When you wake up each morning, do you ask yourself what is on the agenda for the day? I wake up, and before my feet hit the floor, I rehearse in my mind what I am supposed to do that day. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to get my thoughts together before I can spring into action. Each day is the same in some ways and very different in others. My daily practice is to get up early, get my cup of coffee, proceed to my desk, and start my Bible studies. From that moment on, every day is a little different. I look at my calendar, and sometimes there are no appointments, meaning the day is flexible and I have choices to make. We all need to make certain choices each day as to how shall we live that day.
In Titus 2:12-13, Paul is teaching Titus some basic practices that all Christians should practice daily. In II Timothy 3:16, Paul teaches us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Therefore, anything God has ordained in His word needs to be applied and practiced.
Since all scripture is given for our growth to be more like Christ, we need to study and practice what we read. We must understand, so that we can fulfill our responsibilities to influence a world that is not living for Jesus. We are to exhibit practical Christian living for others to emulate.
In Titus 2:12, Paul starts by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. We are to refrain from any improper desires. It could include the praise of men so that we are honored. Any good that we have done is not for us to be praised, but the One who made it possible. God gives us our abilities and our resources. Another worldly pleasure that is prevalent in our world is sexual pleasures outside the bonds of marriage. These are prohibited and an abomination to God. In a world where everything from food to cars is referred to as sexy, it is hard to keep a pure mind and heart, but we must if we are to deny ungodliness. Pursuing wealth is also a form of ungodliness. Many men have strayed from God because their main desire was to become wealthy. Whatever you love the most is what you will chase after, and chasing after money will lead you wrong. If God happens to bless you with a great income, make sure you use it for His glory.
We are to live soberly, meaning we are to have self-control. This self-control is in regard to our passions and pleasures. We are to live righteously, which is treating others justly or fairly. In Luke 6:31, this biblical principle is spelled out: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” To live godly is a summation of all that we are to do. It includes how we relate to God, to our fellowmen, and control ourselves. When we live this way, we are also fulfilling the responsibility of mentoring others in the church. We are an example of what a Christian is supposed to look and act like. Living like Titus teaches is also an example to those who are not saved. We reflect the grace and love of our Savior.
Titus 2:12-13 “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.”
In essence, we are to live like Jesus. He came to earth to die for our sins, but that is not all He came to do. He showed us how a person can live and not sin. How can we seek to do the will of the Father when our souls desire something else? In Matthew 26:39, Jesus was in the garden, just before His arrest, and He prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” We are to seek the will of the Father and obey. We must love our enemies, have compassion on those who are sin-sick and physically sick. We must do our part to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We must tell others how to know Him as their Lord and Savior, too. This is how we shall live!
It is examination time. Are you living this way? Where can you improve? All of your answers on how to live are in the Bible, but you must spend time in the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten you.
