Leading Like Jesus – Part 6

Titus 3:4-8

Scripture Reference

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. — Titus 3:4-8

Introduction

Sermon series title: “Leading Like Jesus — Part 6” by Dr. Terry LeQuieu. We are at the consummation of a faithful leader, looking at how a leader both receives and reflects the works of God. Titus has been left in a difficult place (the island of Crete) to set things in order, and Paul here gives him (and us) a final, powerful reminder: understand and appreciate what God has done for you, and let that appreciation shape your life and leadership.

Quote from Preacher

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.

Outline

1. Appreciation — The Love God Shows Us
   1. Contrast with our past — The word “but” (Titus 3:4) flips our story: from foolish, disobedient, and envious to loved and favored by God. A leader remembers not only where people are but where they came from.
   2. Kindness and love defined — Kindness is generous action; love is sacrificial commitment. God’s kindness toward us is not pity alone but active giving. We are recipients of God’s liberality — His generous provision and daily opportunities to serve.
   3. Imitation and formation — God’s love is meant to mold us into the image of Christ (cf. Romans 8:29). A leader who appreciates God’s love will reflect it in attitude and action, seeking to love others as God loved us.
2. Appreciation — The Liberation God Gives Us
   1. Saved, not by our works — Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done…” Our attempts at righteousness are insufficient; salvation is by God’s mercy.
   2. Mercy and grace distinguished — Mercy: God withholding the punishment we deserve. Grace: God giving us what we do not deserve. Mercy opens the door; grace brings the gift.
   3. Restraint and timing — God’s patience allowed us time to come to faith; He withheld just judgment so we might repent. Leaders must remember God’s long-suffering when ministering to others.
3. Appreciation — The Regeneration God Works In Us
   1. Washing of regeneration — Regeneration is new life: the old man put to death, and a new man raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6). This is a real change wrought by God.
   2. Renewing of the Holy Ghost — Salvation includes ongoing renewal. The Holy Ghost actively cleanses and empowers; growth is part of salvation, not optional add-on.
   3. Practical picture — baptism — Baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection: a public sign of inner change. Leaders must shepherd people into both assurance of salvation and growth in holiness.
4. Appreciation — The Liberality (Abundance) God Pours Out
   1. Shed on us abundantly — God does not give grace in small measures; He pours out abundance through Jesus Christ (Titus 3:6).
   2. Overflow for others — God’s blessings overflow from believers to those around them. Abundance is intended to be shared; a congregation that hoards blessing is not reflecting biblical liberality.
   3. Sustaining grace — Christ is the agent of both salvation and daily sustainment. A leader must cultivate a daily relationship with Christ to receive and pass on sustaining grace.
5. Appreciation — The Legacy God Gives Us
   1. Justified by His grace — To be justified is to be legally declared righteous; the believer is exonerated because of Christ’s work (Titus 3:7).
   2. Heirs according to hope — Being an heir carries both blessing and responsibility. We inherit eternal life and the task of living out the values of that inheritance.
   3. Expectation and stewardship — Like any inheritance, God’s gifts come with an expectation: live in a way that honors the Giver. Leaders must train others to handle their spiritual inheritance rightly.
6. Appreciation — The Labors God Expects of Us
   1. Affirm constantly — Paul charges Titus to affirm these truths regularly (Titus 3:8). Memory and repetition guard against complacency.
   2. Maintain good works — Belief must produce action. We are created unto good works (Ephesians 2:10), and the church must be known for consistent godly deeds.
   3. Good and profitable unto men — These works bless all people, not only Christians. A faithful church is a public beacon; its good works serve as a testimony and a bridge to the lost.

Summary

Titus 3:4-8 asks us to appreciate the works of God: His love, liberation, regeneration, liberality, legacy, and the labors He expects from us. Salvation is not a reward for good living; it is the gracious intervention of God that changes our legal standing, renews our nature, and commissions us to live out the results. Leaders — and every believer — must remember where they came from, cherish what God has done, and let that appreciation shape faithful living and witness.

Quote to Ponder

We are recipients of God’s liberality.

Application for the Week

Practical, measurable steps you can take this week to live out Titus 3:4-8:

1. Daily gratitude time — Spend five minutes each morning thanking God specifically for one way His kindness appeared in your life. Write it in a journal to build memory and gratitude.
2. Share one tangible blessing — Use one of God’s abundances (time, food, a kind note, a small gift, an encouraging text) to bless someone this week. Make it deliberate and anonymous if possible.
3. Personal renewal practice — Schedule three 15-minute quiet times (Bible reading and prayer) across the week focused on a short passage about grace (Romans 6, Ephesians 2, Titus 3). Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your affections.
4. Speak grace, not accusation — When tempted to criticize a struggling brother or sister, speak a word of reminder about God’s mercy instead. Practice one gracious response to someone who frustrates you.
5. Good works checklist — Identify two regular “good works” you can maintain (visiting one shut-in, serving one hour in a ministry, making one evangelistic contact). Commit to them for the next month and report back to an accountability partner.
6. Leader’s assignment — If you are in a leadership role, affirm Titus 3:8 publicly this week: teach or remind your group that good works are both the fruit of grace and the testimony to the lost.

May this week be marked by an increased appreciation for what God has done, and a visible outflow of that grace into the lives of others. Remember: we are saved by mercy, renewed by the Spirit, and sent to share the abundance of God’s grace through Jesus Christ our Saviour.