Devotion:
Read Titus 2:11 - 3:8.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement in the 18th century in England, taught about God’s grace as being God’s activity throughout our life. First, there is “prevenient” grace, God at work in our life even before we know God. Then comes “justifying” grace (spoken of here in Titus 4:7), which makes us right, or puts us in a right relationship, with God. Then, for the rest of our life, there is God’s “sanctifying” grace, which guides us in growing in the perfection of God’s love. Here in chapter two, verse eleven and following, I see an example of this sanctifying grace at work: “It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope….”
We have received so much, through God’s grace. As we more fully understand that, we seek to live our life sharing this same grace, as a way to say “Thank you” for God’s gift. We do that in community with other Christians, learning from each other, supporting one another and holding each other accountable: “Encourage and rebuke with all authority” (2:15). And it all culminates in this goal, as stated in 3:8: “...so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” God bless you as you live to do just that!
Personal Worship Option:
My favorite verse from John Newton’s hymn “Amazing Grace”:
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
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