Living before a Watching World

In this message centering on Titus 3:1–8, Chuck Swindoll explores the tension of living as citizens of heaven while residing in a secular world. He uses the analogy of a "fence" to describe the separation between the spiritual reality of God's Kingdom and the limited, often dark perception of the world. While most people live "inside the fence," unaware of the eternal reality beyond it, God has placed believers there to serve as bridges between these two worlds [5–7]. Swindoll outlines three specific roles Christians must play to influence those "inside the fence." First, they must be Lightbearers (based on Matthew 5), shining into the darkness without necessarily speaking initially. Second, they must be Lovegivers (based on John 13), demonstrating a love for one another that authenticates their discipleship. Third, they must be Respect Earners (based on 1 Thessalonians 4), leading quiet, diligent lives that demand the respect of outsiders [8–13]. The sermon transitions into a practical study of Titus 3, emphasizing that "Good Deeds" are the primary vehicle for evangelism in a hostile culture. Swindoll challenges believers to be good citizens who submit to authorities—noting that Paul wrote this command while the brutal Emperor Nero was in power—and to be good neighbors who refuse to malign or quarrel with others. He concludes by reminding the church that they too were once "foolish, disobedient, and deceived," and were saved only by the kindness and mercy of God, not their own righteousness. Therefore, the only way to win a hearing in a skeptical world is through authenticity and integrity.

Message Key Facts:

• The "Fence" Analogy: Swindoll likens the secular world to a backyard inside a fence. Those living there are often "blind" to the eternal reality outside. Christians are left "inside the fence" not to judge, but to help others find the way out.
• Three Missional Roles: Swindoll defines the believer's witness through three specific passages:
  • Lightbearers (Matthew 5): We do not hold the light; we are the light. We help people see by shining, not just by speaking.
  • Lovegivers (John 13): The distinguishing mark of a disciple to the outside world is how they love fellow believers.
  • Respect Earners (1 Thessalonians 4): By working hard, minding their own business, and living quiet lives, believers earn the right to be heard [11–13].
• Emphasis on "Good Deeds": Swindoll notes that the phrase "Good Deeds" appears repeatedly throughout Titus (1:16, 2:7, 2:14, 3:1, 3:8, 3:14). He argues this repetition is intentional because Titus was ministering to people on Crete who were surrounded by mythology and confusion and needed to see the Gospel in action [13–15].
• Submission to Authority: Swindoll points out the difficulty of Paul’s command in Titus 3:1 to "be subject to rulers." He notes that the emperor at the time was likely Nero—a corrupt and brutal leader—yet the command to submit and be good citizens remained valid.
• Neighborly Conduct: The sermon defines specific behaviors for treating neighbors:
  • Malign no one: Do not slander or put people down.
  • Uncontentious: Do not be quarrelsome or belligerent.
  • Gentle: Be moderate, fair, and show "indulgent consideration of human infirmities".
• The Theological Basis for Grace: Swindoll emphasizes that believers must treat lost people with grace because they used to be exactly like them—foolish and deceived. Salvation came when the "kindness of God... appeared," saving us "not on the basis of deeds... but according to His mercy" [24–26].
• Authenticity and Integrity: The sermon concludes that you cannot convince anyone of a truth you are not living. To win a hearing, believers must simply be real—apologizing when wrong and dropping the "religious" facade.

Message References:

• Titus 3:1–8: The primary text, urging believers to be subject to rulers, ready for good deeds, and reminding them of their salvation by grace.
• Matthew 5:14–16: "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works".
• John 13:34–35: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another".
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business... so that you will behave properly toward outsiders".
• Matthew 22:21: Jesus’ instruction regarding government: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s".
• Romans 12:18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men".

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll