Worship XI Day 6 Khet, Tet, & Yod
Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 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. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
The Original Intent
1) What is the “grace of God”?
Paul wrote this particular letter to one of his disciples, Titus. After Paul’s trip to Crete and the work he did in the area, Paul left Titus there to “…put what remained in order…” (Titus 1:5) to establish God’s church.
In chapter 2, Paul opens by giving instructions on what the Christ-centered life should look like, no matter one’s walk of life: older man, older woman, younger man, younger woman, pastor, or slave. Why does it matter? “For the grace of God has appeared….” (verse 11) in the very person of Jesus Christ, who brought salvation to us all.
God sending His Son in the flesh is His grace, which is His gift, His redemption for each of our lives. As a result, Paul wants the people of the church to conduct their lives according to the grace that was bestowed, living in a way that reflects the truth that every single day is the potential eve of Christ’s return
The Everyday Application
1) What is the “grace of God”?
The knowledge that every day could be the eve of Christ’s return should affect our every moment. That reality ought to produce an urgency and dedication in our hearts as we seek to share the grace of God in Christ with the world around us.
Take an honest assessment of yourself – do you live with an awareness and attentiveness that you could describe as eve-living? What evidence is there in your life to support your answer? Are there any changes you sense you need to make?
The Original Intent
2) What instructions are given on how to LIVE in the “present age”?
Paul gives Titus clear instructions about how the people of the church should conduct themselves: by exemplifying self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
He also exhorts them to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. Paul understands that functioning in these ways will be different than what the church members will see around them in the “present age.”
Living according to God’s plan will set them apart and make them different. Paul acknowledges the reality that the world around the church is filled with people who are living for different purposes.
The Everyday Application
2) What instructions are given on how to LIVE in the “present age”?
Life will happen – and there is always some measure of crazy around us. Every age has its own “present” reality that must be endured. We are foolish to think we have it worse (or better) than any other moment in time. There are trappings from every point of existence, every age, every place, all meant to distract us from the One who matters above all else. None of us, in any place or era, are immune to or protected from that exposure.
What does make a difference is choosing to live a set-apart, holy life within the context of the world around us. Living in this way requires the wisdom of the Spirit, with purpose and conviction. We do this as we live IN the world, not by shutting it out, so that the watching world is drawn to the Savior in the process.
How are you living within the “present age”? How does your life look different from those around you? How does it look the same? Are there adjustments you need to make to live with more purpose and intention to be distinct from the world around you?
The Original Intent
3) What instructions are given on how to WAIT in the present age?
Not only does Paul instruct Titus on how the people of the church are to live, he also says they are to wait. Waiting in this context is not a passive activity. He calls them to be on the lookout for the “blessed hope” (verse 13) that will come with the promised return of Christ.
In the meantime, they should conduct themselves as those who are redeemed through Christ and purified by his death on the cross, remaining on the lookout for good works that will share the love and hope of Christ with the world around them.
The Everyday Application
3) What instructions are given on how to WAIT in the present age?
I woke up one morning with the memory of a vivid dream – my husband, Tim, and I were sitting on top of a hill, watching what appeared to be a beautiful sunrise. But instead, it was the return of Christ. I don’t remember much else, other than a peace that accompanied the entire scene and a beautiful glow of a stunning sunrise that surrounded us.
When the world around me feels chaotic, I take myself back to that memory, pray for Christ’s return to come soon, and enjoy the calm that comes with the hope of that reality. In the interim, we are called to give focused attention to the good works He has prepared for us all. We cannot allow the mess of the world around us to distract us from the work at hand. Yet, the reality is that there are SO MANY distractions…what are yours? How do you keep yourself from becoming distracted from the purpose He has for your life? How can you refocus your heart to engage more fully in the work that God has for you to do during this time?
Tags :
Share This :
Can We Pray With You?
Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!
This Week's Lock Screen
Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!
