Titus 2:11 – 14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us up to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Titus 3:14
And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
These last few weeks I have been reading and considering Paul’s words to Titus found in the New Testament. This is typically how I engage the Bible. I take an entire story, book, or letter and consider it as a whole to find the various points that pervade the text and focus instead of looking at individual sentences and words. I believe true meanings reside in the entire text. Even still it’s easier to consider smaller passages.
Two passages that find their way into my consciousness are Titus 2:11 – 14 and 3:14. Both give goals, or characteristics, of a life of Christian faith. These characteristics of godly living and good works, both residing under the umbrella of sanctification, come directly from the grace God grants.
First, in Titus 2:11 – 14, Paul instructs Titus on one of the primary goals of God’s grace to those that believe. It is not only to bring us into relationship with God through “redeem(ing) us from all iniquity” but to train “us up to renounce impiety and worldly pleasures.” It not only brings salvation but brings godly living. It is what prompts me to say no when appropriate to what God does not desire and yes to what He does.
One result of saying yes to what God wants of us is saying yes to helping others; saying yes to good works. One of the final thoughts Paul gives Titus to pass on to those under his care is to be productive through good works. These good works are to “meet urgent needs” of people. This distinction is good in defining what are to be the results of good works. They are to directly benefit people.
So how can I, as one hoping to be called a Christian, listen to Paul through Titus today? I can say yes to what I ought and no to what I ought not. I can say yes to help those with pressing needs. To do this I will need to know needs which mean I must know people so I need to better engage in relationships. Ultimately this will not be easy but it will have me responding appropriate daily to God’s grace.