Knowledge, Action & Control with Perseverance Titus 2:11-14

Scripture:  Titus 2:11-14

NIV 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.

NLT  11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.  14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Observation:  First, there is the awareness of God’s grace and salvation. Then, with that gift, we learn to recognize that we need to say “No” to our sinful desires.  We are taking action in saying “No” we are obeying.  We are controlling ourselves by living upright and godly lives.  Last, the waiting until Christ comes in verse 13 is also addressed at the end of verse 14, eager to do what is good is done while we wait.

Application:  First, as we become aware, I need to read the bible, study the bible, worship and disciple in my small group.  The second action is to do what I learn, eagerly do good and just as important to say “No” to what is sinful.   I need to stay in tune with God so I know what is sinful.  Finally, I need to persevere, as these actions are to take place until Jesus is revealed.  

Prayer:  Lord, I fall short every day.  I am not consistent.   I hear, I journal, and yet I do not always do.  Lord Almighty, reveal to me always what you want me to do.  Help me so I honor you with all I do, consistently over the long term. Amen.

Philippians 1:6 Good work requires pruning (sacrifice)

Scripture:  Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Observation:  When God begins a good work in us (when we commit our lives to Christ), it will be carried on to completion.  Not might be, but will be.  This is a definite. 
 

Application:   Since I know in my heart and in what I have already experienced, God has started a good work in me.  His word says it will be carried to completion.   I need to believe that and claim that good work he has begun in me.  With reference to my healthy balanced life, I know God is at work and I need to continue to rely 100% on God and not Helen for this work in me.  I need to embrace the pruning that is accompanied with good work.  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I do not deserve the work you have done in my life.  I make mistakes all day long and yet you continue to prosper and produce fruit.  I understand that the fruit requires much pruning.  Help me Lord to know when I am relying on me and not you.  Help me Lord, to embrace the pruning.  Lord, I want your will in my life.  Help me to be confident in the work you have begun in me.  I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for all the trials and the fruit.  Thank you Lord.  Amen.

1 Peter 1:13-14 We need to be alert and sober.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-14  Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 

Observation:  God calls us to be obedient and not conform to the evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance.  We need to be alert and sober.  The next action is to set our hope on the grace we receive from Jesus. 

Application: Now that we recognize through Christ’s grace that we are children of God, we need to be alert and sober.   It is hard not to want to conform to the desires we have that are from the world.   Being alert includes purposely staying in tune with the Lord: reading my bible each day, studying his word, praying and staying in contact all day, without ceasing.   I cannot compartmentalize God.  He needs to be first in all things, all.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to see all the things I am doing in Helen power.  Lord I want to live my life in your priority.  I want my passion to be your passion.  I want your purpose to be my purpose.  Lord to do anything else is a waste of time. Help me Lord to see where I am and where you want me to be.  Help me Lord to embrace all you have for me. Thank you Lord, for the multitude of blessings in my life, they are so plentiful, it is hard to comprehend.    Amen.