From: October 27, 2024
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13 ESV).
The apostle Paul instructed Titus how to live between the two appearances of Jesus. First, he called him to let the grace of God, which was revealed at Christ’s first coming, train him to live for God in the present age. What is this “present age?” It is the age between the two advents of Christ Jesus. For Christ has come and Christ is coming again.
Titus was to let the wondrous grace of God expressed in Christ’s first appearing motivate his way of life. Grace is God’s unmerited favor motivated by His love. As the gospel of John proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). We now live in this present age of grace.
Yet Paul also called Titus to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. He was to live as one saved by grace, while waiting in hope for Christ’s soon return. For Christ has come as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And He is coming again as our glorious, great God and Savior to receive those that He has redeemed as His own possession and to judge the living and the dead.
In this present age, we live between the two appearances of Christ. Of all the most significant milestones in human history, none are greater than these two. Are you living with these two advents in mind?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we often lose sight of the significance of life. We try to be in control and avoid trouble, worrying over every concern. Or we try to avoid reality, medicating our pain or wasting our days in pleasure seeking. Yet, You have revealed Your plan to us. Your Son has appeared. He has promised to return. Lead us and strengthen us to live in view of His two appearances. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 27, 2023
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching” (Titus 2:7 NLT).
Paul taught his spiritual son, Titus, to be careful that his way of life was consistent with his teaching. Certainly, this would’ve been an even more important concern for a younger man like Titus.
Two traits were commended to him: First, “integrity,” which is wholeness of character and conduct being consistent with his message. To say one thing and do another would be hypocritical and would undermine the credibility of his teaching. Paul warned Titus against being a “Do as I say, not as I do” example.
And second, “seriousness,” which means to behave in a dignified manner, acting with respect, not behaving foolishly. The teaching of the gospel is serious and it deserves a serious teacher. This is especially important for a younger man who might naturally be accused of the foolishness of youth.
Essentially, Paul told Titus to make sure that his walk matched his talk. Does yours?
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to guard our tongues and our manner, so that we do not hinder the Gospel in any way. Only Your Holy Spirit can empower us to live a life of integrity and seriousness. For we are often given to foolishness. Strengthen us so that our walk matches our talk. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 27, 2022
THE GRACE OF GOD SHINING FORTH
The unmerited favor of God has been revealed in Christ, so that all humanity might be saved, both those of low estate and those of high, whether far or near. This grace of God is revealed in the gospel of God (See Col. 1:6). It is sufficient to save all those who believe. Yet, to those who reject it, there is no other means of salvation.
Some have seen in this word, “revealed,” which literally means, “to shine upon,” a comparison to the rising of the sun. For as the sun rises, it does not enlighten the whole earth at once, but steadily is comprehended from east to west as the day progresses. This grace of God, which first shone forth from Calvary’s hill, even now steadily shines into the darkness of this world “as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).
This grace of God now shines forth from every believer whose heart has been set aflame by the gospel, who obey Christ’s great commission to make disciples of all nations. Therefore, let us rise and shine in Christ Jesus today.
PRAYER: Dear Father, Your grace has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus. It is by Your unmerited favor through faith that we have been saved and adopted as Your children. Thank You for Your grace. Now strengthen us to let this grace shine forth in our lives today that others might be saved. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 27, 2016
In the midst of God’s revelation to the prophet Jeremiah of Babylon’s future destruction, He revealed yet more of Himself. God is not just a local god, standing watch over little Jerusalem. No, He is the God over all creation. He is the omnipotent One who not only created the earth but the whole universe with divine understanding, so that even the stars are ordered according to His will. And not only has He created all, but with His omniscient wisdom, He sustains all. Our God is both Creator and Sustainer, holding everything together. The Lord expanded Jeremiah’s understanding of Himself, so that he might worship and trust Him more fully. Those who realize both the size of the universe and this revelation of God’s great power and wisdom are able to lift their eyes from their tiny perspective and trust in this great God.
From: October 27, 2015
Have you ever tried separating fighting dogs? Chances are even your own dog will accidentally bite you. You may have meant to be the peacemaker, but now you’re part of the dog fight. Similarly, be careful about “meddling” in someone else’s quarrel. Unsolicited advice is rarely welcome. Of course, there are times when intervention is required, as when a weaker party is being bullied or at risk of being harmed. Even in this, the parable provides a wise caution. Entering the fray may mean that both combatants turn on you. Do so with your eyes wide open. The Bible does teach “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt.5:9). But be aware that peacemakers are often bitten by the ones they sought to help.
From: October 27, 2014
In the midst of God’s revelation to the prophet Jeremiah of Babylon’s future destruction, He revealed yet more of Himself. God is not just a local god, standing watch over little Jerusalem. No, He is the God over all creation. He is the omnipotent One who not only created the earth but the whole universe with divine understanding, so that even the stars are ordered according to His will. And not only has He created all, but with His omniscient wisdom, He sustains all. Our God is both Creator and Sustainer, holding everything together. The Lord expanded Jeremiah’s understanding of Himself, so that he might worship and trust Him more fully. Those who realize both the size of the universe and this revelation of God’s great power and wisdom are able to lift their eyes from their tiny perspective and trust in this great God.
From: October 27, 2013
How to live in this “present age” while we wait for the One who will inaugurate the next. Paul lived with an awareness that Christ could appear at any time. This gave him a holy urgency to live in view of Christ’s return and of the coming age. Although much has changed since Paul’s day, much remains the same. We still live in the age before Christ’s return. When? Soon, and very soon.