) Backed by God’s promise

ii) Backed by God’s character

b) Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ ( Titus 2:13 )

c) Heirs according to the hope of eternal life ( Titus 3:7 )

2. Attestation of hope

a) According to the same faith of God’s elect ( Titus 1:1 )

b) Acknowledgement of truth in godliness ( Titus 1:1 )

(II) HOPE AS A STRONG BASIS FOR THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF SERVICE

“Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness…” Titus 1:1

1. Attitude before Appointments

a) Bondservant of God

b) Apostle of Jesus Christ

2. Accountability to God in preaching the word (Titus 1:3)

a) God’s commandment to preach His word

b) Paul’s commitment to preach His word

3. Alertness against false teachers (Titus 1:10-16)

a) Teachers who teach for dishonest gains

b) Teachers who profess to know God but denying Him

c) Teachers who are disqualified for every good work

(III) HOPE BEING EXPRESSED IN GOOD WORKS

1. Commitment to good works as God’s people

“That He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people zealous for good works.” Titus 2:14

2. Careful in maintaining good works

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God, should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” Titus 3:8

3. Challenge to maintain good works in order to be fruitful.

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14