“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Titus 2:11-12
One thing I love about prison ministry is that there is little pretense among the men I work with. They don’t try to maintain a facade of righteousness or respectability. They know they’re sinners, and they know they need God’s grace.
Thanks be to God that salvation is by grace, that sanctification is by grace, and that all of life for the Christian is by grace.
At the same time, it is the undeniable pattern of Scripture that the revelation of grace always, as John Calvin wrote, “carries with it exhortations to a holy life.” Paul wrote that the appearance of the grace of God teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, but to say yes to living self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
To be self-controlled refers to our personal conduct. As believers we learn that though we live by grace and not by law, we obey God’s laws out of gratitude. We desire to treat others kindly, reflecting the grace that we have received. In God’s amazing world, even the most willful and malicious of sinners is made new, now marked by holiness.
Thanks be to God that salvation is by grace, that sanctification is by grace, and that all of life for the Christian is by grace.
At the same time, it is the undeniable pattern of Scripture that the revelation of grace always, as John Calvin wrote, “carries with it exhortations to a holy life.” Paul wrote that the appearance of the grace of God teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, but to say yes to living self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
To be self-controlled refers to our personal conduct. As believers we learn that though we live by grace and not by law, we obey God’s laws out of gratitude. We desire to treat others kindly, reflecting the grace that we have received. In God’s amazing world, even the most willful and malicious of sinners is made new, now marked by holiness.
Scripture Focus
Titus 2:11-15
Insight
Lord, let me hear Your exhortation to a holy life. Give me the power to respond with self-control, uprightness, and godliness for Your glory. Amen
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 14
- Psalm 53
- Luke 17
