DAY 1: MOTIVATED BY GRACE
September 1 | Week 1: Grace and Devotion
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope–the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
1.What does the grace of God teach us to say no to? What does it teach us to say yes to?
– No: “Ungodliness” and “worldly passions.” Impurity/Lust (porn/masturbation), Greed, Selfishness, Anger…to name a few.
– Yes: “Self-control”, “integrity/uprightness”, and “godliness”
2. Grace is not an excuse to coast. How is it supposed to change the way you live day to day?
– It should be seen in my *day to day* life. Not just Sunday, “in front of everyone”, but during the week where the “real me” lives. I should be godly, not angry or short-tempered. Additionally, I should keep not just my anger, but all my emotions in check. I should be upright, there should be no deceit in me – instead, obedience (to the laws of the land), integrity, kindness, respect, and servitude.
3. What kind of people does verse 14 say we should be? Are you eager to do good, or do you have to be pushed?
– Sometimes I have to be pushed. Sometimes what pushes me is the spiritual needs in my wife and children or in the spiritual family around me. Sometimes it is a good conversation with a brother and I realize, I’d better take my own advice. I know “needing” to be pushed means I need to get in touch with grace!
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
1. What does Paul say he is, and why?
– The least of the apostles because he “persecuted the church of God.”
2. Paul says he worked harder than anyone, but then he gives all the credit to grace. How can both be true?
– Grace was the motive, the foundation of his inspiration. Without God’s grace – which is the foundation of his motivation – he would not have worked as hard as he did, if at all! Therefore, it is because of God’s grace he was so motivated, and this motivation spurred him onward to work so hard.
3. Are you serving God out of guilt and duty, or out of gratitude for grace? What is the difference?
– I vacillate, if I am honest. I’m thankful when it is pointed out or when lessons/studies like this encourage me to make a “gut-check.” I need to guard my heart against this.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
1. What is it that drives Paul, or compels him?
– Christ’s love. Paul believes (and is convinced) that Christ died for him.
2. If Christ died for you, who should you be living for now?
– Jesus Christ. I died, March 11th, 1992. Amen. “This power is from God, and not from us…”
APPLICATION:
Think of one thing you have been doing for God out of guilt or pressure. Ask him to change your motive to gratitude, and write down why his grace still amazes you.
– God has put up with me, shown me mercy, given generously, given second, third, and so many chances. He has entrusted me not only with salvation…
