work to be done…

In the journey of reading through… I come to these words in Titus…

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Titus 2:11-14 NASB

God’s grace appeared in Jesus… bringing the means of salvation for all…

But this grace… this salvation… it comes with instructions… and there is work to be done…

He teaches us to…

• deny ungodliness… anything not in line with God’s way… it needs to go…
• deny worldly desires… those cravings of the flesh… our human nature… all that opposes the way of the Holy Spirit… it too must go…
• live sensibly… righteously… godly… NOW… in this present age… this is not work for a future time… not to be restricted to our heavenly home… this is for today… and every day…
• look for the hope… and glory… coming in His return… we are waiting expectantly for the Lord of the earth to return… we are called to prepare for His arrival…

Why…? because He gave Himself… His life on a cross… to redeem us…

The whole purpose of the mission… is a restorative work in His people…

We are to allow Him to enter our hearts… redeem what has been lost to sin… purify us for His use…

A people of His own possession… for He bought us at a great price…

A people willing… ready… empowered with His zeal… for the good works to be done…

Salvation by grace… it’s not about the works we do… but about preparing us for the work to be done…

In us… and… through us…

Amen…