“For the Grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.’’ Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
Meditation:
This verse tells us how to conduct ourselves in a “holy manner." God has given us salvation, and we must honor his salvation by doing what he asks. God's grace is involved in teaching us to turn away from godless actions. Living devoutly and avoiding sin are part of God’s plans.
Paul writes this letter to Titus, often emphasizing the importance of living a disciplined life. Think about how important this would be: what kind of person do you think would attract more followers of Christ? Do you think it would be an ungodly one, one that pursues his every bodily desire, drinking and hurting others along the way? Of course not.
Leading by example, Christ showed us how to live a disciplined and pious life. Christ has attracted followers based on his example for thousands of years, the vast majority of whom were not alive during his time. Disciples of Christ should see his life as the ultimate example of discipline and attempt to follow suit. This is Paul's aim in his letter to Titus.
Paul writes the letter knowing full well that the conduct of the early church members will go a long way in determining the impact of the church. Think about the churches in your own communities. There are some Churches that have fallen and been devastated by scandals, some of which are never able to fully recover. By resisting the temptations of the flesh and being delivered from evil, we protect our own immortal souls as well as show others how God hoped that we would live.
There is one aspect of this verse that I would like to emphasize. Much of the Bible focuses on our need to ask for forgiveness, to repent for the sins that we commit. However, this verse, Titus 2:11-12, does not ask us for this. It asks us to stop the sin before we even commit it. We must avoid the sins while also committing ourselves to the positive. This verse is unlike the verses in the Old Testament, or the Ten Commandments, which inform us of things that we should not do. This verse focuses on what we SHOULD do. We should exhibit self-control. We should live soberly, righteously, and godly. The rest we should leave to God.
Prayer: God, Father, who art in Heaven, I rejoice in your name and thank you for believing in me to honor your grace. The debt I owe to you and to your son, Jesus Christ, can never be fully repaid, but I ask that you use me as an example, to all around me, so that they may know you as I do. I pledge to avoid temptations, O God, and commit myself to a sober, righteous, and godly life. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
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