August 24, 2017 – Titus 2:12-13

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, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Titus 2:12-13.

Picture a little boy who is told to keep his clothes clean, eyeing a mud puddle growing larger in the rain outside the window.  That mud puddle is like a magnet, drawing him outside.  Will he show wisdom and obey his mother because he loves her and stay clean?

We all have choices to make.  It begins early – choosing toys, foods, clothes for the day, whether to obey Dad and Mom or not.  This is the time to learn the joy of obedience and understanding the hope we live for.

When ‘the me’ in us grows so big in our own eyes, we are blinded to truth.  Jesus is the truth and the way!  Who is Jesus?  The One who gave his life on earth to free us from every kind of sin, cleanse our hearts and minds, and make us His very own people.  Who sent Jesus?  His Father God. Jesus loves us – John 17:3 –There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Jesus is our greatest friend.  He shows us the way to do good deeds while we live for Him on this earth.  Jesus loves us so much, He lived on this earth, this evil world, and showed us what it is to be totally committed to live for God!  He is the answer, not the world’s mud puddles!

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. Titus 2:14