14 day plan

Resting...

Day 2 of 14

NIV

Titus 3:4-8

4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he 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, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This 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.

Reflection:  Paul’s letter to Titus is full of practical advice about Christian living. Paul devotes most of his letter to the behaviour, and conduct of the Christian believer and the importance of living a godly and ‘productive’ life. But that’s not the heart of the letter. Paul’s key focus is on God’s grace and how that grace shapes us. The truth of these verses is like the petrol that keeps the car going. Without petrol, the car will stop driving. Resting in these truths is what will keep us going in faithful service to our Lord. Our God is merciful. He didn’t have to save us, and his rescue plan didn’t include our efforts or good works. This is a truth we can rest in. The amazing thing is that when we rest in it, we want to live good and productive lives as his Spirit works within us to renew and transform us.

Prayer:  Gracious loving heavenly Father, when I’m tempted to think that my salvation depends upon what I do, help me to remember that I am saved because of your kindness and love. Fill me with your Spirit and remind me that the Lord Jesus has done it all. I am saved. I am your heir and have the hope of eternal life. Amen.

Titus 3:1-15

Saved in Order to Do Good

1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3At 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. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he 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, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This 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.

9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

12As 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. 13Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.

14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

15Everyone with me sends you greetings.

Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.