Lord's Day Devotion - He Offered His Life

 

As we gather together on any given Lord's Day, we followers of Jesus Christ remember what Jesus has done for us.  Like this verse announces,

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people ..."                   (Titus 2:11 ESV).

Jesus gave Himself to redeem us (see Titus 2:14).  This was the ultimate sacrifice He made for us.  He gave His life as an offering, a sweet aroma to God His Father, demonstrating His love for us.

What are we to do to show our gratitude to Him?  If we read verses 11 and 14 in context, we see the 'what to do' inbetween.  Salvation, God's Word proclaims, trains us,

"... to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (vs 12).

This is the 'what to do' and it's our responsibility to live holy lives before Christ.  This is Chrisitan living, progressing in progressive sanctification, shedding the habits and attitudes of the old nature.  Being "new creatures in Christ" (see 2 Corinthians 5:16-17) we need to learn to form God-honoring behavior and habits.  Self-control is one, which with Holy Spirit's help we can learn to develop as we renounce the sinful behaviors.

Secondly, while awaiting,

"for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (vs 13),

we can hold on to and use this future event as another motivation for living those holy lives God wants us to live.

"Be holy as He is holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Salvation through Jesus Christ has great potential to purify us, collectively,

"a people for His own possession" (vs 14).

The reason being, is for us, His children and people, to be made

"zealous for good works" (vs 14).

As individuals and as a collective family of God we should choose to live well with the salvation Jesus earned for us at the cost of His precious blood and life.  He is a risen, living King now, we need to live for Him.

If we call ourselves 'redeemed people' then let's live to please Him, starting  with renouncing the ungodliness and worldly passion, by eagerly awaiting His appearing; and by being progressively purified for His glory and honor and doing good works as He directs.  Make it like an obsession, cuz that's similarly, what zealousness looks like.

May we be reminded of all this as we partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine, as we remember Jesus' death and resurrection in this weekly memorial service - as often as you eat and drink in so doing.

A good question to ask ourselves:  He offered His life for me, will I offer mine to Him?

Lord Jesus, we remember all the work You did in securing our redemption.  Help us now to make our lives a continual living sacrifice, giving glory to Your name alone.  We give You our thanks in Your name.  Amen.

                                                ~ ERC  May 2025  ~

Based on Titus 2:11-14 ESV.

Siing, I Offer My Life, along with Don Moen.