SWHW Bible Reading Plan: August 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Liz Patton:

Paul’s letter to Titus is filled with so much wisdom and goodness, but my main takeaway is pretty simple: I was a total mess before coming to Jesus, but because of God’s love and kindness, I am saved.  

Paul shares several examples of the mess I once was:

“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.” Titus 3:3

Whew!  When Paul spells it out like that, he makes us seem like a total mess; doesn’t he?  But the truth hurts.  Apart from Christ, we ARE a total mess.

But….

I love when I read the word, “but” in Scripture, because it often means that what comes next is gonna be good:  

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”  Titus 3:4-5

Did you catch that?  There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation.  No works and no being good or righteous enough.  It’s simply because of God’s kindness, love, and mercy that we are saved.  

This Biblical truth is so counter-cultural.  We live in a world that encourages us to strive more, earn more, hustle faster, and work harder.  Perhaps God knew our tendency to make it about ourselves which is why He intentionally makes salvation about His kindness and love--a free gift.  That should enable us to breathe more deeply and live more freely!

“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”  Titus 3:5-7

It almost seems too good to be true; doesn’t it?!  The Holy Spirit that is generously poured out on us gives us the right to become heirs.  An heir means "a receiver of an inheritance, a beneficiary." If we are children of God, we are receivers of God's inheritance. Oh, what a gift!

Dear God, thank You for Your love and kindness that You so lavishly pour into us.  Thank You for the gift of salvation that doesn’t come to us because we have earned it or because we deserve it,  but rather because of Your rich mercy and grace.  May that knowledge change the way we go about our day today.  As Your heirs, we live for You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.