Thoughtful Thursday: Carolyn Mahaney

"The commands found in Titus 2 have been given to us for an all-important reason that transcends time and culture. That reason is the gospel of Jesus Christ. These virtues are not about our personal fulfillment or individual preference. They are required for the sake of unbelievers - so that those who are lost might come to know our Savior. How exciting it is to think that we can actually commend the gospel! As verse 10 says, we can adorn the gospel with our lives. To "adorn" means to put something beautiful or attractive on display - like placing a flawless gemstone in a setting that uniquely shows off its brilliance. The gospel is like the most vaulable of jewels. It is the pearl of great price. Make no mistake, by adorning the gospel, we are not enhancing or improving it. The gospel cannot be improved! But by cultivating the feminine qualities listed in Titus 2, we can present the gospel as attrative, impressive, and pleasing to a watching world."

Feminine Appeal (p 26, 27)

Thoughtful Thursdays - Elyse Fitzpatrick

"The gospel teaches us that instead of focusing our ourselves and our closely clinging sing, we've got to focus on, to consider, Jesus. We've got to look away from our sin, whether because it's alluring and drawing us toward it or because it's condemning and pushing us into ourselves and away from our Savior. We must patiently focus all our attention on him. We've got to think on, ponder, or consider Jesus. Ever aspect of the gospel is meant to encourage us in our war against sin. Of course we should be aware enough of our sin that we seek to repent of it and are grateful for the cross, but that's not where our thoughts should settle. Our thoughts should be steadfastly riveted on what Jesus has done."

Comforts from the Cross - 49

Thoughtful Thursday: Jerry Bridges

On living a godly life: (from The Practice of Godliness, p 17)

"Only a strong personal relationship with the living God can keep such a commitment from becoming oppressive and legalistic. John writes that God's commands are not burdensome, a godly life is not wearisom, but this is true only because a godly person is first of all devoted to God."

Thoughtful Thursdays: Elyse Fitzpatrick

"Other forms of obedience simply don't measure up, because love for God isn't the motive. And if love isn't the motive, your obedience will always be motivated by love for yourself. There's only one Person whose opinion really matters, and all the rest of our guilt is just our desire to approve of ourselves and make ourselves happy."

Comforts from the Cross - p. 21