Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Titus 2:11-14.
This week we are focusing on John Wesley’s teaching about grace, emphasizing that this activity of God in our life continues throughout our life. He described this progression of grace as first prevenient, God working to bring us to a knowledge of God and our need for God in our life. Then comes justifying grace, the free gift of God’s acceptance and forgiveness as we repent of our sin. Finally comes sanctifying grace, whereby God continues to guide us and create us into individuals and a people who more fully represent God in the world.
These verses from the letter to Titus speak to this sanctifying grace. I especially take note of verse twelve: “It (the grace of God) teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” Then these words in verse fourteen further describe what God is doing with this grace: “...to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
May each of us be intentional about opening ourselves more and more to this sanctifying grace of God, so that we are always “eager to do what is good.”
Personal Worship Option:
One of my favorite prayer hymns was written by Adelaide Pollard way back in 1902. It ends with this “sanctifying grace” verse:
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me!
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