25th August 2024

*SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)* 

*Sunday, August 25, 2024*

*GRACE AND GOOD WORKS*

*Devotional Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10*

 

*Background/Lesson Scripture: Titus 3:3-11*

*GOLDEN TEXT:*

But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:4-5

*Objectives:* By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

I. Explain the correlation between salvation and good works;

Ii. Discuss why Apostle Paul instructed Titus to warn the Cretans against foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments and quarrels about the Law; 

III. Resolve to shun anything that can lead to conflict and disagreement, and be resolute to always promote peace.

*INTRODUCTION*

Paul's instructions to Titus on how to lead the church in Crete and consolidate the work is comprehensive. In fact, it is a true picture of how much he loved the people and his desire to see Titus succeed in his ministerial assignment. However, it seems that the church in Crete was full of immature Christians who needed basic teachings, thus Paul spelt it out for Titus as one of the issues he will deal with. It is obvious from Paul's choice of words that they were a naturally argumentative people, uncontrolled, resentful, authoritative and partial in all their ways. They were an unruly and volatile group that needed sound doctrine and proper discipline. In addition to the problems identified in chapter 2, the church in Crete struggled with issues its Jewish members introduced. Such things include foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments and quarrel about the Law (Titus 3:9), which are some of the heresies Paul earlier warned the Colossians about in his letter to them. Titus had to be prepared to deal with such problems, both of doctrine and righteous living. Paul's concern was to make the people know that the Christian life calls for discipline, obedience and respect for others within the family, the church, and authorities.

The outstanding emphasis of chapter 3 of Paul's letter to Titus is centred on "Good Works and Grace." Paul made it clear that we are not saved by good works but by the mercy of God, and we are justified by His grace. Therefore, we are obligated to do good works (Titus 2:14). The reason for the emphasis on "good works" is based on the claim of the false teachers that they know God but deny Him by their actions. Therefore, they are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good (Titus 1:16). Paul balanced his instructions by making it clear that "righteous things" do not make us acceptable to God, rather they are a natural response from people who have experienced God's forgiveness and love. For the sake of this, Jesus gave His life for our redemption and made us into a people whose passion is to do good (Titus 2:14). Therefore, the focal point of today's lesson is 'saved in order to do good.'

*THE LESSON EXPLAINED*

*A. Admonition to Do Good Works. Titus 3:3-8*

Paul's concern was for the Cretans to maintain good Christian conduct, especially in a pagan society by being obedient to the rulers and authorities, and to live peacefully (vv. 1-2). He made a contrast between their old ways of life that was characterised by foolishness, disobedience, deception, and how they were enslaved by worldly passions and pleasures. Moreover, their relationship with one another was not cordial because they lived in malice, envy and hatred for one another, which was against God's standard. He affirmed that God had saved them, not necessarily because of their righteous works. It is confirmed in the Scriptures that salvation is not earned by human effort or merit but through God's mercy alone (Ephesians 2:4-8). In verse 5b, he emphasised the fact that God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom we received through the generosity of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. The reason for the rebirth is that we may be justified by His grace and become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Titus was encouraged to teach these things so that the people may be encouraged to do good works (v. 8). It should be noted that although good works are not a requirement for salvation, they are fruits of salvation and, therefore, inevitable in the Christian journey.

Noteworthy in the passage is Paul's emphasis that good works are not outrightly condemned; in fact, they are excellent and profitable for everyone. Having been justified with the hope of eternal life, Christians are expected to commit themselves to doing what is right, excellent and profitable, as citizens of heaven (Philippians 4:8). The fact that human effort cannot earn us salvation (the gift of God), yet God saved us by mercy, should encourage believers in Christ to do what is right. Titus was encouraged to teach these spiritual truths to the Cretans so that they will maintain a balance in their Christian faith. Believers must know that we are saved and justified by God's grace and so, we have hope of eternity in Christ. As we look forward to the appearance of Jesus, our Saviour, let us shun all forms of foolish talks, disobedience, deception, and rather be engaged in doing good works and serve as examples to others.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. What should be believers' response to God's justification? 

2. Can good works guarantee salvation for humankind? If your answer is 'No', why do you think so?

*B. Paul's Necessary Warning. Titus 3:9-11*

Apostle Paul was able to balance his instructions to Titus about what the Cretans should embrace and avoid. Having talked about being saved to do good works, he mentioned some behaviours they must avoid, like foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law. He stated that such behaviours are not beneficial to the body of Christ, rather they are worthless. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul warned against false teachers of the law who devoted themselves to myths and endless genealogies that promote controversies among believers rather than God's work, which is by faith (1 Timothy 1:3-7). The warning was so serious that he declared in verse 10, won a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with Mem." By implication, those who stubbornly refuse to listen to the warnings should be avoided because their refusal to listen to corrections reveals their inner perversion.

It is most likely that Paul was referring to some rebellious people in the church in Crete who were merely talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcised group. He earlier commanded Titus to silence them because of the negative effect of their teaching in the body of Christ (Titus 1:10-11). The warning became necessary because they were no longer of the old (a life before conversion). Since God has shown His love through Jesus Christ, the old self has been crucified to produce love, unity and peaceful lifestyle in the Christian community. When peace is replaced with quarrels, disagreements and chaos in the church, division is inevitable. Of course, this calls for caution towards those who derive pleasure in causing conflict in our churches. If they refuse to change, have nothing to do with them, as recommended by Paul because they are agents of disunity. In our relationship with people, as believers, let us engage only in things that will promote unity, peace and harmony. Any argument that will trigger quarrel and division should be discouraged, as we wait patiently for Christ's return.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. Identify some causes of quarrel and disagreement among members of the same church, and suggest ways by which its occurrence can be minimised. 

2. Suggest steps to be taken by church leaders to curb the activities of those who cause conflict in our churches.

*Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:* Let a class member share the story of a disagreement in the church and how it was resolved. They should pray for the spirit of love and peace to continue to reign in the church of God.

*Take Home:* Write down three lessons you are taking home from today's lesson.

*Commitment:* Based on the lesson of today, make a personal commitment to promote love and peace in your church.

*REVIEW FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST*

We are grateful to God for the privilege to study the theme "Eternal Hope" throughout the month of August. I am convinced in my spirit that God Himself has ministered to you about the promise of eternal hope for those who believe in Him. Therefore, we want to know some facts about your understanding of the lessons so far:

◉ How has the Holy Spirit helped you to minister hope to other brethren?

◉ How would you appropriate Christ's love as the rule in your relationship with God and humankind?

◉ What practical steps will you take to be upright and godly in this perverse generation?

 ◉ What new insight did you get about grace and good works?