Motivated by Grace

GETTING STARTED

When I was at seminary getting trained in counseling, I learned that there are layers to the counseling approach. At the foundation is our worldview, and built on that is our counseling theory which helps us decide what techniques to use with clients. Essentially, how I see the world and its pain is the foundation that teaches me how to sit with others and help people grow. We all have worldviews that give light to how we think life should be lived. In today’s passage, we look at a characteristic of God that becomes the essential, foundational layer in approaching a godly life.

  • What things have helped shape and inform your worldview?

READ THE WORD: TITUS 2:6-15 (ESV) 

6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our 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 lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Paul continued his teaching to different groups of people within the church. Why did he urge young men and bondservants to live in a godly way (vss. 8, 10)?
  2. What does the grace of God teach us to do (vss. 12-13)?
  3. What, specifically, are your worldly passions? How does the grace of God teach and empower you to say no to them?
  4. How does looking forward to the Lord’s return motivate you to live in a godly way?
  5. How has Christ personally interacted with you that you can call him your “blessed hope”?

RESPOND TO GOD

This brave, new world (present age) is constantly asking us to change, buy in, and adapt. But God’s truth calls for godly living, no matter who you are or when you live. Connecting ourselves to the grace of God as the motivating factor on how to engage others (and ourselves) flies in the face of how the world might teach us to live. It is grace that brings salvation and a right relationship with God; thus, grace informs us how to be in right relationship with others and with ourselves. Grace is the foundation for which we experience God and go forth living life well.

  • Take some time and meditate on God’s grace in your life. Ask him to help you live well in this present age. 
  • Pray through a couple different things that could change in your life if you allowed the grace of God to inform your decisions.