NEW HUMANITY 1
Opening Prayer
Lord God, thank you for the hope that is mine because Jesus came for me, died for me, and is returning for me!
Read TITUS 2:11–15
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever’ (Psalm 136:1).Future anticipation of something always makes us behave differently in the here and now. For example, booking a holiday means we buy sun lotion or a few items of clothing that will suit the weather. Or think of Marty, the main character in the movie Back to the Future, who pursues a particular course of action because he knows what the future will be like.
The confidence that must have filled the Cretan Christians was based on so much more: the saving work of Christ had already been done and it could be realized in the present (vv. 11, 12)! His work of non-judgmental, generous acceptance which extends to all, not just a few, must make the present different. This means change—not accepting the world as it is, but working toward a world as it should be. A world that is marked with kindness and justice, God-willed not self-willed, and doing ‘what is good’ (v. 14). Because Christians have experienced the powerful love and grace of God, it must inform the way they live as they wait for Jesus’ return (v. 13). Paul reminds people that they must have confidence in ‘the grace of God’ so that their lives become evidence that the future is already here!
Apply
Make a concerted effort to look out for actions that speak of God’s saving work in a person’s life. Be willing and prepared to be surprised where you might see it. Have eyes that see and ears that hear (Matthew 13:16).
Closing prayer
Holy Spirit, continue your work in my life; help me to be more like Jesus in all that I think and do.
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