The Divine Turnaround

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works…

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Titus 2:11-14; 3:1-9

Paul charges Titus with a large task: to teach the church how to be godly. He urges his young protégé to call leaders and lay people, men and women, old and young, to exemplify the glories of salvation and eternal hope in their conduct. He is masterful in supporting this admonition with cogent basis for doing so: Every individual in the church once was, but now is. The old has gone, the new has come. Former habits and actions were, but are now a new reality in Christ. Because of the divine turnaround Christ has effected, they are to live upright lives in the present evil age. To do so takes constant reminding and training in purity and righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

For every behavioral demand or requirement, the Lord is clear about the reason, motivation, and means for doing so. No works are necessary for our salvation- we are washed by the mercy of Jesus. From there, every aspect of a believer’s life should be centered on the grace of God in Christ. Saved because of Him, we are to live carefully as His redeemed possession, devoted to good works that glorify Him. When peppered with temptation or teased with worldly trinkets, by His Spirit we are to renounce all for which He died, and take hold of the hope He imparts.

What worldly passion smolders within? Be it bitterness or rage, idolatry or lust, jealousy or malice, there are or will come urges to succumb. How will we renounce, submit, prepare, and avoid as He commands? Because Christ has won, we can resist rebel attitudes, stubbornness, pride, and callous hearts. His regenerating victory makes fools wise, slaves free, the envious content, the anxious fulfilled. Believing His triumph begets bold obedience.

Lord, because of and by Your grace, compel me with zeal for righteousness and good works as I anticipate Your glory.