“…the GRACE OF GOD that brings salvation has appeared to all men, TEACHING US that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and PURIFY FOR HIMSELF HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)
WHAT GOD’S GRACE IS TEACHING US TO Amanda,
- Deny Ungodliness: asebeia: lack of reverence towards God. The person guilty of this sin disregards both the person and the law of God. “Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” (Rom. 1:22-23)
- Deny Worldly Lusts: This emphasizes the importance of a disciplined life. This attitude was in sharp contrast to the lazy, self-focused lifestyle of many people in Crete (Titus 1:12–13). The Greek dikaiosis translated as “righteously,” or “upright,” and literally means “proper,” or “right”
- Live Soberly: Soberly means: self-governing, self-restraint; which means you are able to control yourself through self-discipline. You control your appetites, passions and affections, not the other way around. For example, many are familiar with Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics basketball team. He recognizes he must practice self-control concerning his appetites. He knows that he cannot eat a dozen White Castles (who can?) after each game and still expect to perform as he does.
- Live Righteously: Whatever conforms to God’s will, whatever has been appointed by God to be obeyed, the sum total of the requirements of God. These definitions require us to study to be able to know exactly what God would have us to do. We must study (2 Tim. 2:15). It was required of us in school so we could pass the teacher’s tests. Jesus says, come to my school in (Matt. 11:29) “come learn of me.”
Your Personal Dad…