For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age," (Titus 2:11-12)

Experiencing the grace of God is life changing.  It has the power to turn one from a course of rebellion and destruction to a path of obedience and hope.  The Cretans were a powerful example of the ability of God’s grace.

The reputation of the Cretans was not good.  Paul says,” One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’" (Titus 1:12)  In chapter 3 Paul reminds them of their past life.  They were known for their foolishness and disobedience following their own passions and pursuing selfish pleasures.  Accepting God’s grace involved a renunciation of this past life.  “Ungodliness” and “worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12) express the epitome of all that is sinful and wrong!  This kind of life was to be renounced!

A rejection of the worldly life is not enough!  Grace compels one to adopt the right course of life.  In chapter 3 Paul reminds them to live lives that are submissive, obedient, gentle, and ready for every good work.  To live “soberly” (2:12) is to hold a mastery over our passions and impulses.  To be “godly” is a claim of the presence of God in our everyday life.

This means a radical change took place in the lives if the Cretans.  Old habits are hard to break and new ones difficult to begin, but God’s grace and kindness was the life changing motive that prompted them to take this painful step.  “Hope” (Titus 3:13) would encourage them to persevere!

As we grow in our appreciation of God’s love, it will prompt us to live God approved lives.

By George Slover, Jr.

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" (1 Peter 1:13)

Prior to verse 13 Peter speaks of the great salvation and inheritance God had promised to his children.  The anticipation of such a wonderful, heavenly home brings “inexpressible joy” (1:8) to these suffering pilgrims.  But what are they to do in the mean time?  The rest of the letter is devoted to this very proposition.  I want to focus on the admonition found in verse 13: rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The word “therefore” is the transition word that moves the reader from thoughts about salvation to the application section.  God emphatically commands duty!  Among the many duties is the command to live in hope!  Hope is our attitude toward the future.  It involves believing and trusting!  It is a confident expectation of the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Peter says: “ rest (fix) your hope fully” – i.e. completely- upon the God’s promises.   This is not a half-hearted endeavor, but “to the hilt!”  It means selling out to God, to place their lives unreservedly in the hands of God and the better things he has promised!  God provides sufficient evidence to give them such confidence.  In verse 3 he states that their living hope is based upon the resurrection of Christ.

Next, Peter tells them they must look forward to the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  He also alludes to this in chapter 4:13: but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13)  Do you really look forward to that day?  What a great day it will be when Jesus comes in all of his glory.  “Heaven will surely be worth it all”.

God emphatically commands us to fully believe in better things to come.  Such confidence is spiritually healthy.  It lifts us up above the mundane, doom and gloom of this world.  By this hope we glorify God, because we tell the world that we really believe in his promises!  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 
(Colossians 3:2-4)

By George Slover

 

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools." (Psalms 84:5-6)

The superscription ascribes Psalm 84 to the sons of Korah.  Under the law of Moses they were chosen to be the keepers of the temple.  The general tenor of Psalm 84 is stated from the outset:  “It is lovely to dwell in God’s tabernacle”.

The above verse seems to focus on the hazards and challenges of those pilgrims who are making their way to the house of God.  “The Valley of Baca” symbolizes a time of grief and sorrow. The imagery is of a company of pilgrims passing through difficult and desolate places, but pressing on to their destination.  Consider two important lessons here.

First, these spiritual pilgrims must persevere.  There are a number of challenges that may hinder us in our pursuit of godliness and fellowship with God.  Only the determined and courageous will persevere through the valleys.  Our daily persistent efforts will get us closer to Zion.  By patient continuance in doing good, (Romans 2:7) we will arrive!

Second, God can strengthen the faithful ones who find themselves in the valleys. The Valley of Sorrow is turned into a spring. The rain also covers it with pools. (Psalms 84:6)  Perowne says. “the pilgrim-band, rich in hope, forget the trials and difficulties of the way; hope changes the rugged and stony waste into living fountains.”   Paul says, Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Those in pursuit of the sweet fellowship of God must overlook the obstacles and press on to the goal.  “Sing on ye joyful pilgrims, the time will not be long, till in our Father’s kingdom we swell a nobler song, Where those we love are waiting to greet us on the shore, We’ll meet beyond the river where surges roll no more.”

By George Slover

"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. (Psalms 84:10-11)

It would be difficult to find a more intense expression of devotion in all of the Old Testament than the one above.  To prefer a day in God’s court over a thousand elsewhere would be considered a strange desire to many.  Few would sympathize with such a fanatic.  Even good people might relegate such an expression to a mad man!  The language here is an expression of one who greatly delights in God.  

What is the source his joyful devotion?  First, there is the joy of praise. “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth”. (Psalms 34:1) Second, there is the joy of communion with God.   “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”. (Psalms 23:1)  Third, there is the joy of fellowship with God’s people- the common prayer, the harmonious praise, and the sharing of a common salvation.  Fourth, there is the joy of service- the privilege of opening the door of God’s kingdom as a refuge to the lost, and a place of consolation for believers.

Unfortunately, there are others who would deem such service as “weariness”. (Malachi 1:13)  To them a sense of duty exceeds a sense of privilege, and obedience means constraint rather than joy!  Joyless service is neither profitable nor acceptable.  What a disappointment to the Father when his children take no delight in drawing near to him!

Here is a challenge for you the reader.  Which truly brings delight?  Which truly has your heart’s devotion?  Is it God’s service or the world?

By George Slover

 

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."(Matthew 13:44)

A boy’s favorite pastime is playing in the dirt.  When I was young our back alley was the perfect place to allow our imaginations to run wild.  It was a place to build a city, play “Army”, or search for hidden treasure.  We would dig and dig and dig and never find a thing.

On a more important spiritual level, God has treasure that is available to anyone who desires it.  The short parable above speaks of such hidden treasure -  it is the kingdom of heaven.  It is the joy of having Jesus rule in our life with all of the wonderful blessings that accompany his rule. (Luke17:20,21)  Just how one finds this treasure varies.  Some may stumble on to it while others are actively looking, but when it is found it is worth giving up everything else to keep!

Realizing the surpassing value of such fellowship with God should prompt us to give great diligence to nurturing this relationship!  It should motivate us to search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:10) to become more acquainted with the author.  It should inspire us to gladly turn our backs on worldly friends and pleasure, (Luke 9:62) and remain steadfast through tribulations.  (Acts 14:22)

Anything worth possessing demands sacrifice and hard work.  Unfortunately, many will turn Christ away relying on self-reliance or the rewards of the world.  However, a few wandering, empty souls will gladly receive the secure position of God’s kingdom!  

By George Slover