Preached · December 24, 2018
Text · Titus 1
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by 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.
Long story short: _He saved us so that we might become heirs_
What we see about God:
His character:
• He is kind. He is love.
• He is a Savior.
• He is generous.
• He is grace-filled.
His actions:
• He shows up. (The incarnation is a moment in time. An act in human history. Not just a nice thought, a pleasant idea. Divinity has crashed into the human story.)
• He washes.
• He renews.
• He justifies.
• He pours out His presence, power, Spirit
• He gives hope.
• He gives the gift of eternal life.
What we see about us:
• We need saving
• See v. 3. Foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by our passions
• We are dirty
• We are old, needing renewed
• We are guilty
• We are going to die
Sermon Outline
Main Idea: The Kindness of God is revealed in Jesus.
AP Intro: Welcome to Christmas Eve.
Read the text:
• BM Verse 4 When we look at Jesus we see God
• AP Verse 5 We needed saved from ourselves
• If God saved us, it means we needed washed. We needed renewed.
• We all recognize the brokenness in the world. And in ourselves.
• "And what was the last sin I confessed to Jesus." "I don't remember."
• AP Verse 6 Self-giving love of God
• [[Audrey Parrott|Audrey]] unable to go to sleep.
• Tried bribing. Tried scolding. Until at last, my wife — the more patient parent — finally took her up in her arms, holds her and rocks her, until she calms and falls asleep.
• Moralism won't work. Beating yourself up won't work. Trying to trick yourself won't work. The only thing that will save you is God, taking on flesh, being born in an animals feeding trough, and coming down to your level. A God that embraces you, holds you, forgives you, and forgets your worst mistakes, if you would just trust in Him. God born in hay.
• BM Verse 7 All that is God's is yours
• AP Verse 8a It's all true.
• I'll really see my brother again.
