October 2022 Memory Verse
…Whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
– Titus 3:6-7
At the end of Paul’s ministry, he wrote three important letters, known as Pastoral Epistles, to two young pastors he had led to the Lord: Timothy and Titus. As a mentor and brother in Christ, Paul encouraged them by passing these bedrock principles to the fledgling pastors. For over two millennia, this practice has continued, as illustrated right now in First Church!
Paul begins his letter to Titus with a laser focus on the importance of placing the local church in God’s order through proper organization (1:5), and by teaching and preaching sound doctrine (2:10-13). Chapter three—our memory verse—emphasizes partaking in good works which flow naturally from grace.
In Titus, Paul taught us the proper way to view both grace and His works in our lives (3:3-8). First, we all start with a common denominator: habitual sin (v. 3). Then at just the right time (Roman 5:6), Jesus came, demonstrating love and kindness (v. 4). He went to the cross and saved us, not for anything we have done or could ever do—but because of His mercy (v. 5). His Word and the Holy Spirit (not we ourselves) were integral to our salvation (v. 5). Jesus put us in right standing with God and generously poured out His Spirit that we might live as heirs with our brothers and sisters in Christ until His return (v. 6-7). Paul encourages us and teaches us to pay close attention to how we live… devote yourselves to doing what is good (v. 8). Indeed, good works emanate from grace!
Our memory verse emphasizes the generous gift of the Holy Spirit—Who does all our heavy lifting! It reminds me of a recent miraculous event. Our son’s father-in-law lived as a man of character; he was self-sufficient, strong-willed, healthy, and active until his mid-seventies when a cycling accident left him quadriplegic and completely dependent on his wife. He had probed his faith in years past but was not ready to commit to Christ. A Christian friend reached out to no avail. As his condition worsened, he was moved to hospice care to live out his days. Then, at the Holy Spirit’s prompting, our son’s father-in-law called his Christian friend, and their reunion ultimately led to his acceptance of Christ! Our Lord is gracious, patient, and loving…He pours out His grace through the Holy Spirit at just the right time, regardless of our past. Only the Spirit can remove our pride and self-reliance. It’s never too late to join our brothers and sisters and share our hope of eternal life!
By Renee Secker
