Saved from a Dog-Eat-Dog World

An exposition of Titus 3 at the YouTube link

It’s a “dog-eat-dog world.” It’s the law of the jungle, every person for himself.

There is a hidden hostility, being hateful and hating, rarely boiling over, usually is at a low simmer. They are out to get you because it really is a dog-eat-dog world. How are you to live in it? Listen to this message:

Remind (3:1-3)

We need to be presently, actively reminded to be kind and loving because we keep on forgetting. In this world, people are foolish, rebellious, led astray, enslaved to lusts, malicious, hateful (regarding good as loathsome), and hating one. For more on these seven horrible characteristics, click on the YouTube link above and listen.

People are so foolish they will believe that an accused con-man found golden tablets in the woods written in Egyptian that he could magically translate if he put them in a hat. That’s what Mormonism teaches to lead people astray.

If you or someone you know has been led astray by Mormonism, listen to the YouTube message above and come to Covenant Reformed Baptist Church.

Regenerate (3:4-8)

The result of God’s goodness and lovingkindness appearing was that “He saved us” (speaking to believers). He did not save us because of anything we had done, because we prayed a prayer or got baptized. Baptismal regeneration — the doctrine that people are regenerated because of baptism — is false. Click on the YouTube link above and listen to the message for more about baptismal regeneration.

Regeneration is the means through which God saves us. It means being generated anew, re-created.

We are now between an inner and outer regeneration. The inner regeneration is the deposit assuring us of the coming outer regeneration.

Rebuke (3:9-11)

Rebuke people who say they are regenerate but live like dogs in a dog-eat-dog world.

They’re propelled by an urge to find something to disagree and argue about. Just this week, they announced a conference on cessationism so they can argue about spiritual gifts. There’s always something to argue and accuse others about. They’ll argue about “genealogies” and “quarrels about the law,” like the Seventh Day Adventists who argue about the Sabbath or Old Testament dietary laws. Beware of them!

We cannot put up indefinitely with people in the church who will continue to act like a dog. If they won’t repent, put them in the dog house.

Remind Again (3:12-15)

We need to be reminded again and again because we have a tendency to forget again and again. We’re reminded that we need a church. Paul and his friends were not loners. For reminding of your need for the church and to do good works, listen to the YouTube link above.

He’s already begun His coming, future new world in our hearts by regeneration.

Be reminded of what you would be like without Christ: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!” Be reminded that the undeserved mercy of our God and Savior appeared. Be reminded of your regeneration, when you were washed by the Holy Spirit. Has that event split your life in half, brought the new world to your heart? If not, you’re reminded now that the goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior has appeared.

For more on the gospel that appeared, listen to the YouTube message above.

Covenant Reformed Baptist Church is Caswell County’s/Danville’s Reformed church.