Attractive Christianity

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Date: 21 May, 2020

Text: Titus 

Title: Attractive Christianity

 

Introduction:

 

When marketing goods - the way in which you present something matters.

 ill. McDonalds 

- 2 pickles were to be side by side on each burger 

- sauces weren't to be running down 

- sandwich wrap was to be neatly folded.

- Fries were to be "fluffed not stuffed" neatly in the container.

- Drink cup was to be tidy - not overflowing.

- Trays were to be clean with a tray liner on them.

why? Because the way it tastes - begins with how the customer views the item. If it looks disgusting you are going to lose paying customers unless they are desparate.

 

When it comes to the Gospel, we aren't marketing something SO THAT WE CAN BENEFIT. 

We are presenting something WHICH MAN MUST HAVE.

 

 note: The last thing we want to do is to see people turn away with disgust from our Christianity because it wasn't AS ATTRACTIVE AS IT OUGHT TO BE.

 

Please turn in your Bibles this morning to Titus.

-  pastoral epistle (letter) written from Paul to a minister of the Gospel. 

- Much is said in this letter about making our Christianity attractive.

 

Titus 1:1  Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

exp. "Godliness" is true piety or holiness.

 note: The truth of Jesus walks down a good path.

Psa 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 

In chapter 2: 

Tit 2:10  Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

exp. adorn: make more beautiful or attractive.

 ill. Like a cook getting out the fine china and silver cutlery. The food is adorned by the finery.

 

My message this morning is, "Attractive Christianity."

We need to adorn the truth of Jesus by good living. (We can't make the Gospel any more beautiful that it is. But, we can take away from it's beauty by living badly.) Are you living in a way that makes the gospel look good?

 

Prayer - We need to adorn the truth of Jesus by good living.What goodness must we put on?

 

I. Put on evidential goodness.

16  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

 exp. If you asked this "religious" person, do you know God? - THEY PROFESS THAT THEY DO. HOWEVER - their life contradicts their profession.

  - They have great wickedness in their lives. (hidden perhaps) Go to their religious assembly.

- Maybe unhidden - They live like the world all week long and then go to mass.

Matthew 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

exp. Their many wonderful works (are works of iniquity) and Jesus does not KNOW THEM.

 note: The Bible teaches that if someone is saved - IT IS EVIDENT.

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 ill. I grew up fishing. Some fish are very similar and you need to identify which is which. (Walleye and Sauger - very similar - sauger has a dark spot on their dorsal fin.)

 exp. Good works in the life of someone who says they know God - is good evidence that they are truly a Christian.

 Question: How can someone be deceived into religion that has not changed them inside out?

A. They are ensnared by religious tradition.

Titus 1:14  Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

 exp. The Jews followed the Scriptures AND different teachers stories. They had added to the Word of God with men's commandment - THIS LED THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM ASTRAY.

 ill. If you wonder how that could happen, ask these questions to a Catholic.

1. Why do you pray to Mary?

2. Confess sin to a priest?

3. Pray the rosary?

4. Venerate (worship) relics?

5. Call a priest father?

6. pedo baptism by sprinkling.

app. Is it not evident in Catholicism and every religion that exhalts tradition above the word of God - THAT THEY ARE LACKING IN TRULY GOOD WORKS.

B. They are in disagreement with God.

15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

 exp. When religion becomes a matter of tradition - man becomes the authority and not God.

 ill. How can modern religion.....

1. Reject the Genesis creation.

2. Reject God's laws about sexuality and marriage.

3. Kill babies?

4. Embrace all religions? (ecumenism)

app.  The first thing a person needs to adorn Jesus teaching is to put on EVIDENTIAL GOODNESS. (Proof that you are genuinely God's child.) (God does this at conversion.)

 

II. Put on educational goodness.

exp. God helps us adorn the teaching of Jesus - by EVIDENTIAL GOODNESS and by EDUCATIONAL GOODNESS. (He does one and we learn the other.)

Titus 2:3  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1) An older woman is to use her mouth well to teach younger women. 

 note: As becometh holiness - similar to our idea of adorning - making holiness look good.

"teachers of good things"  (OUR WORLD SAYS THIS ISN'T GOOD - BUT GOD SAYS IT IS.)

2) God has given a mother domain over the home to watch over their children.

 def. Keepers at home - (a guard; be “ware”); a stayer at home, that is, domestically inclined (a “good housekeeper”): - keeper at home.

3) God has put wives second in command within the family order under her husband.

....good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

  exp. Our human heart is so corrupt that even though we are saved, we still need to learn and submit to God's Word.

 question: When did God put woman under the headship of man?

Genesis 3:16  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

 exp. The world doesn't like God's curse and so they are doing everything they can to rebel against it? 

 note: Abortion is being pushed through on the wings of this rebellion against God's authority.

 ill. I praise God I had a stay at home mum. My mom worked later in my highschool years to help us through Bible college - Proverbs 31 highlights the industry nature of a godly woman - HOWEVER IT IS GOOD TO PUT PRIORITY WHERE GOD PUTS IT - IN THE HOME.

IT IS ATTRACTIVE TO CHRISTIANITY TO HAVE MOTHERS IN OUR HOMES.

 app. This truth in our text is focused on women - but the application is for all of us. 

1. Goodness comes into our life at salvation (evidential goodness.) (Put on - get saved.)

2. However, we also need (educational goodness.) (Put on - be teachable.)

 

III. Put on examples of goodness.

Titus 2:6  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

 exp. Ok - Paul dealt with truth focused on making women into attractive Christians. Now he focuses upon the young men. "in all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works."

A. Good doctrine. "In doctrine showing uncorruptness."

 ill. Satan is a deceiver and would lead men astray in false doctrine.

ill. Dr. Steadman sent out some good council regarding covid-19. (One point....)

AVOID CONSPIRACY THEORIES

There are many conspiracy theories being touted across social media at this present time.  Please do not fall prey to these by giving in to their fear or by sharing them with others personally or by social media.  Our God is in control of these events, whatever sinful man may be trying to do.  We simply need to trust the Lord and continue to do His work His way.  When a Christian becomes sidetracked by getting involved in conspiracy theories, he most often damages his credibility and his testimony for the Gospel in the process.

 app. We need GOOD examples of men who are strong in the truth of God's Word that Satan can't easily lead them astry.

B. Good attributes. "Gravity, sincerity...."

exp. God wants that doctrine coming from the mouth of a person who has genuine honesty.

question: Where are the men in our day who will honestly declare the doctrine of God?

Act 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

 app. The bad doctrine is coming out because so few have gravity and sincerity.

C. Good speech. "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part, may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."

 exp. The world may hate these men - but they shouldn't be able to find reason to condemn them.

 ill. Like the men who hated Daniel - 

Daniel 6:5  Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

 note: The world would love to have us say something which they could rightly condemn.

 ill. They did this with our Lord as well.

Mat 22:15  Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

 app. Are you a good example - good doctrine, honesty, good speech?

Adorn the Gospel

1.) Put on evidentail goodness.

2.) Put on educational goodness.

3.) Put on examples of goodness.

 

IV. Put on energetic goodness.

 ill. Inter mural sports - societies competing against each other - we were Phi Kappa Pi - the Rams. We did team cheers - some people were not energetic in doing the team cheers. (Imagine if nobody was energetic in cheering how dull and unmotivated you would be as a player.)

 exp. Jesus didn't save us to be dull and unenthusiastic about getting our life right with Him.

Titus 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 exp. Jesus redeemed us from sin and purified us TO MAKE A PEOPLE PASSIONATE ABOUT DOING GOOD THINGS.

A. Energetic sanctification. (Personal holiness - a clean life)

Titus 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

 ill. Covid-19 has had some blessings - can't go anywhere - may as well do a project - garage was dirty - mortar dust, cement dust - cleared it out completely - painted everything - I enjoy going out there even if I don't need to.

 app. Does Jesus get any pleasure over how enthusiastic you are about getting your life right with him now that you are saved. Some people get saved and they get the junk out of their lives. Other's seem to drag their feet. (Attractive Christianity is energetic sanctification.)

B. Energetic anticipation.

13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 ill. Benson mowed the grass at the playpark this past week. He made a nice job of it. I enjoy cutting grass. My brother, dad and I started a lawn care business to help us get through college. God blessed it. Sometimes I would do a job on my own. Cut the grass. Use the strimmer. blow the grass clippings away.  I would strive to do my best, because I knew that dad and I would drive by it.

 app. There ought to be an energetic pride about our Christianity. A zeal inspired by the knowledge that our Lord and our God will soon appear. 

(That energetic goodness makes Christianity attractive.)

1.) Put on evidentail goodness.

2.) Put on educational goodness.

3.) Put on examples of goodness.

4.) Put on energetic goodness.

 

V. Put on electoral goodness.

Titus 3:1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

 ill. Kay Lee is now on the electoral register. She'll be able to vote in the elections next year in Scotland. 

exp. As part of the electorate - a Christian should have electoral goodness TOWARDS THOSE IN ELECTED OFFICES.

 ill. Have you noticed how much politics has been pushed to the front in the last several years?

- Indyref 1

- Trump administration

- Brexit

- Climate Change activism

- Covid-19

  question: How can a believer be ready to every good work in politically impassioned days?

A. By subjecting ourselves to government.

Titus 3:1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers,

exp. Paul says, "Remind the church to obey governemental authority."

 ill. Jesus was subject to government.

Luk 20:25  And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

 ill. Jesus paid taxes - Peter getting a coin from a fishes mouth.

Joh 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

B. By obeying legislation and law enforcement.

to obey magistrates,

 exp. Britain has laws and law officers. They have God given authority over us.

Romans 13:3  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

C. By not speaking evil of authorities.

2  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

 ill. Praying with the men in Ireland for Leo Vradker - led Ireland down a path of wickedness - abortion laws, marriage laws. (The men disagree with the Taoiseach - but they pray for him.)

1 Timothy 2:1  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 app. The only acception in God's Word for disobeying civil authority is when that authority commands you to disobey God.

- By doing something God's forbids.

- By not doing something God commands.

Act 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

 note: Satan would love to get us away from electoral goodness. We need wisdom - covid-19 lockdown has not yet put us in a place of disobedience to God. (We pray we can soon assemble in person.) ELECTORAL GOODNESS IS ATTRACTIVE CHRISTIANITY.

1.) Put on evidential goodness.

2.) Put on educational goodness.

3.) Put on examples of goodness.

4.) Put on energetic goodness.

5.) Put on electoral goodness.

 

VI. Put on equipped goodness.

Titus 3:8  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.

 exp. Attractive Christianity is ALWAYS EQUIPPED with goodness. 

 note: Paul says, "when someone trust Jesus - tell them CONSTANTLY to be careful to maintain good works."

 exp. There is a great danger in a true believe with UNATRACTIVE CHRISTIANITY.

1Co 15:34  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

 note: There were people they were not reaching with the Gospel because they weren't maintaining good works!

 question: Do you wonder today how much greater the impact of the church if she maintained good works? (If it wasn't a danger, a preacher wouldn't be told to often repeat this.)

 app. As pastor, I don't want to listen to the tears of regret from somoene who's friend or family member dies without Jesus WHO NEVER SAW THE GOODNESS OF GOD IN THE THAT BELIEVER'S LIFE. 

1.) Put on evidential goodness.

2.) Put on educational goodness.

3.) Put on examples of goodness.

4.) Put on energetic goodness.

5.) Put on electoral goodness.

6.) Put on equipped goodness.

 

VII. Put on effective goodness.

Titus 3:14  And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

 exp. If goodness is present in our lives as Paul intends, it should be accomplishing some practical things. "Good works for necessary uses."

 note: As a Baptist church - we are big on GOOD WORKS do not save. However, have we forgotten how practical true religion is? True religion does good works.

  ill. Home church - having a building program - drywall. Good work for God is helping with that project.

Christianity is not passive but active! It is effective goodness

Jas 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

 exp. If you have done some good works, you ought to be able to say what you have done.

- Have you given financially to God's Work?

- Have you participated faithfully in attending church?

- Have you helped somebody for Jesus sake in a practical way?

- Have you served Jesus? Shared the Gospel? What good works have you done?

 

Conclusion: 

ill. I ate at a McDonald's recently - it wasn't like the one I worked at. If you banged the burger on the table it sounded like cardboard. The cheese was all over the wrapper.

exp. I used to say I'd never get tired of McDonalds. (But, the presentation was poor and I may not go back.

 

Is your Christianity Attractive? (Presented well?) 

We need to adorn the truth of Jesus with good living.

 

Make Christianity attractive by ....

 

1.) Putting on evidential goodness. (Are you saved - is it evident?)

2.) Putting on educational goodness. (Are you teachable about goodness?)

3.) Putting on examples of goodness. (Are you an EXAMPLE of goodness?)

4.) Putting on energetic goodness. (Are you enthusiastic about getting right with God?)

5.) Putting on electoral goodness. (Are you good towards government and law?)

6.) Putting on equipped goodness. (Are you maintaining goodness - always equipped?)

7.) Putting on effective goodness.  (What good works are you doing?)

 

God would have us, "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."

 

We need to have Attractive Christianity.

Date: 21 May, 2020
Text: Titus 
Title: Attractive Christianity
 
Introduction:
 
When marketing goods - the way in which you present something matters.
 ill. McDonalds 
- 2 pickles were to be side by side on each burger 
- sauces weren't to be running down 
- sandwich wrap was to be neatly folded.
- Fries were to be "fluffed not stuffed" neatly in the container.
- Drink cup was to be tidy - not overflowing.
- Trays were to be clean with a tray liner on them.
why? Because the way it tastes - begins with how the customer views the item. If it looks disgusting you are going to lose paying customers unless they are desparate.
 
When it comes to the Gospel, we aren't marketing something SO THAT WE CAN BENEFIT. 
We are presenting something WHICH MAN MUST HAVE.
 
 note: The last thing we want to do is to see people turn away with disgust from our Christianity because it wasn't AS ATTRACTIVE AS IT OUGHT TO BE.
 
Please turn in your Bibles this morning to Titus.
-  pastoral epistle (letter) written from Paul to a minister of the Gospel. 
- Much is said in this letter about making our Christianity attractive.
 
Titus 1:1  Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
exp. "Godliness" is true piety or holiness.
 note: The truth of Jesus walks down a good path.
Psa 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
 
In chapter 2: 
Tit 2:10  Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
exp. adorn: make more beautiful or attractive.
 ill. Like a cook getting out the fine china and silver cutlery. The food is adorned by the finery.
 
My message this morning is, "Attractive Christianity."
We need to adorn the truth of Jesus by good living. (We can't make the Gospel any more beautiful that it is. But, we can take away from it's beauty by living badly.) Are you living in a way that makes the gospel look good?
 
Prayer - We need to adorn the truth of Jesus by good living.What goodness must we put on?
 
I. Put on evidential goodness.
16  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
 exp. If you asked this "religious" person, do you know God? - THEY PROFESS THAT THEY DO. HOWEVER - their life contradicts their profession.
  - They have great wickedness in their lives. (hidden perhaps) Go to their religious assembly.
- Maybe unhidden - They live like the world all week long and then go to mass.
Matthew 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
exp. Their many wonderful works (are works of iniquity) and Jesus does not KNOW THEM.
 note: The Bible teaches that if someone is saved - IT IS EVIDENT.
2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
 ill. I grew up fishing. Some fish are very similar and you need to identify which is which. (Walleye and Sauger - very similar - sauger has a dark spot on their dorsal fin.)
 exp. Good works in the life of someone who says they know God - is good evidence that they are truly a Christian.
 Question: How can someone be deceived into religion that has not changed them inside out?
A. They are ensnared by religious tradition.
Titus 1:14  Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
 exp. The Jews followed the Scriptures AND different teachers stories. They had added to the Word of God with men's commandment - THIS LED THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM ASTRAY.
 ill. If you wonder how that could happen, ask these questions to a Catholic.
1. Why do you pray to Mary?
2. Confess sin to a priest?
3. Pray the rosary?
4. Venerate (worship) relics?
5. Call a priest father?
6. pedo baptism by sprinkling.
app. Is it not evident in Catholicism and every religion that exhalts tradition above the word of God - THAT THEY ARE LACKING IN TRULY GOOD WORKS.
B. They are in disagreement with God.
15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
 exp. When religion becomes a matter of tradition - man becomes the authority and not God.
 ill. How can modern religion.....
1. Reject the Genesis creation.
2. Reject God's laws about sexuality and marriage.
3. Kill babies?
4. Embrace all religions? (ecumenism)
app.  The first thing a person needs to adorn Jesus teaching is to put on EVIDENTIAL GOODNESS. (Proof that you are genuinely God's child.) (God does this at conversion.)
 
II. Put on educational goodness.
exp. God helps us adorn the teaching of Jesus - by EVIDENTIAL GOODNESS and by EDUCATIONAL GOODNESS. (He does one and we learn the other.)
Titus 2:3  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
1) An older woman is to use her mouth well to teach younger women. 
 note: As becometh holiness - similar to our idea of adorning - making holiness look good.
"teachers of good things"  (OUR WORLD SAYS THIS ISN'T GOOD - BUT GOD SAYS IT IS.)
2) God has given a mother domain over the home to watch over their children.
 def. Keepers at home - (a guard; be “ware”); a stayer at home, that is, domestically inclined (a “good housekeeper”): - keeper at home.
3) God has put wives second in command within the family order under her husband.
....good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
  exp. Our human heart is so corrupt that even though we are saved, we still need to learn and submit to God's Word.
 question: When did God put woman under the headship of man?
Genesis 3:16  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
 exp. The world doesn't like God's curse and so they are doing everything they can to rebel against it? 
 note: Abortion is being pushed through on the wings of this rebellion against God's authority.
 ill. I praise God I had a stay at home mum. My mom worked later in my highschool years to help us through Bible college - Proverbs 31 highlights the industry nature of a godly woman - HOWEVER IT IS GOOD TO PUT PRIORITY WHERE GOD PUTS IT - IN THE HOME.
IT IS ATTRACTIVE TO CHRISTIANITY TO HAVE MOTHERS IN OUR HOMES.
 app. This truth in our text is focused on women - but the application is for all of us. 
1. Goodness comes into our life at salvation (evidential goodness.) (Put on - get saved.)
2. However, we also need (educational goodness.) (Put on - be teachable.)
 
III. Put on examples of goodness.
Titus 2:6  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
 exp. Ok - Paul dealt with truth focused on making women into attractive Christians. Now he focuses upon the young men. "in all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works."
A. Good doctrine. "In doctrine showing uncorruptness."
 ill. Satan is a deceiver and would lead men astray in false doctrine.
ill. Dr. Steadman sent out some good council regarding covid-19. (One point....)
AVOID CONSPIRACY THEORIES
There are many conspiracy theories being touted across social media at this present time.  Please do not fall prey to these by giving in to their fear or by sharing them with others personally or by social media.  Our God is in control of these events, whatever sinful man may be trying to do.  We simply need to trust the Lord and continue to do His work His way.  When a Christian becomes sidetracked by getting involved in conspiracy theories, he most often damages his credibility and his testimony for the Gospel in the process.
 app. We need GOOD examples of men who are strong in the truth of God's Word that Satan can't easily lead them astry.
B. Good attributes. "Gravity, sincerity...."
exp. God wants that doctrine coming from the mouth of a person who has genuine honesty.
question: Where are the men in our day who will honestly declare the doctrine of God?
Act 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
 app. The bad doctrine is coming out because so few have gravity and sincerity.
C. Good speech. "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part, may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."
 exp. The world may hate these men - but they shouldn't be able to find reason to condemn them.
 ill. Like the men who hated Daniel - 
Daniel 6:5  Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
 note: The world would love to have us say something which they could rightly condemn.
 ill. They did this with our Lord as well.
Mat 22:15  Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
 app. Are you a good example - good doctrine, honesty, good speech?
Adorn the Gospel
1.) Put on evidentail goodness.
2.) Put on educational goodness.
3.) Put on examples of goodness.
 
IV. Put on energetic goodness.
 ill. Inter mural sports - societies competing against each other - we were Phi Kappa Pi - the Rams. We did team cheers - some people were not energetic in doing the team cheers. (Imagine if nobody was energetic in cheering how dull and unmotivated you would be as a player.)
 exp. Jesus didn't save us to be dull and unenthusiastic about getting our life right with Him.
Titus 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
 exp. Jesus redeemed us from sin and purified us TO MAKE A PEOPLE PASSIONATE ABOUT DOING GOOD THINGS.
A. Energetic sanctification. (Personal holiness - a clean life)
Titus 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
 ill. Covid-19 has had some blessings - can't go anywhere - may as well do a project - garage was dirty - mortar dust, cement dust - cleared it out completely - painted everything - I enjoy going out there even if I don't need to.
 app. Does Jesus get any pleasure over how enthusiastic you are about getting your life right with him now that you are saved. Some people get saved and they get the junk out of their lives. Other's seem to drag their feet. (Attractive Christianity is energetic sanctification.)
B. Energetic anticipation.
13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
 ill. Benson mowed the grass at the playpark this past week. He made a nice job of it. I enjoy cutting grass. My brother, dad and I started a lawn care business to help us get through college. God blessed it. Sometimes I would do a job on my own. Cut the grass. Use the strimmer. blow the grass clippings away.  I would strive to do my best, because I knew that dad and I would drive by it.
 app. There ought to be an energetic pride about our Christianity. A zeal inspired by the knowledge that our Lord and our God will soon appear. 
(That energetic goodness makes Christianity attractive.)
1.) Put on evidentail goodness.
2.) Put on educational goodness.
3.) Put on examples of goodness.
4.) Put on energetic goodness.
 
V. Put on electoral goodness.
Titus 3:1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
 ill. Kay Lee is now on the electoral register. She'll be able to vote in the elections next year in Scotland. 
exp. As part of the electorate - a Christian should have electoral goodness TOWARDS THOSE IN ELECTED OFFICES.
 ill. Have you noticed how much politics has been pushed to the front in the last several years?
- Indyref 1
- Trump administration
- Brexit
- Climate Change activism
- Covid-19
  question: How can a believer be ready to every good work in politically impassioned days?
A. By subjecting ourselves to government.
Titus 3:1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers,
exp. Paul says, "Remind the church to obey governemental authority."
 ill. Jesus was subject to government.
Luk 20:25  And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
 ill. Jesus paid taxes - Peter getting a coin from a fishes mouth.
Joh 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
B. By obeying legislation and law enforcement.
to obey magistrates,
 exp. Britain has laws and law officers. They have God given authority over us.
Romans 13:3  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
C. By not speaking evil of authorities.
2  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
 ill. Praying with the men in Ireland for Leo Vradker - led Ireland down a path of wickedness - abortion laws, marriage laws. (The men disagree with the Taoiseach - but they pray for him.)
1 Timothy 2:1  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
 app. The only acception in God's Word for disobeying civil authority is when that authority commands you to disobey God.
- By doing something God's forbids.
- By not doing something God commands.
Act 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
 note: Satan would love to get us away from electoral goodness. We need wisdom - covid-19 lockdown has not yet put us in a place of disobedience to God. (We pray we can soon assemble in person.) ELECTORAL GOODNESS IS ATTRACTIVE CHRISTIANITY.
1.) Put on evidential goodness.
2.) Put on educational goodness.
3.) Put on examples of goodness.
4.) Put on energetic goodness.
5.) Put on electoral goodness.
 
VI. Put on equipped goodness.
Titus 3:8  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.
 exp. Attractive Christianity is ALWAYS EQUIPPED with goodness. 
 note: Paul says, "when someone trust Jesus - tell them CONSTANTLY to be careful to maintain good works."
 exp. There is a great danger in a true believe with UNATRACTIVE CHRISTIANITY.
1Co 15:34  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
 note: There were people they were not reaching with the Gospel because they weren't maintaining good works!
 question: Do you wonder today how much greater the impact of the church if she maintained good works? (If it wasn't a danger, a preacher wouldn't be told to often repeat this.)
 app. As pastor, I don't want to listen to the tears of regret from somoene who's friend or family member dies without Jesus WHO NEVER SAW THE GOODNESS OF GOD IN THE THAT BELIEVER'S LIFE. 
1.) Put on evidential goodness.
2.) Put on educational goodness.
3.) Put on examples of goodness.
4.) Put on energetic goodness.
5.) Put on electoral goodness.
6.) Put on equipped goodness.
 
VII. Put on effective goodness.
Titus 3:14  And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
 exp. If goodness is present in our lives as Paul intends, it should be accomplishing some practical things. "Good works for necessary uses."
 note: As a Baptist church - we are big on GOOD WORKS do not save. However, have we forgotten how practical true religion is? True religion does good works.
  ill. Home church - having a building program - drywall. Good work for God is helping with that project.
Christianity is not passive but active! It is effective goodness
Jas 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
 exp. If you have done some good works, you ought to be able to say what you have done.
- Have you given financially to God's Work?
- Have you participated faithfully in attending church?
- Have you helped somebody for Jesus sake in a practical way?
- Have you served Jesus? Shared the Gospel? What good works have you done?
 
Conclusion: 
ill. I ate at a McDonald's recently - it wasn't like the one I worked at. If you banged the burger on the table it sounded like cardboard. The cheese was all over the wrapper.
exp. I used to say I'd never get tired of McDonalds. (But, the presentation was poor and I may not go back.
 
Is your Christianity Attractive? (Presented well?) 
We need to adorn the truth of Jesus with good living.
 
Make Christianity attractive by ....
 
1.) Putting on evidential goodness. (Are you saved - is it evident?)
2.) Putting on educational goodness. (Are you teachable about goodness?)
3.) Putting on examples of goodness. (Are you an EXAMPLE of goodness?)
4.) Putting on energetic goodness. (Are you enthusiastic about getting right with God?)
5.) Putting on electoral goodness. (Are you good towards government and law?)
6.) Putting on equipped goodness. (Are you maintaining goodness - always equipped?)
7.) Putting on effective goodness.  (What good works are you doing?)
 
God would have us, "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
 
We need to have Attractive Christianity.