Titus 3:3-6
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Storms of every sort, torrents, earthquakes, cataclysms, 'convulsions of nature,' etc., however mysterious and lawless at first sight they may seem, are only harmonious notes in the song of creation, varied expressions of God's love.
John Muir
We all have a story of who we were before we met Jesus, this is our testimony. When we understand and see the gospel clearly, it gives us, every believer, reassurance that God has blessed us with a world-changing testimony.
In Titus 3:3, Paul includes himself in this ugly description of who we once were, “foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”
During our time of shelter in place, one or more of these characteristics of our “old self” may have come to the surface. And we have noticed these behaviors in others. We need to make sure that that we recognize this and shake it off.
And then, we run into that small and very important word at the beginning of verse 4, “BUT!”
Then something transforming begins to happen. God’s character is revealed, and we begin to see His grace, His mercy, and His goodness. We see His love for His people, His desire to set His people free, and give us eternal life.
Our Heavenly Father has poured out His Spirit on us through Jesus Christ, our LORD, and there is no doubt that the Spirit is at work in our lives. Paul uses the same word here that Luke used to describe the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:33). Just as the Spirit was “poured out” on that day, every believer receives the Spirit when they first trust Christ. Paul then tells us that the pouring out is done richly with the divine and sovereign generosity of our God and Father by means of Jesus, our Savior and King.
As we engage with neighbors, friends, and family on the issues we are confronted with every day, so many are looking for answers. We should all be sharing the beautiful transformative gospel with them in a way that lifts their eyes and their hearts to Jesus who offers regeneration and renewal to all who put their trust in Him.
For the children:
Who are you sharing your testimony with?
Who in your circle of friends needs to hear the story of Jesus?
Pray that God put someone on your heart that needs to hear about Jesus?
Read and meditate:
Titus 3:3-6
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Pray:
Lord I know this pandemic has been hard on so many people, and so many people are looking for answers. I ask that you reveal someone to me, so that I can love them like Jesus. Help me to be obedient to your Holy Spirit and do something that can help them.
I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ my Savior
Amen.
About the author:
Jose Aguilar Jr. is an Associate Pastor at FBC Weslaco and has served in this capacity for the last 11 years. He and his wife Blanca have served faithfully at FBC Weslaco since 2001. They are the proud grandparents of Lilyana Faythe and Trinidad Esperanza Aguilar.