Titus Chapter 3
Most people on this great earth believe that it is their good works that will earn them an eternity in heaven. The Bible is very clear that it is the mercy of God and His great love towards us that brings our salvation. There is no great scale at the gates of heaven to weigh our good deeds vs. our bad deeds. I am so thankful that this is not the case because if we are honest with ourselves, we all tend to think we are far better than we truly are. I am so thankful that it is not up to me to try to earn my way to heaven. I am so thankful that Jesus was willing to die for me and provide me with the redemption that is needed to spend eternity with Him.
Let's Reflect
1. When Paul tells Titus to remind “them” to do good works, is he speaking about the believers or the unbelievers?
2. These qualities (or good works) are in the passive tense. They are to keep on doing these things. These qualities sound exactly like the one whom we follow. We are a disciple of whom?
3. Paul reminds us of what we once were. Why is it good to remember who we once were?
4. We have become justified by the vast grace of God. This justification allows us to become heirs of Christ and grants us _______________ life.
5. At the moment of salvation, when we put our trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ, we become “washed” by the Holy Spirit. This cleansing is performed by God as He makes us new. We will continue to sin (in this lifetime unfortunately), but our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus. We are made clean. We are made righteous. It is clear that we are made clean because of this one thing – the Bible says it is “according to His own ___________ .”
6. Paul wanted the gospel message to be very clear. In fact, he said that Titus was to do what when he taught these truths? See verse 8.
7. A natural response to the great mercy and grace that has been poured out for us, is to do what? See verse 8-9.
