Today’s Encouragement is, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Titus 2:11-12 ESV
Godly Lives –
It’s subtle; we might miss it, but this first thought is critical: the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation. This is describing Jesus. Jesus is the grace of God. Grace is defined as unmerited, undeserved favor. Only Jesus “has appeared bringing salvation.” He is the Grace of God.
This is confirmed in John 1:17.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
And Jesus has (already) brought us salvation, and is also training us to turn away from the passions of this world and to turn to “self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.”
Notice He is training us; we are in training now. This earthly life is sometimes referred to as a training ground, or boot camp. Since we do not reach perfection in this life, we will always be “in training.”
Aren’t we grateful to continually be in training, moving towards a godly life? Rather than living in “ungodliness and worldly passions“ and outside of His salvation?
Father, thank You for setting us free from the destructive behaviors of this world and training, instructing, and strengthening us to live Godly Lives for Your glory.
My Worth Is Not In What I Own
Keith and Kristyn Getty feat. Fernando Ortega
https://youtu.be/05jKxv8ApuI?is=wvX-ZkW4rzoLvdCW