Be a new creation in today's world

Be a new creation in today's world
S - Titus 3: 1-8 (NASB)
be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, ² to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. ³  For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. ⁴ But when thekindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, ⁵  He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, ⁶  whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸  This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.


O - Paul continues to teach those he has discipled how to lead the local congregations of church's which he has planted.  I believe Paul writes these because of his experiences in the local church, that often we come to the saving knowledge of Christ, and receive the gift, but over time our nature wants to take us back to being dependent on our old ways, dependent on our selves and our righteousness rather than being renewed by the new spirit of god that is in us.   


A -  Here is the lesson and application for me:  that God has done his work in me, despite anything I have done,   I have received his mercy and grace, and salvation.  I have been made new and I no longer have to go back to my old ways of living.  From here on out I am free to simply serve God by doing what is good and profitable for the building up and edifying of his people.  I don't do so to maintain my salvation but out of love for the Lord and his people. 


P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for revealing your truth.  I pray for a renewed spirit to serve your people with a spirit of truth.   I pray all this in Jesus name.