The scintillating details of the all-too-human behavior of celebrities is big business. Perhaps the tabloid publicity affords a vicarious carnal experience for some, but for others it may affirm and even condone their own sinful nature. Whatever the case, our shared human experience is that we are in reality sinners, regardless of how honest we are about this uncomfortable truth.
"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." (Titus 3:3)
I'm a bit relieved and encouraged when I read this candid confession from a pillar of the faith such as the Apostle Paul. It's obvious the he was a member of Sinners Anonymous - "Hi. My name is Paul, and I'm a sinner" (step #1 is admitting the problem).
We were likely already aware of the fact that he was deceived and disobedient, but to learn that he was "enslaved to various lusts and pleasures" as well as being malicious, envious and hateful is shocking honesty. This candid confession adds even greater force to his wonderfully descriptive words about grace:
"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 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, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.' (Titus 3:4-7)
From the depths of his human depravity, Paul was eternally grateful for the incredible grace of God through Jesus that lifted him from his hopeless condition and offered him forgiveness, purpose and hope. A profound appreciation of that grace was the driving force behind his life of service and sacrifice for the cause of Christ and the kingdom of God.
Paul's confession and example helps to liberate us to face our own human sinfulness and fully embrace the limitless grace and mercy of God shown through Jesus our Lord. Through that experience we are truly liberated for a life of grateful service.
May we each fully face our human sinfulness so that the brightness of God's grace can shine in and through us.
Steve
"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." (Titus 3:3)
I'm a bit relieved and encouraged when I read this candid confession from a pillar of the faith such as the Apostle Paul. It's obvious the he was a member of Sinners Anonymous - "Hi. My name is Paul, and I'm a sinner" (step #1 is admitting the problem).
We were likely already aware of the fact that he was deceived and disobedient, but to learn that he was "enslaved to various lusts and pleasures" as well as being malicious, envious and hateful is shocking honesty. This candid confession adds even greater force to his wonderfully descriptive words about grace:
"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 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, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.' (Titus 3:4-7)
From the depths of his human depravity, Paul was eternally grateful for the incredible grace of God through Jesus that lifted him from his hopeless condition and offered him forgiveness, purpose and hope. A profound appreciation of that grace was the driving force behind his life of service and sacrifice for the cause of Christ and the kingdom of God.
Paul's confession and example helps to liberate us to face our own human sinfulness and fully embrace the limitless grace and mercy of God shown through Jesus our Lord. Through that experience we are truly liberated for a life of grateful service.
May we each fully face our human sinfulness so that the brightness of God's grace can shine in and through us.
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:25 AM
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