March 23
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DENY UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY DESIRES
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you. – Titus 2: 11-15
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This part of the letter of Paul to Titus ties up the reason why the believers need to walk in faith. He mentions in verse 11 that the grace of God has arrived to bring salvation to all people. This letter may have been written in the times after the death of Christ, but they still all apply to all believers now.
Before the cross, we were all under God’s wrath. God hates sin and evil and because we inherited our sins from Adam and Eve, God made a way so that those consequences may be cleansed. So, He gave us the perfect sacrifice in His Son’s death on the cross. What was the aftermath of Jesus’ death? Grace was one of the results of Jesus’ sacrifice. He saved mankind from God’s wrath. So, he gave the invitation to all men that they can be saved. Although many Christians do not actually realize the magnitude and power of the cross, they have to be able to say “yes” to that invitation to the reconciliation through repentance and commitment to make Jesus your Lord and Savior. Paul stresses the importance of accepting this gift of salvation through Jesus’ death and also following the conditions that go with the commitment to Christ.
For all believers, we are instructed to turn our backs on evil and all cravings and worldly desires, to live wisely, always pursuing the righteousness of Christ. Sadly, many Christians haven’t counted the cost of what it takes to be a follower of Jesus. No one can truly be his disciple if one hasn’t given up everything and turn to follow the narrow path to Him. This is why Jesus died for us, so that it is possible to live holy and blameless lives. We cannot do it on our own. In verse 15, he instructs Titus not to be intimidated by anyone. Even though he was a young leader, he was given the authority to speak truth, exhort and rebuke with authority. So many people do not have the confidence and authority because many have not lived in God’s grace, but in their works of the flesh and own efforts.
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REFLECTION
• How is denying ungodliness and worldly desires keys to living holy lives?