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Why do we need Jesus?
What did He do?
How did He do it?
What does it mean for us?
How would you answer the questions above? Do you agree that you need Jesus or are you unsure? Are you able to say what He did or how, or why it was necessary? Does the understanding of these answers change your life at all?
Titus 3:3-7 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. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 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, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Today, we will look at the first verse in this section of scripture. This verse in Titus 3:3, gives us some information of why we need help. It will guide us in our answer to the question of ‘Why we need Jesus’. It says, “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”. If we just quickly read this, we might think we cannot relate so therefore, we are not guilty. But look a little closer, be willing to let God examine your heart.
Consider – what does it mean to act foolishly? Have you ever acted foolishly?
The word foolish in this verse means to act without intelligence, to be unwise. I think of the many times I might act without knowing or trying to understand all the facts of a situation. And unfortunately, as we get busier or older, we may not hear every word shared or all of the details, then we can make a comment based on partial information, or what we think was said, which often leads to a foolish comment. Or how about the times you have made a hasty decision based on your feelings at the moment; have you ever regretted a decision you have made?
Have you ever been disobedient? We are disobedient whenever we know what we should do and refuse to do it. For example we are to be kind – do we always share kind words or offer kind actions?
How about being deceived? This means to go astray, to wander, to be seduced, to go out of the way of truth and safety. It is being enticed toward doing the wrong thing. Perhaps this can be akin to peer pressure!
When we read the phrase, “enslaved to various lusts and pleasures”, pay attention to the first word – enslaved. What holds your attention and thoughts captive? This is what you are enslaved to. All sorts of things can catch our attention and become our purpose. However, we are to live for God, no one and nothing should come before Him. Do we readily think of what God wants or what we want; do we truly seek to put His desire for us above our own wants?
“Spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another” seems to be rather drastic. Most of us would quickly say we are not guilty of this! However, think of those times when you might have passed your time thinking thoughts of jealousy, or being hateful in your actions. Have you ever purposefully ignored someone else or perhaps you have thought that their concerns or opinions were ‘stupid’ or unimportant? When we are envious, we think of ourselves more highly than others.
Ephesians 2:1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,
Psalm 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good.
Genesis 6:12 God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.
It is easy to understand we all fall short of perfection. No matter how good we might try to be, we get entangled in sin and act unbecomingly towards others and towards God. Because of our weakness and the power of sin in our lives –
We need help, we need Jesus!
Jesus is the truth. Without Jesus we cannot know the truth.
Colossians 2:3 [Christ Himself,] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Ephesians 4:21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,
Jesus gives us life. We are all going to die. Then what? In Jesus, we have eternal life in heaven.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. We just looked at how sinful we are. There is no question we are in deep trouble without a Savior. His name is Jesus!
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus is peace. Look around and it is easy to see the strife in this world! People can get upset and bothered over almost anything. When difficult things happen, often the first reaction is to feel troubled. But with Jesus we can have peace even when we don’t understand.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jesus is our hope.
1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Jesus gives us strength.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Jesus is our joy. Everything found in the world only gives temporary happiness because all things pass away and change. But in Jesus we have joy even in the midst of turmoil.
John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
We need Jesus! He alone is the Truth and Life. Jesus paid for our sins and gives us peace. Because of Him, we have hope; in Him we find strength to continue on. Without Jesus, there is no lasting joy.
What will you do with these truths from the Bible? Do you recognize that you need Jesus?
In our next look at Titus Chapter 3, we will answer the question of what Jesus did for us. Until then, recognize your need and come before Him with a heart of humility. Ask for His forgiveness and be thankful for His love for you.
