Grace teaches …
Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Paul has just been telling Titus what to teach different groups in the church. Now he focusses on what grace teaches us about
- My heart: saying “no” to my sinful longings
- My will: controlling myself (taking ownership of what I do)
- My future actions: doing what is right
- My focus: waiting on what God gives
How can I do this?
- My focus: waiting on Jesus
- His completed actions: giving himself to set me free
- His will: that I belong to him
- My heart: to long for what is good
I love the symmetry: my heart, will, actions and focus aligned with his actions and will produces a complete, balanced, fruitful life. Jesus’ life and death sets me free to live the life I was made for.
Jesus, I do choose to live life with you today … and tomorrow … until you appear in your glory.
Written by David Cornell