(Titus 2:11-14 ESV) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our 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 lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
As I read this passage of Scripture, I was overwhelmed at the wonder of grace. In writing to Titus, Paul’s message was three-fold.
First, Paul wanted Titus to recognize and rejoice in the reality of grace! Grace had appeared.
Grace is not on the wish list. It’s not on the bucket list of things hoped for. It is evident RIGHT NOW! It had been hand delivered by the Son of God Himself. What good news!
Secondly, Paul spoke of a process of training. But, what were they being trained for? “To renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” One of the reasons so many people give up on their relationship with Christ is the perception that once saved, they must immediately be perfect in every way. Notice, “And to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” I’m an imperfect “renouncer” in training!
As the world turns and changes, we must learn to live godly lives in the face of our own generational challenges.
My parents faced temptations that I don’t face. I face challenges that they couldn’t image, and my children and grandchildren will face challenges unique to their own generation. The good news is that our trainer, Holy Spirit, is well qualified to provide the wisdom we need to live effectively while, “waiting for our blessed hope!”
Finally, we are being purified by the master purifier! “Jesus Christ, who gave Himself…to purify for Himself a people for His own possession…” When I was a child, my mother trained me to wash the parts of my body that I could reach. But, when I was finished, she would check me over to make sure that I was clean behind the ears! Listen, you’ll never be more pure than when you’ve been purified by God.
Grace has appeared! Rejoice!
PRAYER: Father, I’m so grateful for grace. It is not hidden from me, but is evident in the everyday moments of life. Continue training me to put away ungodliness and fleshly passions in my life, so that redemption will be visible to all who know me. Amen
Thinking Out Loud 