Virtues and Vices: Part 3 - 'Temperance'

This Sunday, Rob Lea brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
Here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

Titus chapter 2 verses 11 - 14

‘For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘NO! to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the appearance of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.’


Prayer and Reflection:

Praise God for His justifying grace, His illuminating grace, His comforting grace, and His strengthening grace. Praise God for His healing grace, His enduring grace, His overcoming grace, and His sustaining grace. Praise God for the grace He provides for living, for the grace to suffer, the grace to face persecution, and for dying grace at the end of our pilgrimage. And praise God that His grace is sufficient for all eventualities. Thank You, Father, that at Your appointed time, grace appeared the Person of Jesus Christ, bringing salvation to all who accept Him by faith and repent.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfathomable grace in sending Jesus to bring salvation to a lost and dying race. And thank You for redeeming us. Please give us a deeper understanding of what Your amazing grace has accomplished in our life, and may we live each day, virtuously, in accordance with your will, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name we pray,

Amen


Questions to Consider

1. What meaning does the word ‘temperance’ have for you?
2. Do you think that people should totally abstain from drinking alcohol? Give your reasons whether you answer yes or no.
3. Can you think of a time of inner conflict when what you wanted to do, you didn’t do, and what you hated to do, you did do? What were the circumstances?
4. In Titus 2:14. Paul writes that followers of Jesus should be people ‘who are eager to do good’. What do you think he means by that? Can you give some examples?
5. The bible teaches that self-control is a ‘fruit of the spirit.’  Can you explain what that means?
6. If the body if the temple of the Holy Spirit (which is what the bible teaches) can you list those behaviours that followers of Jesus should abstain from.
7. In Titus 2:14 Paul writes that Jesus ‘gave himself for us to redeem us.’ Knowing that Jesus died for you, how do you respond? What difference does it make, and how has it shaped your character?