Tag: Titus 2
The Glorious Appearing!
Scripture reading for October 10th: Titus 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Titus 2: 11-14 “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.”
God’s great grace, extended to all who will repent and believe, has appeared to all men. This grace is the forgiveness of all sin and guilt and a gift of eternal life with an immediate down payment through the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. This grace teaches us to say “NO!” to ungodliness and worldly passions. We now choose to live life in the newness of God’s Spirit and are ever conscious of the immanent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our “blessed hope” motivates us to be found pure and holy and doing what He has commanded!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers live in expectation of the immanent appearing of our glorious God and Savior, Jesus Christ! “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was One like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Teach sound doctrine!
Scripture reading for October 9th: Titus 2
Paul gave detailed instructions to Titus concerning his need to teach sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is not just a set of rules or laws on how to live, but it it a decision to obey the Word of God and imitate Jesus Christ, our great Teacher.
“Teach older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God.” (Titus 2:2-5) Sound doctrine included practical teaching on how to live productively for the Kingdom of God in the social contexts of the day and time. Older men and women were the role-models for the younger. Self-control is mentioned for both men and women. Bringing our bodies under control of our will by the power of the Holy Spirit is sound doctrine! We must not live out of our feeling or passions.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, . . .” (Titus 2:7) Our example is strong teaching of sound doctrine. If our lives as Christians don’t reflect Jesus Christ, we have failed. It is by God’s grace that we can live out His Word. This grace teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and live self-controlled, upright and lives while we wait for Jesus’ promised return! (Titus 2:11-14)