Looking Up and Looking Back – Titus 2

Jan 24, 2023    Don Willeman

Transcript:


Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.


How exactly does the Gospel make us into the kind of people that seek the good of our neighbors instead of the narrowness of our own interests? Why is it that the Gospel drives us to be considerate of our unbelieving neighbors, even when they might not be considerate of our values and beliefs?


Well, Paul gives us at least two reasons. First, he tells us that we are a people who look up. We are “looking [up] for the blessed hope…the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13). Therefore, if we are defrauded in this world, if we do not get what we want in this life, we are not left hopeless. Our hope is still on its way; Jesus Christ will someday come again. The goodness and glory that will be ours at His return causes any loss in this life to pale in comparison. So, first we must look up!


But secondly, we are to look back. This Jesus, for whom we are waiting to return, is the same Jesus who 2,000 years ago “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession” (Titus 2:14). Jesus willingly offered up Himself for our good, even when we were dumping all our evil on Him. Seeing His patience towards us should make us categorically patient with others.


Having these two things in sight keeps our souls on track, so that we can perseveringly move forward in service to others, to be “a people…zealous for good works” (Titus 2:15).


Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.


Titus 2 (ESV)


11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.


15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.