Explores how God's grace teaches us to live righteously, reject ungodliness, and anticipate Christ's return, especially during the festive season.
Good morning, beloved, and welcome! Gathered here today, we stand at the crossroads of expectancy and reflection, looking forward to the joyous season of festivities and also looking back at the year that has been. We are here to share in the Word of God, to find comfort in His promises and to seek His guidance in all our ways.
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to Titus, a young man he mentored in faith. Here, in Titus 2:11-13, Paul outlines the essence of Christian living in a world that often seems contrary to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us hear these words:
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
These verses are a compass for our lives, guiding us in how to live righteously in a world that often seems to run counter to the teachings of Christ. They remind us of the grace that God has freely given us, a grace that leads to salvation and teaches us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
As we ponder on these verses, let us remember the words of R. C. Sproul who once said, "God is not interested in our public displays of piety. He's not interested in religion in terms of the outward show. He's interested in godliness." Indeed, we should live godly lives that are pleasing to God.
In this season of festivities, we are called to remember the grace of God that has appeared to all, offering salvation. We are called to live in a way that reflects this grace, saying 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions. And as we do so, we eagerly await the blessed hope of Christ's return.
As we prepare to delve deeper into this text, let's bow our heads in prayer.
Dear Lord, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we study this passage today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand and apply Your teachings in our lives. May Your grace guide us in all our ways, leading us to live in righteousness and godliness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
So, let's get started, shall we?
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get swept up in the current of worldly passions and ungodliness. The constant barrage of distractions and temptations can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. But Paul's words to Titus serve as a reminder that we have been given the grace of God, a gift that not only offers us salvation but also teaches us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
The nature of this grace: It's not a passive gift that merely absolves us of our sins. It's an active force in our lives, shaping our character and guiding our actions. It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly passions, those things that lead us away from God and into sin. This grace is our moral compass, always pointing us towards righteousness.
The role of self-control in our lives: In a world where instant gratification is often the norm, exercising self-control can be a daunting task. But it's an essential part of living a godly life. It's about making conscious choices that align with God's will, even when those choices are difficult or go against the grain of societal norms. It's about resisting the lure of immediate pleasure in favor of long-term spiritual gain.
The importance of living upright lives: This means living in a way that is honest, fair, and just. It's about treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of who they are or where they come from. It's about standing up for what is right, even when it's unpopular or inconvenient. Living an upright life is a testament to our faith and a reflection of God's love in us.
The pursuit of godliness: This is not about attaining perfection or adhering to a set of rigid rules. It's about striving to reflect the character of God in our thoughts, words, and actions. It's about nurturing a deep, personal relationship with God and allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
Behaving well may seem like a tall order: But remember, we are not left to navigate this on our own. We have been given the grace of God, a gift that teaches us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. As we lean into this grace, we find the strength and guidance to live in a way that honors God and blesses others. So let's embrace this grace, let it shape our character, guide our actions, and lead us in the path of righteousness.
As we continue to reflect on the words of Paul to Titus, we find ourselves in the midst of the festivities ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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