Paul instructs Titus, “I want you to especially emphasize these truths, so that those who believe in God will be careful to devote themselves to doing good works. It is always beautiful and profitable for believers to do good works.” (Titus 3:8, TPT) He then goes on to summarize his letter to Titus by telling him, “Encourage the believers to be passionately devoted to beautiful works of righteousness by meeting the urgent needs of others and not be unfruitful.” (Titus…..
Ezekiel 21:19-21, “Son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of Babylon’s king to take. Have both roads begin in the same place. Make a signpost, and put it at the fork in the road: one road leading the sword to Ammon and its capital, Rabbah; the other road leading to Judah and its fortified capital, Jerusalem. The Babylonian king will stop at the fork in the road and look for sign to see which way to go: …..
“And you did not receive the ‘spirit of religious duty,’ leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the ‘Spirit of full acceptance,’ enfolding you into the family of God.” Religious duty adds burdens to our lives. We are never enough nor can we do enough. There are always more people to help, more Scriptures to read, more spiritual practices to put into place. What is behind the performance voice of do more…..
“He sacrificed himself for us that he might purchase our freedom from every lawless deed and to purify for himself a people who are his very own, passionate to do what is beautiful in his eyes.” (Titus 2:14, TPT) It was for freedom that He set us free. He is our Liberating King. But this freedom is not to turn to sin again. It is freedom to live in union with Him, passionate and fully alive as we serve Him…..