The Gospel Remembered (again)

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Titus 3:3-8

A quick breakdown:
Part 1
Verse 3. Sin. This is the beginning of the gospel for man. We start with a death sentence handed down through Adam to ourselves. We enjoy sin and disobedience. Slaves to unrighteousness. Slaves to fleeting pleasures that bring temporary satisfaction and lasting shame, guilt, and condemnation. Separation from God. Conflict with each other. Conflict with all creation.

Part 2
Verse 4-5. "But." What a great word. God reach out. Came down. Descended from His thrown to save us through His Son Jesus. What kindness. What love and GOODNESS. Yes goodness. Goodness describes an excellence so well established that it is thought of as inherent or innate. This is our God. This is the Maker of the universe. Good. He sent His Son because He IS good. We were saved out the goodness of His character.

We were given new life to know God through the power of the Holy Spirit and His work.

Part 3
Verse 6. The gospel center. Jesus Christ. Our Savior. This regeneration. This renewal is only made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. The bonds of slavery are destroyed by the power of Jesus Christ. Death is defeated. We are saved from it into eternal life. From slavery to freedom. There is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved. Nada. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. In Christ alone...

Part 4
Verse 7. This regeneration and renewal makes us heirs of something. Heirs of eternal life. We are no longer slaves but now children of God. Adopted into His family. Unfathomable immortality. Taken from death to...life. This is our hope. God is now daddy.

Part 5
Verse 8. Our response. Be devoted to good works. What kind of works? Gospel works. Works that lead others to the cross. Ourselves foremost. Daily. Every interaction. Every communication. Every relationship centered on and leaning toward the cross of the Christ Jesus.

These things are EXCELLENT. And profitable. Where is your treasure Christian?