How does Christ's redemption influence our pursuit of holiness and good works? Titus 2:14—Redemption That Reorients Life “He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Set Free From All Lawlessness • Christ “gave Himself” — the voluntary, sufficient payment for sin (1 Peter 2:24). • “Redeem” speaks of release from bondage; we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:18). • Freedom is never a license to drift; it liberates us to follow righteousness (Galatians 5:13). Purified for His Own Possession • Redemption is not only pardon; it cleanses the conscience (Hebrews 9:14). • A new heart fulfills the promise of Ezekiel 36:25-27—God removes the heart of stone and puts His Spirit within. • Belonging to Christ means our identity is settled: “a chosen people… a people for God’s own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Zealous for Good Deeds • “Zealous” implies eagerness, not grudging duty. • Good works become the natural outflow of a purified heart (2 Corinthians 5:17). • God’s grace equips us to “abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). Grace That Trains • The same passage notes, “The grace of God has appeared… training us to deny ungodliness” (Titus 2:11-12). • Grace is both the foundation of salvation and the instructor for sanctification. Identity Fuels Activity • We work from acceptance, not for it (Ephesians 2:8-10). – Saved by grace – Re-created “to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” • Holiness is the family resemblance of those who belong to Him. The Spirit-Empowered Pursuit of Holiness • We “work out” what God “works in” (Philippians 2:12-13). • The Spirit supplies both the desire and the power to live set-apart lives. Living It Out Daily • Guard the heart—continual repentance keeps the conscience clear. • Feed on Scripture—truth renews the mind and shapes choices. • Walk in the Spirit—dependence replaces self-effort. • Serve others—good works find tangible expression in home, church, and community. Summary Christ’s self-giving redemption rescues us from sin’s grip, cleanses us for God, and ignites a zeal for good works. Because He owns us, we pursue holiness; because He empowers us, good deeds flow. Redemption and righteous living are inseparable strands of the same grace. |
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