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Session 4 Video

We can relate graciously to all people when we realize how much grace we have received from God. In this section, Paul tells Titus that the message of grace should be the focus of his teaching.

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Believers are called to submit to those in authority over them and show kindness toward everyone. We can relate graciously to all people when we realize how much grace we have received from God.

While our lives prior to being believers in Jesus Christ may vary greatly from one another, we can all at some level identify with the unflattering spiritual biography Paul describes in Titus 3:3-4: “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.” This is the natural state of humanity in a fallen world.

But Paul pairs the bleak picture of a person prior to faith in Jesus with an incredible description of the salvation that is available in Christ. In vivid language he pictures our salvation as a rebirth, a declaration of innocence, and an adoption as a child of God awaiting inheritance. None of these things are earned or achieved through our own efforts, but they are an expression of God’s kindness to us.

We can show patience and love to those around us when we remember this transformation we have experienced. Paul tells Titus that this message of grace should be the focus of his teaching so that the people keep it in mind at all times!

**Questions for Discussion/Reflection:**

- Prompted by Titus 3:3-4, how could you describe your life prior to faith in Jesus?
- How can it help us relate graciously to others to keep this text in mind?
- Of those incredible images (rebirth, declaration of innocence, adoption as heir), which stands out to you personally and why?

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