Connect Titus 2:14 with Ephesians 2:10 on good works and purpose. Redeemed and Purified: Our Identity in Christ “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.” – Titus 2:14 • Christ’s self-sacrifice does two inseparable things: – Redeems us “from all lawlessness” – freedom from the penalty and power of sin. – Purifies “a people for His own possession” – setting us apart for His exclusive use. • Result: we become “zealous for good deeds.” Zeal is not optional enthusiasm; it is the normal outflow of redeemed hearts. Created to Walk in Prepared Works “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” – Ephesians 2:10 • “God’s workmanship” (poiēma) – a masterwork fashioned by the Creator Himself. • “Created in Christ Jesus” – new birth, not self-improvement. • “Good works … prepared in advance” – God ordained specific acts for each believer before time began. • “As our way of life” – the Greek picture is a road we continually walk, not an occasional detour. One Seamless Truth: Purpose and Practice Titus 2:14 shows the motive and character God forms in us. Ephesians 2:10 shows the divine plan and path laid out for us. Put together: 1. Who we are – redeemed, purified, owned by Christ. 2. Why we exist – to display His workmanship. 3. How we live – by walking in the very good works He already mapped out. Echoes from the Rest of Scripture • 1 Peter 2:9: “a people for God’s own possession” (same phraseology as Titus) underscores identity. • Matthew 5:16: “let your light shine … that they may see your good deeds” ties visible works to God’s glory. • James 2:17: “faith … if it does not result in action, is dead,” affirming that genuine faith inevitably produces works. • John 15:8: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and prove to be My disciples,” reinforcing purpose. Practical Implications: Living Out the Purpose • Start with worship: good works flow from gratitude for redemption, not from a bid to earn it. • Seek the Spirit’s leading: since works are “prepared in advance,” ask daily, “Lord, which assignment is today’s?” • Prioritize purity: a “purified” people guard holiness so their works remain untainted testimonies. • Practice zeal: cultivate eagerness, not mere duty. Serving with joy showcases the Redeemer’s worth. • Evaluate fruit regularly: – Am I walking the path God prepared, or forging my own? – Do my deeds direct praise to Him or to me? • Encourage one another: Hebrews 10:24, “let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds,” keeps the community aligned with its shared purpose. Summary Snapshot Redeemed people are crafted for a mission. Titus 2:14 tells us we’re purified and passionate; Ephesians 2:10 tells us we’re purpose-built and pre-planned. Our daily calling is to let those two verses meet in real time—walking the road of good works God laid out, proving the power of the cross to a watching world. |
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