The epistle to Titus by Paul was written sometime between AD 63-67. Crete, an island in the Mediterranean, is about sixteen times the size of Singapore.
The Cretians were living in moral decadence. They were described as liars, evil beasts and slow bellies (idle gluttons – ASV) (Titus 1:12). In fact, this was also spoken of by a poet who lived in Crete, whom some believed to be Epimenides. The Bible also says in Titus 1:9-11, that there were false teachers who claimed that circumcision was necessary to be saved. They were unruly, vain talkers, deceivers and they ruined whole families by their teaching. Their teaching was not for Christ, but for their own dishonest gain.
In Titus 1:16, we are told that the Cretians profess they know God but in actual fact, they showed that they did not follow God’s ways by their works. They showed that they were detestable, idolatrous and disobedient through their behaviour and communication.
In the society we live in today, there are also false teachers, liars, vain talkers, deceivers, people who are disobedient to God, etc. We can learn from Paul’s exhortation to Timothy how a Christian should live in this world.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
(Titus 2:11-12)
Paul wrote that the grace of God brings salvation (Titus 2:11). God had manifested His grace through the coming of Jesus Christ who brought salvation to all. Through the preaching of the gospel, God’s grace is made apparent to all men (cf. 1 Timothy 2:4).
God’s Grace Teaches Us to Deny Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts
God’s grace teaches us that there is a need to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:12). It means that one has to reject ways that are not holy and not showing reverence to God. One also has to reject the temptations and unlawful cravings and desires of this world. It is important for us to note that God’s wrath will be on ungodliness (Romans 1:18).
God’s Grace Teaches Us to Live Soberly
The grace of God teaches us that we need to live soberly. To live soberly is to live with a sound mind and discreetly. Some say living soberly means to live with self-restraint or being self-controlled, serious minded and exercising sound judgment. Thus, if one lives soberly, he has the right thinking in mind that will cause him to behave or act in an appropriate or right manner which is in accordance with God's law.
This will mean that one has to be discerning and prove all things. We need to learn how to exercise good judgement in order to live soberly. We need to be able to prove all things (1 Thessalonian 5:21) and when we can do that, we hold fast that which is good. We need to make righteous judgments. How can we do so? We need to know the word of God, so we have to study to make use of God’s word to decide if something is good or evil. If we do not know the word of God, we will not be able to exercise good and sound judgement.
God’s Grace Teaches Us to Live Righteously
To live righteously is to live in a manner which is approved of by God. This will mean living in accordance with God’s word. God’s laws are righteous (Psalm 119:172). Since all of God’s commands are righteousness, then one is righteous before God when he practises what God instructs him to do.
We should then strive to keep God’s commands, to be free from sin and to be holy. Jesus said “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) When we seek these things, we will be filled and experience joy.
God’s Grace Teaches Us to Live a Godly Life
To live a godly life means living a life devoted to God and striving to be like Christ in this world of sin and lust. There is honour, respect and fear of God that leads a person to be devoted to God. If we live godly, it will be seen in our lives. We are reminded by Paul that godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
Let us then fill our minds with good things.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
(Philippians 4:8)
When we think on all these things, these will translate into actions, beliefs and way of living (Proverbs 23:7). We also need to bring our thinking into submission to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). If it’s something in accordance with the law of Christ, we think about it.
Conclusion
Although the world we live in has temptations, unrighteousness and evil because of Satan, Christians have an opportunity to show others the light, as a result of being in the light themselves. God’s great love for us and His grace brings us salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has the power to save. That grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously and godly instead in this present world. There is a great reward in living in such a manner as we will be blessed in eternity (cf. Proverbs 21:21).
Ask Yourself:
How were the Cretians described in Paul’s letter to Titus?
How should we live in this world?
What are some practical steps we can take to help ourselves live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world?
Suggested Answers:
Read Titus 1:9-12, 16.
We should deny ungodliness and worldly lust, live soberly, righteously and godly (Titus 2:12).
You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.