This morning I was meditating on a passage that I often go to that I might bring Gospel-centered correction to my life. It is Titus 2:11–14 (NIV),
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Titus was written by Paul, to Titus to encourage him in his pastoral duties. Titus was working on an island called Crete. There were many churches on Crete, but these churches did not have leaders. So, Paul told Titus to appoint a leader for the church in each town. But Titus must choose the leaders carefully. Each leader must be a good man, who is kind, holy and honest. And the leaders must teach God's message accurately (Titus 1:5-9).
This was an important task. Some people were trying to convince the Christians to obey their traditions. These people pretended to know God. But their actions proved that they denied God (Titus 1:10-16). Paul advised Titus not to argue with people who taught the wrong things. He told Titus to warn them on two occasions only. Then, Titus should leave that person (Titus 3:9-11). [1]
In chapter 2, Paul gives instruction to Timothy about the attitude and responsibility of various generational groups in the church. But starting in verse 11 of chapter 2, Paul reminds Timothy of the theological, Gospel entrenched reasons for living a holy life. In that passage we are told that the "grace of God" has appeared. The grace is as much a Person as it is a power for living; and this grace, we are told, trains us. What does that mean?
Various translations use various words: training us, teaching us, instructing us, etc. The Greek sentence starts with the word: παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς. It is the participle παιδεύω [pronounced pahee·dyoo·o]. It's a notion that includes the training of children. It speaks of formation and shaping of character. It can include a chastening or reproving. It may even include a punitive element. In other words the grace of God in salvation is accompanied by a school of discipline or correction. "Some very blindly accuse those who believe salvation is solely by grace of turning grace into a license to sin. Not so, for grace teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts." [2]
How does grace teach this? Textually, grace teaches us to speak; to say, "No!" I am sure that Christ uses many means to teach us the discipline of saying, "No," but I think the fundamental insight, courage and strength to look at sin and say "no," comes from the promises of God, not the threats of God. Notice with me Peter's thoughts: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3–4, NIV).
I believe that for every presentation of sin and ungodliness, there is a promise of God that addresses that issue. It is in believing the promise that grants us the enabling grace to say, "No." Dr. John Piper has called this principle: "living life by future grace."
"By future I do not merely mean the grace of heaven and the age to come. I mean the grace that begins now, this very second, and sustains your life to the end of this paragraph. By grace I do not merely mean the pardon of God in passing overs your sins, but also the power and beauty of God to keep you from sinning."
How do I apply this? Every day men are bombarded by images and stimuli that might lead us to sin -- sin in either our hearts or even in action. Sin is appealing, sin is pleasurable. How do you say "no" to sin? The only way that works is by believing the promises. For example:
Psalm 84:11 (NIV) says, "11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." That's a promise. My God will protect me. He promises never to withhold what is good for me. That sin is not good for me. It looks good to me, but it is a fake.
Grace teaches us to speak -- to say "No!" It does this by offering us an alternative that is infinitely more satisfying; eternally more fulfilling; and packed to the brim with unspeakable joy.
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1. http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-outline/titus-summary.htm
2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2523). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
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