Titus 2:6-15: a reflection

6Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded. 7In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, 8and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us. 9Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting, 10not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things. 11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; 13looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works. 15Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Paul describes what the grace of God does, and it is more than we might expect. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age. Notice that grace not only saves; it instructs, it trains. The same grace that brings salvation also teaches us to renounce ungodliness and to live godly lives. Grace is not only pardon for the past; it is a teacher that reshapes how we live.

Notice what grace does besides forgive: it trains us to live godly lives. Paul does not present grace merely as God overlooking our sin; he presents it as a teacher, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live soberly and righteously. Grace does not leave us as we were, forgiven but unchanged; it trains us, reshaping how we live, teaching us to turn from sin and to live for God. The grace that saves is also the grace that trains us toward godliness.

That is worth taking to heart, for we can think of grace only as pardon, and miss that it also trains us. We can imagine grace as God simply overlooking our sin, leaving us free to remain as we are; but grace, Paul says, trains us to renounce ungodliness and live godly lives. Grace is not opposed to a changed life; it is the very thing that produces one. Do not think of God's grace only as pardon that leaves you unchanged; receive it also as a teacher that trains you to turn from sin and live for God. Let the grace that has saved you also train you, reshaping how you live, teaching you to deny ungodliness and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, as Paul says the grace of God does; for grace not only forgives, but trains us toward the godly life, while we look for the blessed hope of Christ's appearing.

Lord, Paul describes what your grace does, and it is more than I might expect. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age. Show me that grace not only saves; it instructs, it trains. The same grace that brings salvation also teaches us to renounce ungodliness and to live godly lives. Grace is not only pardon for the past; it is a teacher that reshapes how I live. Show me what grace does besides forgive: it trains me to live a godly life. Paul does not present grace merely as your overlooking my sin; he presents it as a teacher, instructing me to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live soberly and righteously. Grace does not leave me as I was, forgiven but unchanged; it trains me, reshaping how I live. Take that to my heart, for I can think of grace only as pardon, and miss that it also trains me. I can imagine grace as your simply overlooking my sin, leaving me free to remain as I am; but grace trains me to renounce ungodliness and live a godly life. Keep me from thinking of your grace only as pardon that leaves me unchanged; help me receive it also as a teacher that trains me to turn from sin and live for you. Let the grace that has saved me also train me, Lord, reshaping how I live, while I look for the blessed hope of Christ's appearing.