Start with a Relationship with Jesus

Photo by Dennis Hill

Scripture: Titus 2:11-12

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

Insights: The start of today’s verses point to the first coming of Jesus, as well as, to the reality that God and Jesus are the same.  Jesus is the One who appeared and He is God’s grace.  In essence this little phrase is taking us all the way back to John chapter one and specifically verse one and verse fourteen.  In those two verses we learn Jesus is God and He became flesh and dwelt among us.  Why did Jesus come?  The second phrase of today’s verses answer that question.  He came in order to bring salvation to all men.  After one has entered into that love relationship with our Lord and Savior, we then turn our attention to denying ungodliness and worldly desires.  The best way to remove those two areas of sin is to focus not on the sin but on the sensible, righteous and godly life the Lord desires for us to live.  In other words, don’t focus on the negative, but on the positive.  What you think about tends to happen.  So, if you want to live a sensible, righteous and godly life, then focus on the attributes and characteristics comprised of such a life.  If you want to be bound in your ungodliness and worldly desires, then think about how much of a stronghold they have on your life and you will be amazed at how often you fall prey to those desires.  Let me close today with just a few words on salvation.  Maybe you are one who has never received the free gift of eternal life found in Jesus.  There are some things you need to know.  Firstly, heaven is a free gift and it can’t be earned or deserved.  Secondly, man is a sinner and is not capable of saving himself.  Thirdly, God is merciful and loving and does not want to punish you, but at the same time, He is just and holy and must punish sin.  God solves this apparent contradiction in the person of His Son, Jesus.  Jesus is the infinite God-man.  He is fully God and fully man at the same time.  Jesus lived among humanity and taught them how to have a relationship with God.  He then died on a cross bearing the sins of the world, including yours.  He was buried on Friday and on that following Sunday morning, He rose from the dead.  You enter this relationship with Him through faith.  Faith is not mere head knowledge nor is it temporary in nature.  Faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.  It is an entering into a relationship with Him.  It is life changing.  This truth is what God desires of you—a relationship with Him.

Questions:

1. With whom is God asking you to share the gospel?

2. Is there anything hindering you from being obedient to Him?

Prayer: Father, You are always drawing on my heart to walk in obedience to You.  You desire for all people to come to know Your Son, Jesus.  Increase my faith and boldness and help me to share Your love regularly and consistently.  Amen.

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