SERMON: Titus 2:11-15, “While We Wait”

“In the time in between Christ’s first Advent and His second, what are we to be doing?”

1. We Watch


2. We Work


3. We Worship


“Watching, working, and worshipping is the best way to wait.”

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. The Scriptures speak to many things believers are to be watchful and alert towards. Read the following texts and discuss the warning or encouragement given in each. How ‘watchful’ and ‘alert’ are you living in the present? And is your “blessed hope” something physical/material, or spiritual? Psalm 123:1-2; Micah 7:7; Matthew 7:15, 24:42-44; Luke 2:25; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; Revelation 3:2-3.

2. Review the following passages and identify the theme that runs through them. What is an encouragement we can take from these verses, and how shall it impact our daily living? Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2; Psalm 100:3; Malachi 3:17; Ephesians 1:14; 1 Peter 2:9.

3. What does the Bible offer to us for practical ways we can say “no” to ungodliness (v. 12)? Review and discuss these texts: Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; James 4:8; 1 Peter 5:9.

4. We must be careful not to confuse “good deeds” as a way to salvation, and “good deeds” as a reflection of our salvation. What does the Bible say about “good deeds” in the following verses? How important are they, and what do they reflect? Proverbs 19:17; Mark 14:6; Acts 9:36; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Titus 2:7, 3:1, 8, 14; Hebrews 10:24, 13:16; 1 Peter 2:12.

5. Why would a sanctified (set apart) life include worship? Have you ever considered worship as your eternal vocation? How does this recognition impact your worship now, and how might your worship be improved?