How does Titus 2:14 define Jesus' purpose in redeeming us from lawlessness? The Verse in Focus “Titus 2:14—‘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.’ Breaking Down the Key Phrases • “He gave Himself” – Jesus’ voluntary, sacrificial act (John 10:17-18). • “to redeem us” – a liberation term meaning “buying back” from slavery (1 Peter 1:18-19). • “from all lawlessness” – rescue from every form of rebellion against God (1 John 3:4). • “to purify for Himself” – cleansing us inwardly, not merely improving outward morals (Hebrews 9:14). • “a people for His own possession” – echoing God’s covenant promise (Exodus 19:5; 1 Peter 2:9). • “zealous for good deeds” – eager, energetic devotion to righteous living (Ephesians 2:10). Redeemed from Lawlessness • Lawlessness (Greek anomia) is deliberate disregard for God’s law. • Jesus does more than forgive; He frees us from sin’s dominion (Romans 6:14). • By purchasing us with His blood, He breaks the penalty and the power of sin (Revelation 1:5-6). The Cost of Redemption • 1 Peter 1:18-19—“not with perishable things… but with the precious blood of Christ.” • Mark 10:45—His life was the ransom price. • The cross proves the seriousness of lawlessness and the magnitude of Christ’s love (Romans 5:8). Purified for His Possession • Exodus 19:5 foretold a “treasured possession”; Titus 2:14 shows its fulfillment in the church. • Cleansing prepares us to be “holy and blameless” in His sight (Ephesians 1:4). • Belonging to Him means security, identity, and purpose (John 17:9-10). Zealous for Good Deeds • Redemption produces action: genuine faith expresses itself in obedience (James 2:26). • Good works are not the root of salvation but its fruit (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Christ-redeemed zeal displays God’s character to the world (Matthew 5:16). Living It Out Today – Reject every hint of lawlessness; call sin what God calls it. – Embrace daily cleansing through confession and the Word (1 John 1:9; John 17:17). – Cultivate zeal by serving others, meeting needs, championing truth, and sharing the gospel. – Celebrate your belonging: you are Christ’s treasured possession—live like it. |
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