Christians are secure in the salvation found in Jesus Christ, but we must not forget the reality of life before Christ. In his letter to Titus, Paul reminded him that salvation is achieved not by our actions but by the mercy of God. Alistair Begg encourages listeners to act with compassion toward others, bearing in mind that at one time we all were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved. The root of Christian behavior is not found in our own moral uprightness, but in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/he-saved-us/