INTRODUCTION - THE GOSPEL IS SO OLD IT IS EVER NEW BUT LIKE POTTERY FROM POMPEII - MANY COUNTERFEITS

• Many do not know the distinctives re: Gospel- Paul's Gospel is a distinctive of this age.
• Gospel of Kingdom-Matt 3:2, Davidic Mil.
• Gospel of Grace-God saves sinners!
• Everlasting Gospel-Rev. 14:6-Judgement in Tribulation
• Paul calls "My Gospel"-Rom 2:16 Grace in Full Development
• Another Gospel- Gal 1:6- perversion that leads to death

I. THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION - v. 15

This is the good news that Jesus Christ saves sinners of whom I am chief! - v. 15

A.   THE GRACE OF OUR LOURD IS EXCEEDING ABUNDANT WITH FAITH AND LOVE v. 14

1. This is the good news that Jesus Christ- the rejected King- died on the cross
2. His love was so great that He died for the sins of the world!
3. This is the Power of God unto Salvation- Rom 1:16

B.  NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY - Titus 3:5

1.  While we were yet sinner s Christ died for us!
2. This is from the love and kindness of God our savior - Titus 3:4
3. This came to us while we were sometimes foolish- disobedient - Titus 3:3

C.  WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY HIS GRACE, AND MADE HEIRS OF ETERNAL LIFE - Titus 3:7

1. This gospel of free grace and dying love is given in every part of the scripture
2. It begins and ends in God's great love and providence- and our only part is faith
3. There is no way that we can earn, merit, deserve, or enlarge so great salvation!

Paul preaches this wonderful gospel, and it would be well for all to receive it!

II.  THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL COMMITTED TO PAUL - v. 11

The fullest development of grace in a person's heart produces good works- separation!

A.  THERE IS A PARTICULAR ASPECT OF THE GOSPEL OF GRACE COMMITTED ESPECIALLY TO PAUL

1. In Rom 2 Rom 2:16 Paul calls it "my Gospel"
2. In II Cor 4:4 it is called " the glorious gospel of Christ"
3. In I Tim 1:11 it is called "The glorious gospel of the blessed God"

B.  GOD COUNTED PAUL AS FAITHFUL, AND PUT HIM IN THE MINISTRY TO ADVANCE THIS!

1. The Total sacrifice of Rom 12:1,2 is the "therefore" that Paul adds by God's will
2. The pressing toward the mark- Phil 3:10, 14, is for all who would be perfect- v.15
3. To accomplish this- Paul counted himself as crucified with Christ- yet alive-

C.  GOOD WORKS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION, BUT IT IS THE RESULT OF A CHANGED LIFE! - Titus 3:8

1. This extra step was not understood by some- they thought he was trying to earn life!
2. It was not understood by others, they stumbled over Sal. by faith- plus nothing! New birth - changed -
3. But God's word says- Phil 2:12 "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling".

You will not have real happiness until you have enough faith to follow Paul's Gospel!

III. WHY ARE SO FEW LIVING PAUL'S GLORIOUS GOSPEL TODAY? - Read again I Tim 1: - and see

Even though Paul was defeated in the world - finally executed - he lived victoriously!

A.  WE DO NOT READ WELL THE PATTERN OF THE LONGSUFFERING SHOWN IN JESUS AND PAUL - v.16

1. We live in an age of prosperity, easy money, many "things" and we want it all!
2. We are not willing to do anything that involves a great personal sacrifice of "things"
3. We evade, and dodge anything that might lead to unpopularity, a persecution - Paul in Jail.

B.  WE ARE UNWILLING TO ACCEPT THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN THE CONTROL OF OUR OWN LIVES - v13

1. Paul did many wrong things because he was in ignorance of God's true salvation- God forgave
2. We have the entire Bible, we have Gospel preaching churches, radio, etc. - none ignorant!
3. So we cannot plead a second chance when we deliberately choose our will instead of God's

C.  WE ARE NOT TRAINED TO CARRY A "TRUST" AS A SACRED OBLIGATION NOT TO BE VIOLATED! - v. 11

1. No written or moral contract today is held very high- marriage- resolutions, promises?
2. Hedonism-seeking pleasure on every turn- has snared the church- "it pays to serve Christ"
3. We need to get back to RESPONSIBILITY! as a motive- in every area- esp.in Lord's work!

There are many open doors of service to those who will pay the price!

CONCLUSION - WILL YOU NOT ONLY BELIEVE THE GOSPEL OF GRACE, BUT OBEY PAUL'S GLORIOUS GOEPEL?

1. Jesus met his responsibility to pay the price for your sin- accept it!
2. Now turn your live completely over to him- and live for him because you OWE it to Him-
3. You will find that this is a joyous way to live, and with great reward!