For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. Titus 2:11-12
Once we have received God’s saving grace, we don’t automatically become perfect christians. We have not arrived and have it all together. As we grow our relationship with Christ and keep him at the center of our lives and continue to seek Him for help, He is shaping us into who He wants us to be. We need God’s grace every day to sanctify us and to conform us to the image of Christ.
There are times in our christian walk that we will become discouraged and want to give up. Here are some questions to think about. Are you strongly tempted to sin? Do you know time when you are most tempted to sin? Evening, middle of the night, with others, etc. Do you give in to temptation and choose to sin? Do you feel overpowered by the pull of a particular sin in your life? I feel inadequate to do some task i know God has called me to do?
The fact of the matter is even as christians we will fail. How do we deal with these challenges. Well, through Jesus Christ our savior. God has provided a way for us to deal with each of these situations. Again, this is God’s grace. Let’s look up some scripture about God’s provision when we are tempted to sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, ad he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but you with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Now look up the following and read Hebrews 4:15-16; Romans 6:14.
When we fail and choose to sin, it is God’s grace that will helps us to confess. Grace is what we need. Read Romans 5:20, now paraphrase it in your own words. How does this apply to our life? If God extends grace and forgiveness to us when we confess and repent of our sin, does this mean we are free to sin whenever and however we want to, as long as we intend to confess it? Read Romans 6:1-2 and Titus 2:11-12. According to these veres, how should God’s grace be a restaint, rather than a license to sin? It is God’s grace that gives us the power to resist sin. Although it is not the only way to resist sin. He does equip and empower us to do whatever He requires of us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
THank you so you grace to us. I pray that we will seek you daily and to know what your word says. I pray that when we are tempted to sin that we will flee from it and go running to you and spend time in your presence to resist sin. I pray that we will understand what your word says as we grow in you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
