Grace instructs God’s people!
Scripture reading for October 9: Titus 2
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Titus 2:11-15
Paul declared to Titus how God’s grace had appeared and made salvation available to all men and women. The culture of Crete where Titus was ministering was lazy and self-indulgent. God’s grace through Jesus Christ was at work saving lost people and transforming them into godly saints. Paul had explained how God’s grace should work in the older men and women. They were now learning through godly instruction how to live lives of self-control and integrity. The women were learning to be active in keeping a loving home and caring for children and supporting their husbands. The younger men and women were being trained by the example of the older and by sound training in sound doctrine.
Loving God and receiving forgiveness of sins has practical daily fruit that expresses itself by transformed lives. The vision of a loving Savior coming again to receive us offers more incentive to be living by His Word and daily receiving grace to avoid lawlessness and to be zealous for good works. God is at work and the Holy Spirit purifies our hearts and empowers us to be ready when Christ Jesus returns in glory for us. Christ’s return is our ‘blessed hope’ in that all God’s promises will come to fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
As you look at your life, what sort of things motivate you to make changes in living patterns to become more holy and godly? What expectation do you have of Jesus’ return in glory? Will He find you living a self-controlled and upright life and zealous for good works?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing grace appearing in the Person of Jesus Christ and revealed through the Gospel. Your grace has brought me redemption from my sins and is now at work in me through Your Holy Spirit teaching me how to live. Lead me today in good works and Gospel opportunities. Amen.
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