Tag: Titus 3
Saved by Christ’s mercy!
Scripture reading for October 10: Titus 3
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:1-7
Sound doctrine from God’s Word clearly states that no man is saved by his ‘good works’ or can do anything to earn salvation. It is God’s goodness and kindness revealed to us through Jesus Christ that draws us to repentance and faith that Jesus can and will forgive us and cleanse us. Christ’s work on the cross for us is our only hope of redemption and washing of our guilt and sin. Upon repentance, Christ sends His Holy Spirit as a gift of Grace to indwell us. We are born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit and adopted into God’s family. God’s Grace is richly poured out on us and we are justified and made righteous in God’s sight. Through adoption, we are made heirs and joint heirs with Christ of eternal life in God’s forever family.
Paul stated that believers should be submissive to rulers and authorities and obedient. They were to be ready for every good work. These works were not done to earn us salvation, but as a response to God’s love and goodness. The Holy Spirit in regeneration changes our dispositions to be gentle, courteous, avoid quarrelling or speaking evil of others, and to live self-controlled lives that focus on doing God’s will and obeying His Word. Good works are a supernatural response to the infilling of the Holy Spirit abiding in us. Oh how we need to apply these truths in our lives today!
Do you struggle with trying to earn your salvation by living a perfect life and doing good works? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to indwell you and do a work of renewal and transformation? Are you secure in the hope of eternal life and your adoption into God’s family through new birth?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Gift of Your Holy Spirit that is renewing me day by day into Christ’s image. Help me to follow You in doing the good works that You have prepared for me. Let the Gospel of Grace through faith in Jesus Christ be clearly presented by my teaching, preaching, and daily life. Amen.
Thank God for His Mercy!
Scripture reading for October 11th: Titus 3
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Titus 3:4-7 “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
We all have pasts that we are not proud of. They are marked by sin and disobedience along with the broken relationships that that brings with it. But God, who is rich in mercy, showed His kindness and love to us through revealing His Son, Jesus Christ! Jesus saved us by washing our souls with His own blood and giving us the gift of eternal life! We are now new creations in Christ and heirs of the promises of God our Father! We have gone from the rags of sin’s clothing to the riches of God’s mercy!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers live in a state of constant thankfulness for God’s mercy. Out of this thankfulness, we can live productive lives of obedience and bring glory to God. “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and heavens. He has raised up for His people a horn, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, the people close to His heart.” (Psalm 148:13-14)
Saved by Christ’s mercy!
Scripture reading for October 12th: Titus 3
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2) Humility is a key ingredient of a life that pleases God. When we humbly recognize who God is and how He has placed all in authority as it pleased Him, we can joyfully submit and obey. When we recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we humbly serve others and seek peace and the uplifting of all men.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)
God’s mercy and kindness drew each one of us to salvation. (Romans 2:4) All of us lived in deception and were controlled by our passions, but God saved us simply because of grace! God, the generous Giver, poured out His love on us and washed us clean. Not only that, but He adopted us into His family and gave us an inheritance: eternal life in His presence! What amazing grace!