A Sermon Summary (Titus 3:3-7)
Pastor Dave Hentschel
The church is in desperate need of Revival. Revival is often seen as an extraordinary outpouring of God’s Spirit, but at its heart lies the gospel—God’s power to transform lives. Titus 3:3-7 offers us a vivid picture of the gospel through two contrasting volumes: the bad news of humanity’s condition and the good news of God’s intervention.
Volume 1: The Bad News (Titus 3:3)
Paul begins with a sobering diagnosis of the human condition. “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another” (Titus 3:3, ESV).
This verse reminds us that apart from Christ, we are spiritually bankrupt. Our lives are characterized by:
- Foolishness: A rejection of God’s wisdom, pursuing self-centered paths.
- Disobedience: Rebelling against God’s commands and authority.
- Slavery to Sin: Ensnared by desires and pleasures, unable to break free.
- Relational Brokenness: Envy, malice, and hostility dominate our interactions.
Richard Lovelace describes this state as “living in a world governed by sin, death, and the devil,” leaving us spiritually blind and relationally fractured. Revival begins with recognizing this bleak reality and our inability to save ourselves.
Volume 2: The Good News (Titus 3:4-7)
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us...” (Titus 3:4-5a, ESV). Here, Paul shifts to the radiant beauty of the gospel. God intervenes, not because of our righteousness, but because of His mercy.
- The Source: God’s goodness and loving kindness are the fountainhead of our salvation (v. 4).
- The Means: Salvation is not by works but through God’s mercy, mediated by the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (v. 5).
- The Goal: Justification by grace, resulting in our adoption as heirs of eternal life (vv. 6-7).
As Lovelace puts it, the gospel restores what sin has destroyed. It reconciles us to God, renews our hearts, and enables us to live in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit. This is the central message of revival: God’s grace transforms sinners into saints.
Revival begins when God’s people are deeply aware of both the bad news of their sin and the good news of God’s grace. The gospel is not just the entry point of the Christian life; it is the sustaining power for growth, renewal, and mission.
As we reflect on Titus 3:3-7, let us confess our need, celebrate God’s mercy, and pray for the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and our church. True revival flows from rediscovering the beauty of the gospel, the central message that changes everything.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
Previous Entries
Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
