Titus 2:11-15
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 appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, 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.
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Devotion
Paul now gives the theological basis for the lifestyle encouraged in the first ten verses of this chapter. As believers, we are to live lives set apart for God because of the grace of God that saves us and instructs us to live in a new way. Paul is encouraging Titus to instruct the believers on Crete to live lives that accurately reflect the gospel. Just as the gospel “appeared” for all mankind, our lives should “shine forth” for all the world to see. The gospel that Paul preached was very simple: “that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.” (1 Cor.15:3-4)
This gospel (Good News) “is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” This Good News is too important to compromise. This Good News has the power to transform lives for all eternity. How awesome it is to be saved by the grace of God. Grace means gift. Grace is not complicated and does’nt imply human effort. In his commentary on the book of Titus, J.V. McGee writes, “God doesn’t ask for your cooperation; He doesn’t ask for your conduct or your character in order to save you. God only asks men to believe Him, to trust Him, and to receive Christ.”
Because of this Good News of grace, it is reasonable for us to live our lives in a way that is consistent with the character of our Savior. Therefore, it is not unreasonable, “to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” While we wait with excitement for the return of Christ, we are called to offer up our lives as a “living sacrifices” (See Romans 12:1-2). Not only is it our “reasonable act of worship,” but God equips us through the Holy Spirit to say, “No” to sin, and “Yes” to God.
Paul then reminds Titus of the redemptive work of Christ! Jesus gave Himself up for us. He paid a price so that we could be rescued from sin and death. It makes no sense to live in sin when we have been rescued from it. As believers we have been set apart by Christ for Christ. We now belong to Christ and His eternal kingdom. We are now citizens of an eternal kingdom and our actions should reflect this.
Paul closes out this passage by encouraging Titus to teach the very things that he just wrote about. Even though he is young, Titus is instructed to teach all these things with authority. Here Paul is declaring that those called to lead in the church are endowed with divine authority. Titus was to live so that his life would be like a “spiritual die.” This involved good works, sound doctrine, a seriousness of attitude, and sound words that no one could condemn. Of course, the evidence of that divine authority is the fruit of the Spirit. If a leader is leading in accordance with God’s divine will, his/her life will reflect the character of Christ. Remember the words of Jesus, “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
Questions to Ponder
What does God’s grace mean to you? What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? How does kingdom citizenship differ from worldly citizenship? How are you reflecting the “fruit of the Spirit”? Who are you influencing for Christ? Why is godly leadership essential in the church today?
Prayer Points
- Turn your attention to the LORD. Praise Him for His grace, mercy, and unfailing love.
- Apologize for grieving His Spirit for thinking and walking in the ways of this world.
- Pour out your thanksgiving for His forgiveness, thank Him for your citizenship that is in heaven.
- Ask Him to infill you by His Spirit to walk in the path of love today. Pray for Christians everywhere to lift up holy hands and depend upon Him .
- Pray for the Spirit of Truth to lead you throughout the day today and for His fruit to manifest in your life.
- Pray for our Oak Pointe Family. Help us to encourage each other and point out when we see a fruit of the Spirit.
Suggested Prayer
Abba, You are righteous, holy, perfect, merciful and forgiving. Thank You Lord for being our Redeemer, the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Forgive me as my heart wanders away from you so often throughout the day. I so easily forget Who my Father is and who I am in You. Forgive me for striving and putting my trust in things I see here on earth. Thank You for Your unlimited patience, thank You for Your forgiveness and for helping me in every aspect of my life. Help Your church to walk in the truth and live in the light of your Word, help us to build one another up and lead us to those far from You so that we may share the Hope of Glory that is in us. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.