He Died for Our Once

Titus 3 itself provides the contrast between the once (verse 3) and the now (verses 4-7), the BC and IC, Before Christ and In Christ. But we could also take what we were (again, verse 3) and consider the opposites.

We ourselves were once foolish, but now as those gifted with repentance leading to a knowledge of truth, Christ is our wisdom.

We ourselves were disobedient, but now as His disciples we learn to obey all Christ has commanded.

We ourselves were led astray, but now we know the way and the truth and the life. We are not blown around by every wind of doctrine, we are not so easily deceived.

We ourselves were slaves to various pleasures and passions, but now we are slaves of righteous joys and delights that come from God. We delight ourselves in the Lord.

We ourselves were passing our days in malice and envy, but now we are passing our days in kindness and thankfulness. Rather than wanting others to be torn down, we seek their good.

And we ourselves were hated by others and hating one another, but now we now we are loved by God and so love one another. We work to outdo one another in showing honor.

This is a new life, and it is worth remembering how we got it: Jesus died for our “once” and has made all things new.