Session 8 September 24th 2020
Read
Titus 3
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle towards everyone.
3 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. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Final remarks
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
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Try to lift a car on your own with your bare hands. Can’t do it? Think it’s crazy to be asked to do something you obviously cannot do on your own?
Paul felt a little like this when he wrote to the Christians in Crete in Titus 3. “When the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:4-5). Paul wanted to remind these Christians, and Christians to come, that nothing they did could bring them salvation or fulfillment.
God promises to be with us always. He promises that through the Holy Spirit He will equip us with all we will need to do His will. Jesus said “Why worry about tomorrow… How much more will your Father in heaven provide for you…”
Remember, Christians are not saved because of anything they have ever done. Our actions lead to one place, being without God. But remember this too: God loves you so much He made you. God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. It’s because of God’s love for you and your recognition of Christ’s sacrifice for you that you are saved.
We often fall into this crazy pattern of believing that if we act a certain way or refrain from saying certain things, God will love us more, and we will find the fulfillment of salvation. That mindset is as crazy as trying to lift an entire car with your bare hands! When we let our actions determine our relationship with God, all we will ever see is failure. When we let God take control and accept His mercy in saving us from sin we could never get rid of ourselves, we will find fulfillment.
Reflect and pray
Is there an area in your life that you are trying to control that you need to give to God so He can take care of it for you?
Your actions don’t bring you closer to God; your relationship with Him does.
What might need to change for your relationship with God to grow?
When was the last time you took time to enjoy being with God?
What hinders your relationship with Jesus?
Pray the Holy Spirit shows you how much God loves you and makes all things work for the good?