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Reflection #3: Grace (Wednesday, March 21)

Today let’s be reminded of how powerful God’s grace has been in our lives and, in doing so, be reminded of how there are so many people who need to experience the same transformation that we have. And all of this is God’s free gift—a gift we have received that we need to offer to others.


Titus 3:3–8 (NIV) — 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.


1. Read Titus 3:3-8. Verse 3 is a description of what life is like without God. In what ways have you personally been deceived (by yourself or by other influences)?  In what ways have you been enslaved to pleasures and passions?

2. What three words are used in vv. 4-5 to describe the nature of God? What is a synonym for “saved”? What did he save us from? Do we need to be saved from the things mentioned in v. 3?  Are we saved merely from the consequences of doing things or are we also saved from the power they have over us?

3. According to this text, is salvation based on righteous things we do or on his mercy? What do you think the “washing of rebirth” refers to?  Is it necessary for salvation?  According to v. 5, is baptism a righteous thing we do? What else is involved in our salvation according to v. 5? Do you believe God’s Spirit has the power to renew you?

4. “Justified” means “acquitted” or “declared not guilty.” It is a legal term, conjuring up the image of a trial.  To be justified is to receive a “not guilty” verdict (in spite of the fact that we are actually “guilty”).  What are we justified by (v. 7)?

5. Are those who have been justified supposed to be involved in doing good deeds (v. 8)? Will those deeds save them (v. 5)? What things should be stressed in order to get people to do good deeds (v. 8)?  Do you really believe the last statement in v. 8?


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