It all begins with Grace. . .
Unmerited favor. Unearned kindness. Undeserved compassion.
That is what God showed to you in giving His Son, Jesus to die in your place, atone for your sin, purchase your pardon, and clothe you with His right standing with the Father.
Jesus died the death you deserve,
in order to give you the live you can never deserve. . .
now it’s up to you to live your life for Him, because that’s what He deserves.
This act of grace – showing you more mercy and love than you can imagine (certainly more than you could ever repay) – is the starting place for learning how to live for Him.
This is what the Apostle Paul wrote to Titus:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 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. (Titus 2:11-14)
This is God’s part:
• Give Himself for you.
• Bestow His grace.
• Teach you.
• Purify you for Himself.
He’s got the hard part! You could never give yourself enough, earn His grace or create your own, purify yourself, or teach yourself what you don’t know (and don’t know you don’t know).
But your part is also clearly set before you:
• Receive His grace.
• Say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions.
• Live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this world.
• Wait for the glorious reappearing of Jesus.
• Be eager to do what is good.
And it all starts with Grace! Grace teaches you how.
Will you willingly surrender to the process of partnering with the Holy Spirit as He works to re-make you more and more into the likeness of Jesus?
