SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE
“But the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. He saved us. It wasn’t because of the good things we had done. It was because of his mercy. He saved us by washing away our sins. We were born again. The Holy Spirit gave us new life.” Titus 3:4-5 (NIRV)

When God, our Savior, revealed His kindness and love, He saved us—not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new birth and a new life through the Holy Spirit.

Our memory verse was written by the apostle Paul. In it, he refers to all three persons of the Trinity. Each participated in the work of salvation in which sin, with its consequences, was eliminated by faith in Jesus Christ. Based on the redeeming work of His Son, God our Father sent His Spirit to wash away our sins through baptism. Through this same Spirit, we can be transformed and have a new heart. This doesn’t happen because of anything we earn; it is God’s gift to us.

People followed Paul; he was an excellent teacher, articulate and motivated. He knew the church must be built on the Word of Jesus Christ. Paul was aware his life could be short. He knew it was time for him to choose leaders who would carry on the work of the church. Paul was wise; he knew Titus and Timothy would center their lives around Christ’s teachings and devote themselves to building up His church—both eager to spread the Word.

At this time, Paul’s life in Rome was drawing to an end. His last letters to Timothy and Titus contained vital information to use in their work and his instructions are also helpful for us today. Paul told them to:

  • Understand the importance of prayer.
  • Identify the qualifications for elders and deacons.
  • Stand firm in their faith.
  • Teach with courage and conviction.
  • Instruct the young, so they would know the importance
    of being future leaders.

As Christians, we have the responsibility to see that the Word of Jesus Christ continues to be spread throughout the world. We live in a challenging world today, just as the first Christians did. Many of Paul’s letters encourage and nudge us toward being true reflections of Christ. In addition to the truth of Titus 3:4-5, consider these pleading and instructional words from Paul: “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (Ephesians 4:1-2, NLT).

by Elder Joan Lewis