◄ What Does Titus 2:12 Mean? ►

There are godly rules and important instructions in the college of Christian living, which educate believers in sound doctrine, purity of heart, and saintly behaviour. As we journey through the ups and downs of life, we are called to implement these rules for living in each of our lives.

Older men and matrons, younger men and women, youths and elders, together with slaves and masters, all receive a range of biblical directives in this passage, which are appropriate to their status and standing.

Whether young or old, male or female, servant or master... the consistent teaching that we discover in this epistle to Titus, urges appropriate behaviour and righteous Christian conduct for every member of the Body of Christ.

In this passage, Paul wants to demonstrate that the purpose of the normal Christian life is to refuse to engage in ungodly pursuits, participate in fleshly desires, or be tempted by the alluring trinket and tricks of this world-system. Rather, we are exhorted to: "Live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present, evil age."

Although these instructions from Paul to Titus may appear to be predictable, and list behaviours that are appropriate for every man or woman of God and expedient for sound doctrine... nevertheless, there are greater numbers of people who reject God's offer of salvation by grace through faith in Christ... and remain enslaved to this satanic world system.

Such people are blinded by Satan, the god of this world, and remain dead in their trespasses and sins. They are at enmity with God and are purveyors of the evil works of darkness. And so we, who are saved by grace through faith, need to be careful that we do not become entrapped in the wiles of the evil one.

It was by God's grace that Christ Jesus came to earth, instructing us how to live godly lives which honour our Father in heaven. The Lord Jesus came, as promised, to be the sacrifice for man's sin. And although He appeared at God's appointed time as the sacrifice for the sin of the whole world, only those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are identified with Him, through the forgiveness of their sins; only they receive eternal life; only they are equipped by the Holy Spirit to live godly in this evil age.

The essence of Paul's teaching to Titus, and to us all, is that there are certain ungodly passions and fleshly pursuits which we as His children are to vehemently reject. There is also godly behaviour, biblical attitudes, a holy life-style and Christian conduct that we should keenly pursue in this present age. As God's children, we are to do the good, renounce the evil, and pursue after sound doctrine, purity of heart, and saintly living.

May we be diligent to follow after that which is good and renounce all that is evil... no matter what our gender or status may be. And in the words of the apostle Paul, may we endeavour to "deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly lives, in the present age."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the important instructions I receive from Your holy Word, as I progress through the college of Christian living. I pray that I may deny ungodliness and disengage myself from any worldly pursuits or fleshly attitudes. May I diligently seek to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in this present age. This I ask in Jesus' name and for His greater praise and glory, AMEN.