Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
11 “For the grace of GOD has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from GODless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to GOD, 13 while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great GOD and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing what is right.” ~ Titus 2:11-14
The power to live as a Christian comes from the Holy Spirit. Because Christ died and rescued us from sin, we are free from sin’s control. GOD gives us the power and understanding to live according to His will and to do good. Then we will look forward to Christ’s wonderful return with eager expectation and hope. It is not enough to renounce sin and evil desires; we must also live actively for GOD. To fight against lust, we must say no to temptation, but we must also say yes to active service for Christ.
Christ’s freeing us from sin opens the way for Him to purify us. He freed us from sin and redeemed us by purchasing our release from captivity of sin with a ransom. “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and give My life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45 – This verse not only reveals the motive for Jesus’ ministry but also the basis of salvation. A ransom was the price paid to release a slave. Jesus paid a ransom for us because we could not pay it ourselves. His death released all of us from our slavery to sin. The disciples thought Jesus’ life and power would save them from Rome; Jesus said His death would save them from sin, an even greater slavery than Rome’s. We are not only free from the sentence of death for our sin, we are also purified from sin’s influence as we grow in Christ.
“You must teach these things and encourage your people to do them, correcting them when necessary. You have the authority to do this, so do not let anyone ignore you or disregard what you say.” – Titus 2:15 – Paul told Titus to teach the Scriptures as well as to live them. We must also teach, encourage, and correct others when necessary. It is easy to feel afraid when others are older, more influential in the community, or wealthier. But, like Titus, we should not let ourselves be threatened when we are trying to minister to others or provide leadership in the church.
Thank YOU, Father GOD – YOUR grace that brings salvation has been revealed to us. Help us LORD, to daily turn from GODless living and sinful pleasures and live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to YOU. We look forward, Father to that wonderful day when YOUR Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, will be revealed. We know LORD, that He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, therefore, we are totally committed to doing what is right, and to teach and encourage others.
Photo: Sand Harbor (Tahoe, Nevada)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
