Oriented on Christ

1 Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3 

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait - for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Titus 2:11-13

The gospel transforms us as we receive it and fully surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. It is God’s grace, his unmerited favor to us, which brings salvation for us. In response to this grace, we testify to our salvation by turning away from sin and all that grieves God in our lives. Our lives become re-oriented toward eternity and the values of heaven. The return of Jesus our Savior becomes our hope because we have staked everything on him. When Christ’s return and our hope of eternity with him no longer orient our lives, it is an indication that we have either lost our first love for Christ, or embraced a self-centered gospel focused on our own sin management and forgiveness; this is only half a gospel, with no real power to transform.

“Lord Jesus, you are my center, my life, my hope, and my eternity. I turn from temptation and sin to you again this day, for your glory.”