So the word given to my husband and I for 2024 was Righteousness and our verse is Romans 5:17. Since beginning this journey, verses that speak of God's grace continue to leap off the page.
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It’s so funny to see the verse on the Bible App that the Lord has placed in my heart the past week. It’s like a God-wink and hug by the Holy Spirit. So if you opened the app yesterday, you know today, we are diving into Titus 2:11-13, which reads, “For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
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Before you read any further, what word in these three verses captivates you and why? Let me know in the comments👇🏾
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These Scriptures reveal God’s grace in three dimensions: past, present, and future😉, which is all good stuff! 🌻Grab your Bible and favorite chair and let's feast and save this for your Weekend Bible Study🌻
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🌻Grace Past🌻
“For the grace of God has appeared (epiphainō meaning visible, known), bringing salvation for all people.” Titus 2:11. We learn from this verse that grace is not a doctrine or teaching but that grace is the Person of our Lord Jesus. Look at these supporting verses:
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“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14.
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“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17.
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🌻Grace Present🌻
“Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Titus 2:12. In this verse, we glean wisdom from God because we see that it is the grace of God that teaches us to reject the world and its ways. We don’t need to school one another in righteousness, rather it is from a relationship with Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us to walk in the ways of the Lord. This is so important because we need to let God be God and allow Him to do what only He can do in and through us.
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We often desire to change people’s behaviors, yet God desires their hearts. Once they are born again, God gives them a new heart (just like ours that is one with His) able to His promptings hence, why the Gospel is so important. Let’s not skip the step of the great commission. Let’s decide today to be about our Abba Father’s business—and leave the results to Him😉. Check our these additional verses:
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“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”
1 Corinthians 1:30.
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“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
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“I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.” Jeremiah 24:7
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“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13
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”And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.“
2 Corinthians 9:8
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“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18.
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🌻Grace Future🌻
“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13. Finally, we have hope for much more grace in the future. Christian posture isn't waiting or wondering about the antichrist. Christian posture is waiting eagerly for His Son from Heaven. We walk in perilous times, y’all. As we abide In His grace and hope in His coming it has a purifying effect in our lives:
“And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3. Consider these points of reflection:
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“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13
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“So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7
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I know it was long, but wasn't it worth it? God’s word is so incredibly good and as we read and meditate on the truth it drops into our hearts where we understand it and then can appropriate it. I hope you’ve been blessed. I sure have.
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One final word, beloved this is only the beginning. We will be saturated with the depths of His grace throughout eternity. God bless you.
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🌻Journal Prompts For the Weekend🌻
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Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace in your past. How did that experience shape your understanding of grace?
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In what ways do you currently see God's grace at work in your life? How is it helping you navigate challenges and make righteous choices?
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Consider your hopes and expectations for the future. How does the concept of grace impact your outlook on what lies ahead?
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How can you actively cultivate a mindset of eagerly anticipating the return of Jesus Christ while living in the present age?
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Take a moment to meditate on Ephesians 2:7 and consider the immeasurable riches of God's grace. How does this truth inspire you to live a life of gratitude and service?
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Think about a situation or relationship where you struggle to extend grace to others. How can you apply the principles of Titus 2:11-13 to that situation to foster reconciliation and growth?
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Consider the idea of allowing God to change hearts rather than focusing solely on changing behaviors. How can you align your approach to sharing the Gospel with this perspective?
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Reflect on 1 John 3:3 and 1 Peter 1:13. How can the anticipation of Jesus' return motivate you to live a life of purity and readiness?
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Take time to journal about the ways God's grace has been evident in your life recently. How can you express gratitude for these manifestations of His grace?
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Consider sharing your reflections with a trusted friend or mentor, and invite them to join you in exploring the depths of God's grace together.
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For more encouragement check out my Instagram page for the daily word.
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