Session 6 September 22nd 2020

 

Read

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 Saviour, 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.

 

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You’ve seen the scenario play out in a film. One character saves the other from a potential tragedy, and the saved spends the rest of the story serving the saviour. Sometimes this plays out in a funny light as the one who did the saving is overwhelmed by the overflow of gratitude. But one thing is sure: The deeds done are not for show, or because it’s the right thing to do, no, they flow from true awe and thankfulness.

 

When it comes to your relationship with God, what is the motivation behind your behaviour? The Bible clearly calls followers of Jesus to serve people, care for the poor, and keep ourselves from sin. What motivates you to do these things? Do you do the right thing because it’s what you’re supposed to do? Do you do the right thing because people are looking at you? Or, do you operate like the character in the movie who serves his saviour out of thankfulness?

 

Receiving undeserved grace brings us to a place of true thankfulness.

 

Titus 2:11-15 beautifully speaks to grace being our motivation for living a righteous life. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope… eager to do what is good.”

 

Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. It is forgiveness, freely given and poured on us (1 Corinthians 2:12). It asks nothing and is not earned (Ephesians 2:9). When we understand salvation is nothing we can do for ourselves and definitely nothing we deserve, it brings us to a place of true thankfulness for what Jesus did. In this realisation, we want to live godly lives pleasing to the one who saved us from death. Just like the character in the film, we want to spend our lives serving our saviour.

 

Reflect and pray

 

Have you experienced the grace of God, so that you can serve Him out of thankfulness? If not, speak to someone you know is a christian and you trust.

Do you do good deeds out of a sense of duty or as an overflow of love for Jesus?

What is one practical way to daily remind yourself what Jesus has done for you?

How can you show that love to others?