Titus 3
We all need frequent reminders.
Remember what you should do.
Christians are citizens of earth as well as citizens of heaven.
And we should be the kind of people described in these 2 brief verses.
Remember what you were.
God has forgotten our sins and we should to.
But it does us good to remember what it was like to be a lost sinner.
And remember what God did for you.
Did you deserve to hear the Gospel and receive the gift of eternal life?
No!
it all happened because of God's kindness, love and grace.
He saved us.
We did not save ourselves.
Cannot save ourselves.
He has washed away our sins.
We stand justified in His sight.
And we face the future confidently because we are the heirs of God.
Remember what God expects of you.
Warren Wiersbe says, 'A major theme in this letter is good works. People who are busy for the Lord simply do not have time for useless arguments.'
Philemon
Providence.
While a prisoner in Rome, Paul met Onesimus, which means 'unprofitable,' - a runaway slave who belonged to Philemon, a friend Paul had led to Christ
Paul won Onesimus to Christ and sent him back to his master in Colosse.
Now the providence of God is quite amazing that Paul and Onesimus should meet in the great city of Rome.
Perhaps Philemon's prayers brought them together.
Friendship.
Paul had so much good to say about Philemon.
He was a beloved friend, a man of faith and love, a refreshing Christian, a praying man, a man who obeyed God's will.
Can your friends say the same things about you?
Reconciliation.
According to Roman law, Onesimus could have been executed for his crimes.
But he had become a brother in Christ.
And Philemon had to forgive him and take him back.
A true reconciliation, my friend, is not cheap.
It never is.
There is a price to pay.
Paul knew this and was willing to pay the price himself.
Can God use you as a reconciler?
Are you willing to pay the price?
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