Grace-full Obedience

The other day Mitchell and I were having a conversation with a couple who are good friends of ours and also students at Southern Seminary here in Louisville. I became overwhelmed as I thought of the opportunity that we have as Christians in seminary, to learn how to walk this life of holiness we are called to walk as we have the privilege of observing and learning from fellow members of the Body of Christ.

I mean, we are literally being discipled by some of the greats in the faith. We're being equipped to better understand the Word, to know what we believe and to apply it. That's huge. 

(Hubby chatting with one of our profs)

As I realized the opportunity I have here I also realized the responsibility that comes with it. Almost immediately Scripture's command to us as followers of Christ came to mind: to be the very picture of good works, teaching soundly and living with integrity, so that the Enemy will be put to shame and not have anything evil to say about us.—“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8). My immediate thought after reading this? Well, shoot. 

It’s easy for me to look at my life and think, “My opponents would have many things to say about me.” I’m selfish and arrogant at times, I know the evil that wars within me to control my actions. The list could go on and on. But, that’s why I love what you see if you go down just a few verses in Titus 2:

“For the grace of God has appeared…”

Let’s stop there for a second. Hear the truth in these words. If you look back at verses 1-10, the Lord is commanding us to live what seems to be this perfect life characterized by self-control and purity, faith, love, and steadfastness. And if you’re like me, you read those things and automatically think “Well, I’ve already failed in pretty much all of those areas…how in the world can I do this?!” When I read what seems to be a list of impossible requirements of me, I pretty much feel like this:

But then you come to these precious words, “For the grace of God has appeared”. We’re right—we CAN’T do this on our own. But our Lord has shown us grace in a way that enables us to do these things. Here’s what the author of Titus goes on to say:

“For the grace of the Lord has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

So. Let’s recap:

• God redeemed us (bought us back from slavery to sin).
• The cost of that redemption was the death of His Son, Jesus.
• Now that we are His, He intends to purify us for Himself and make us zealous for good works.
• All this was done because of His grace (undeserved favor) toward us
• And now, based on that same grace, He is training us to live this life described in verses 1-14.

My point? My obedience to the Word of God rests on His promise that His grace is sufficient enough to enable me to obey. On my own, I cannot. But I’m not on my own, and therefore I can take the things I am learning here and teach them to others. I can live a life of integrity and purity and self-control. Resting on His promises and His grace that came to me in Christ's life, death and resurrection, I can. And so I must, because I have been entrusted with a precious truth that saves lives. We all have. If you are a follower of Jesus doubting your abilities to live the life of holiness the Scriptures command (1 Timothy 6:11-16, 1 Peter 1:13-16) or doubting you can actually share the truth of the gospel with someone, find refuge in this truth: The same power that raised Christ from the dead is working in you to enable you to continue to grow in holiness (Romans 8:2, Ephesians 1:19-20, 2 Peter 1:3-11). And that power is dependent on God and His grace, not on your works. Rest in this truth. Act in this truth.

What specific area in your life is the Lord calling you to obedience in? 

It may be the act of coming to Him for salvation, or repenting of a sin you are living in as if you're a slave to it (even though Scripture says, as His child, you're not--Romans 6), or admitting your dependence on the Word of God and committing yourself to reading and studying and living by it. Whatever it may be, do not let fear of failure stop you. For me, at this point in my life, it is to teach and protect the deposit that has been entrusted to me: "Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:11-12). This blog is a very practical example of me striving to pursue obedience to the Word of God, as I share what I am learning during this time of intense discipleship and growth. So for you, whatever it may be, ACT. Repent. Walk in obedience. This is the life of a Christian--a constant pursuit of obedience and holiness that is based on the grace-filled promise of our Holy God. 

"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things (worldly pleasures). Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-16)