Titus 2
Be Still: Lord today, open the eyes of my heart. Speak to me through your Word. Guide my steps and lead me in your everlasting ways. Amen
Read: Titus 2
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age… (v11-12)
Encounter: Last year I embarked on a 90-day spiritual journey with three other friends. It was a period of prayer, abstinence and fasting – no sugar, alcohol, TV, social media; we even had to have cold showers!! It was brutal. During the 90 days we were charged to keep accountable with each other. The message would frequently come in, ‘Guys I need to be accountable – I was offered this amazing slice of cake and caved!’ We all had a moment where we failed to say no!
Self-control is hard. The world will say, why bother saying no. We value indulgence and excess. But true freedom always involves saying no to the temptations around us. We say ‘no’ to embrace something greater. I love what Jordan Seng writes, 'For heaven to gain space in us, the world must lose.' * There is a way we can live a godly life: God’s grace and mercy, his Spirit working in us can help us to live a self-controlled life.
Apply: The mistake is to think we can do it alone – we just need to try harder, be more disciplined. But usually we end up failing and are then consumed with guilt and self-loathing. Key to learning to say ‘no’ is God’s grace. Understanding his mercy and love. Learning to abide in the One who is full of grace and truth. A Saviour who is quick to forgive.
But the God who calls us towards holiness, wants to work in our hearts by his Spirit, convicting of us idols, selfish patterns of thinking and behaviour. We also need one another. Being amongst friends who can challenge us, forgive us, encourage us is essential. We best live this ‘upright and godly’ life alongside friends.
Devote: Lord teach me to say 'no' to the temptations and worldly passions around me. Help me to be honest and accountable to you, myself and close friends around me. Thank you for your grace. May it spur me on to live a godly life.
* Jordan Seng, Miracle Work, IVP