SCRIPTURE: Titus 1-3
Jesus Christ, 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. (Titus 2:13-14)
Saved from sin, saved for goodness… yet some Christians only see the first one.
We are not just forgiven, we are freed from sin and given the Spirit of goodness.
Paul reminds Titus several times that good lives are also a part of the Gospel.
Not as works that we perform, but as the result of what Jesus has done.
Jesus gave Himself to redeem us AND purify us.
Good works are not just a response to the gospel, they are part of the gospel.
Prior to Jesus and the Spirit, we could not earn forgiveness, and we could not do good.
Now, with Jesus and the Spirit, we are forgiven AND we are able to do good.
Not just able to, the Spirit makes us eager to, He ignites the flame for goodness.
If I am not eager to do good, I don’t have to try harder…
No, I have to check my connection to the Saviour, am I resisting the Spirit of Jesus in me?
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, my eagerness for doing good is weak. Trying harder is not the answer, I need to strengthen my connection to You. I don’t need more of Your Spirit, Your Spirit needs more of me!
Observation/Application
Elders.
Being an ‘elder’ in age 🙂
Be an encourager. Be an example. Be a living letter living for Jesus. Our actions must proclaim that Jesus is Lord. Be a person of integrity – setting the example for all. Do this and live, That’s what the Master said.
Do what is good.
Develop a Oneness – all that edifies and glorifies the Saviour.
Live for Jesus.
Always.
A Christ follower.
A living example.
Always with us, always with us,
Words of cheer, and words of love;
Thus the risen Savior whispers,
From His dwelling place above.
With us when we toil in sadness,
Sowing much, and reaping none;
Telling us that in the future
Golden harvests shall be won.
With us when the storm is sweeping,
O’er our pathway dark and drear;
Waking hope within our bosoms,
Stilling every anxious fear.
With us in the lonely valley,
When we cross the chilling stream;
Lighting up the steps to glory
With salvation’s radiant beam.