Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE 8 November 2020
Text: Titus 3
Title: “According to His mercy He saved us”

INTRODUCTION

1. Our salvation may be understood from many angles

2. The following Means have been noted:

a) Saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8a)

b) Through faith (Ephesians 2:8b)

3. The Saviour highlighted

a) God as Saviour (1 Timothy 1:1a)

b) The Lord Jesus as Saviour too (1 Timothy 1:1b, 15)

WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done.” Titus 3:5

1. The proposition of earning our salvation by works of righteousness

a) This was widely believed

b) Man can save himself

c) Man must save himself

d) If he does enough good works, he would be able to save himself

2. An examination of this proposition

a) Can Man really save himself by good works?

b) How much good must he do to merit salvation?

c) Can good works really offset sinful deeds?

d) Would there be any great confidence in this line of thought?

e) This was a popular thought in Paul’s time

f) Many held fast to this thought

3. Paul’s answer to this proposition was to recount his personal life

a) We are of the circumcision (Philippians 3:3a)

b) Though I might also have confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:4)

i) Circumcised the eighth day (Philippians 3:5a)

ii) Of the stock of Israel (Philippians 3:5b)

iii) Of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5c)

iv) A Hebrew of the Hebrews (Philippians 3:5d)

v) Concerning the law, a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5e)

c) Concerning zeal (for God)

Persecuting the church (Philippians 3:6a)

d) Concerning the righteousness which is by the law
blameless (Philippians 3:6b)

ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY

“But according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5b

1. The Past of Paul (Saul)

a) He made havoc of the church (Acts 8:3a)

b) Entering every house (Acts 8:3b)

c) Dragging men and women,
committing them into prison (Acts 8:3c)

d) Still breathing threats and murder
against the disciples of the Lord (Acts 9:1)

How could a person like Paul be saved?

2. The Mercy of God
Features of God’s mercy

a) To forgive

b) To cleanse

c) Not to judge and condemn

d) To show grace

e) To extend love

3. The Power of God

a) To change

b) To transform

4. The Mission of God had to be experienced personally

a) To open eyes (Acts 26:18a)

His eyes were opened

b) To turn people from darkness to light( Acts 26:18b)

He turned from darkness to light

c) From the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18c)

i) He was delivered from Satan

ii) He served God instead

d) That they may receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 26:18d)

i) Full forgiveness was obtained

ii) Joy of being fully forgiven

e) And an inheritance among those
who are sanctified in faith in Christ (Acts 26:18e)

i) Paul became an heir of God

ii) He was sanctified in faith in Christ

CONCLUSION

1. Seek to understand the Mercy of God

2. Plead the Mercy of God

3. God will grant great mercy

a) Salvation will be given

b) Sins would be forgiven

c) Sonship would also be given

d) We are made heirs of God

“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed,
And heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29