Compiled From: The Life Application Study Bible

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient.  We were mislead by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures.  Our lives were full of evil and envy.  We hated others, and they hated us.”   ~ Titus 3:3

Following a life of pleasure and giving in to every sensual desire leads to slavery.  Many people think that freedom consists of doing anything they want.  But this path leads to a slavish addiction to sensual gratification.  A person is no longer free but is a slave to what his or her body dictates.   – “They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption.  For you are a slave to whatever controls you.”   – 2 Peter 2:19

4 “But then GOD our Savior showed us HIS kindness and love.  5 HE saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of HIS mercy.  HE washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.”   – Titus 3:4-6   – All three persons of the Trinity are mentioned in these verses because all three participate in the work of salvation.  Based upon the redemptive work of HIS Son, the Father forgives us and sends the Holy Spirit to wash away our sins and continually renew us.   – 7 “HE declared us not guilty because of HIS great kindness.  And now we know that we will inherit eternal life.  8 These things I have told you are all true.  I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in GOD will be careful to do good deeds all the time.  These things are good and beneficial for everyone.”   – Titus 3:7-8   – Paul summarized what Christ does for us when He saves us.  We move from a life full of sin to one where we are led by GOD’s Holy Spirit.  All of our sins, not just some of them, are washed away.  Washing refers to the water of baptism, which is a sign of salvation.  In becoming a Christian, the believer acknowledges Christ as Lord and recognizes Christ’s saving work.  We gain eternal life with all its treasures.  We have a new life through the Holy Spirit, and He continually renews our hearts.  None of this occurs because we earned or deserve it; it is all GOD’s gift.   – Christ frees us from the desires and control of sin and offers us freedom and eternal life.  Have you been released?

Thank YOU, Father GOD, for showing us YOUR kindness and love.  As humans on this earth we are all foolish and disobedient at times.  We are mislead by others and become slaves to many wicked earthly desires and evil pleasures that leave our lives full of evil and envy.  Thank YOU for showing us mercy and saving us.  Thank YOU for washing away our sins and giving us a new life through YOUR Holy Spirit.  Now we are declared not guilty and will inherit eternal life.

Photo: Joh Konrad Property (1848) (Round Top, TX)

Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales