SCRIPTURE: Titus 3:1-15

OBSERVATION:
Paul is writing instructions to Titus on how to lead the believers at Crete, what to stress in his teaching (v.8).
He describes what the Christian life looks like (vv.1-2) and why we should live this way (vv.3-7).
Describes the ‘before’ and ‘after’:
foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another
saved by His mercy, reborn, renewed by the Holy Spirit (generously poured out), justified by His grace, heirs having the hope of eternal life
His main emphasis is DO GOOD, in contrast to debating, arguing, controversy (vv.8-11).
Because our past is settled (justified) and our future is secured (heirs), we should devote our present to doing good, with humility and love.
The Holy Spirit gives us a new identity (rebirth) and a new experience (renewal).

APPLICATION:
Is my life devoted to doing good, is this the obvious main theme of my life?
Do I see myself as ‘before’ or ‘after’ or somewhere in between?
As citizens of the kingdom of God, how should we live while among the citizens of the kingdom of this world?
Is my work more a matter of words than of deeds?

PRAYER:
Lord, often I get wrapped up in ‘talking the talk’ that I forget about ‘walking the walk’. Help me to see that I am forgiven, and that my future is secure, therefore I can now live for You each day, doing good and showing others how living for You is the best way to live. Help me do good for You! Amen.