July 4th, 2015
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Grace Makes Good

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, I thank You for the rich heritage of this good land. Look with favor on those who lead this nation.

Read Titus 3:1–15

[1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. [3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. [9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. [11] You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. [12] As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. [13] Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. [14] Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. [15] Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Meditate

Imagine coming home after a day out in mud and rain. How does it feel after you are washed, warm and in fresh clothes? How does it feel to know that Jesus washes you clean (5)?

Think Further

What changes people who are “disobedient, deceived and enslaved” (3) into those devoted to doing what is good (1,8,14)? It’s certainly not expertise in the Law. The false teachers whom Titus faces on Crete are almost certainly Jews who, having become followers of Jesus, want to retain Jewish practices, rules and regulations. They engage in discussions about the appropriateness of Jewish law and its continuing application, over against the new worldview established in Jesus. It reminds us that transformational change, dislodging old ways of thinking and replacing them with fresh thinking, never comes easy.

What really brings about change is “grace” (7, see 2:11), “kindness and love” (4), “mercy” (5), and unwarranted generosity (6). These are the drivers of fundamental change. We need look no further than the Zacchaeus story for a revolution in attitude brought about by Jesus’ loving kindness (Luke 19:1–10). Anton Chekhov’s understanding of this principle comes through in his short story “The Beggar,” in which the lying drunkard, Loshkoff, is transformed, not by the harsh demands of the advocate Skvortsoff but by the compassion of his maid, who fulfills all Skvortsoff’s requirements on Loshkoff’s behalf. The work of Jesus, of course, can never be captured entirely in one story. The cleansing he brings is confirmed and sealed as he comes to dwell in his followers by the Holy Spirit (5), ensuring ongoing sanctification and eternal safekeeping.

Crete should be a better place because of the Gospel: a place of gentleness (2), a more respectful and more hospitable island (the provision for “urgent needs” of verse 14 is almost certainly a reference to providing for the needs of others).

Apply

Changing the way we think about the world, ourselves and others is a long, costly process. God is committed to the change (3–8). Are you still fully engaged in that process?

Closing prayer

Transforming Lord, I want to get on board with the renewing work You are doing in my life. I want to engage with the Spirit’s growth-path for me.

Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.

© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.

Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.

View all readings

Get ENCOUNTER:

in your email:

in Print:

Become a Member | Visit our store