The Life of the Gospel

Introduction:

1. Text - Titus 2:11-12
2. 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."
3. Philippians 1:27 - "Only let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ."
4. WHAT DOES THE GOSPEL OF GRACE TEACH US ABOUT LIVING?

Deny Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts. 

1. All of the shame and disgrace in our society can be traced to ungodliness and worldly lusts.
2. Most of the problems in the church can be traced to ungodliness and worldly lusts.   Philippians 3:18-19; Ephesians 5:11-12
3. 1 John 2:15-17 - Commanded to "love not the world."
4. Consider the world at different times:
   • During the time of Noah.  Genesis 6:5
   • During the days of Moses.  1 Cor. 10:5-8
   • During the first century.  Romans 1:24-32
   • The twenty-first century.  Abortion, homo-sexuality, fornication, adultery, drunkenness, illegal drugs, pornography, etc.
5. Galatians 5:19-21, 24 - Works of the flesh.
6. 1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from fleshly lusts.
7. Romans 12:9 - Abhor evil.
8. What's wrong with the world?  There is too much love for the world.  There is not enough spirituality.  There is not enough abhorring evil.
9. There is not enough denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.

Live Soberly.  Titus 2:12 

1. Titus 2:2-4, 6 - The old and the young are to practice soberness.
2. This involves self-control.  Being of a sound mind.
3. It is inner self-government keeping a constant reign on your passions and desires.
4. Even the apostle Paul had to bring his body under control.  1 Cor. 9:25-27
5. Always keep in mind that "grace teaches us" these things.

Live Righteously.

1. This has to do with how we treat others.
2. Start at home.
   • Husbands and wives.
   • Parents and children.
3. In our community.
   • Our neighbors.
   • Our peers.
4. In the church - Our brethren.  Romans 12:17; 13:8
5. Matthew 7:12 - You will never regret doing what is right.
6. Others by C. D. Meigs
   • Lord, help me live from day to day in such a self-forgetful way, that even when I kneel to pray my prayer shall be for others.
     Help me in all the work I do to ever be sincere and true, and know that all I'd do for you must needs be done for others.
     Let "Self" be crucified and slain and buried deep; and all in vain may efforts be to rise again, unless to live for others.
     And when my work on earth is done, and my new work in heav'n's begun; may I forget the crown I've won while thinking still of others.
     Chorus:  Others, Lord, yes, others, let this my motto be, help me to live for others, that I may live like Thee.

Live Godly. 

1. Has to do with how we treat God.
2. Notice the emphasis upon godliness in the book of 1 Timothy.  1 Tim. 2:1-2; 4:7-8; 6:6, 11
3. Matthew 22:37 - Whole-hearted love.
4. 1 John 2:17 - Godly people are doing the will of God.
5. Hebrews 11:6 - Godly people have faith.
6. John 4:23-24 - Godly people worship God.  Hebrews 13:15

Conclusion

1. Christ is our example of how to live.  1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 11:1  He denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, lived soberly, righteously, and godly.
2. Being a Christian is a way of life.  There is no doubt that it is the best way to live.
3. Many of today's problems could be prevented or solved if people would live the life that the gospel of grace teaches us to live.
   • "For the grace of God that bringeth
     salvation hath appeared unto all men,
     Teaching us that denying ungodliness and
     worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
     righteously, and godly in this present world;
     Looking for that blessed hope, and the
     glorious appearing of the great God and
     our Savior Jesus Christ."  Titus 2:11-13