Paul has just given Titus instructions on what to teach older men and younger men, older women and younger women, and slaves. As he wraps up this section of his letter, he gives Titus some of his reasons for such teachings, and the ultimate reason, which we will address next week, appropriately for the Christmas season.

Take a look at this week’s very encouraging passage in Titus 2:11-12:

Many commentaries view this passage as Paul’s theological reasons for his call to Christian living to the various groups in the preceding verses.

He starts this section off by stating that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared.” What a statement! The Greek verb is in the past tense, indicating something that has already happened. Of course, he is speaking of Christ’s appearance to mankind, God’s ultimate revelation of himself.

Be careful to note that Paul does not say “the grace of God appeared bringing salvation to all men.” Rather, he states that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,” meaning Christ. Our salvation is found in Christ alone, and God’s actions in sending his Son demonstrate his grace.

Briefly Paul applies two negative, followed by three positive reactions to that Grace, and to Christ himself.

Saying “No” to ungodliness

Very obviously, this is the opposite of godliness, listed in 1:1. Paul stresses godly living throughout the letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. This description is the exact opposite of what he calls Timothy and Titus, and us, to live.

Saying “No” to worldly passions

Again, worldly desires go directly against the desire God has for our lives. Personal pleasure, power, worldly possessions and more are to be avoided because through Christ, we have so much more!

After these two negatives, Paul moves to the positives.

Live self-controlled lives

The idea of self-control is a prominent theme in many of Paul’s letters. Living in such a way to control ourselves, and our passions, displays that we have mastered ourselves, and submitted to God’s lordship in our lives. The self-controlled person has learned restraint and prudence.

Live upright lives

Other translations render this as living “righteously.” The idea here is to live with right conduct towards our fellow men. Fairness, honesty and integrity are hallmarks of the upright life. This emphasizes the fact that Christ is in control of our lives instead of us.

Live godly lives

In direct contrast to the ungodliness we are to avoid, Paul encourages us to live godly lives. In order to do this, we give to God what is clearly due him: our very lives and everything about us.

When are we to be doing these things? In this present age. This is not something simply to look forward to, something that God will work in us in times to come. God’s word gives us instruction on how to live for him in the now. But God’s grace also teaches us that this present age is not the most important one. This, paired with what is to come in verse 13, helps us to understand that this world, this age, is temporary. But how we live in this age prepares us for the age to come.

So the question we have to ask ourselves is this: How are we living? Are we striving to accomplish such things as the reasons Paul lists here? Or are we saying “Yes” to the things we are to be saying “No” to?

Let us strive to live lives that bring honor to Christ!

Question: In which category do you find yourself more, the negative list? Or the positive one? You can leave a comment by clicking here.