Tag: no to ungodliness
The hope of the world!
Scripture reading for December 9th: Titus 1-3
What the world needs is hope! Hope keeps us moving forward and expecting something good to happen in the near future. Hope works with faith and love and keeps us in balance spiritually. Without hope, we often despair and give up or give in to the temptations of this life. People who have no hope become depressed. Our God is known as the God of hope! (Romans 15:13)
Paul’s letter to Titus is a letter of encouragement to a pastor who is his son in the faith. He entrusted the churches in Crete to his oversight and wrote to instruct him in church order and pastoral ministry. Some of the instruction concerned the qualifications necessary for church leadership. Character was of the highest concern and it was to be discerned by relationships in the family and community. We become quickly known for how we treat others, especially those close to us. (Titus 1:6-8)
One of the main qualifications was a firm grasp on the Gospel message and word of God. (Titus 1:9) A pastor’s job was to teach each age group in the church body how to respect others and serve them with godly character. If a person claims to know God but behaves otherwise, that person is unfit for service to God. They may be leading others astray and must be soundly rebuked! (Titus 1:13-15)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 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 glorious appearing 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.” Titus 2:11-14
It is by grace that we are saved and empowered to live a godly life. God’s gift of the Holy Spirit enables us have self-control. Through the Holy Spirit we can know we belong to God and are a part of His family. (Romans 8:15-16) He has given us a blessed hope–His soon appearing to finish the work that He began in us!
Preparing for Christ’s return!
Scripture reading for October 27th: Titus 2:1-15
We remember that Paul told Titus that the Gospel was built on a hope of eternal life. (Titus 1:2-3) Paul knew that Jesus Christ would return at an appointed time in the future. No one knew the day or the hour of His coming, not even Jesus when He was on earth! (Matthew 24:38) For this reason, it was important for each person to prepare for that coming and be personally ready!
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 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 glorious appearing 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.” (Titus 2:11-14)
Paul told Titus what to teach the various groups in the church and why they needed to learn the message. Older men must be examples of sound faith and godly living with love and patience. Older women must set a good example when teaching the younger women to love their husbands and children. Failure in godly living would harm the next generation. Young men should set an example of good works and self-control.
Paul told Titus that the grace of God coming through faith should result in a heart change. Each person must now say “No” to their flesh and ask God for help in obedience. The motivation was to be ready for Christ’s return. If we have died and our bodies are in a grave, we will be raised up in a glorified body. If we are alive and waiting, we will be instantly transformed to be like Jesus! We will see Him in His glory with the holy angels. This hope should motivate us to do good works and live in readiness for His return!
As you examine your own life today, are you able to say “No” to ungodliness? Are you doing good works that God has prepared for you and waiting for Christ’s return? Our blessed Hope could come today! We will be blessed if we know Him, are working for Him and living a godly life.