Key Verses: Titus 2:11-3:2, "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. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. 1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."
Imagine turning on the TV only to find that a major story was breaking. It appears there is a picture circulating across the media that show President Obama and Osama Bin Laden playing basketball together. Why would this be such a big deal? Because some things do not, cannot, go together. There is no way that President of the United States would be hanging out with a terrorist. It just wouldn't happen.
Presidents and terrorists don't mix. Neither do Red Sox and Yankee fans, oil and water, your mom and your Facebook profile, liberals and conservatives, cats and dogs... some things just are not meant to coexist.
Like godliness and ungodliness.
Read Titus 2:11-3:2. This passage is a letter from Paul to Titus. Titus was one of Paul's closest friends. Titus served as Paul's special representative to the Corinthian church and was tasked with taking up a large contribution for the church in Jerusalem. Paul trusted Titus, who seemed to have some really good administrative skills and a confident personality. From this passage in the letter, we see Paul teaching Titus the importance of walking in a godly manner.
Paul used some pretty straightforward teaching. He basically said, "Say no to all of the stuff that is not of God. Say yes to all of the stuff that is of God." Seems simple enough. But then some questions come up. First of all, how do we know what is godly and what is not godly? And secondly, how do we have the power to say yes or no?
Paul answered these questions in a a way that is pretty cool. The secret is found in verses 11-12. Paul said God's grace has been given to all, and that God's grace helps us know right from wrong. Paul also said God's grace teaches us to live the right way. It leads us to seek what is right and to turn from what is wrong. More importantly God promises to be with us on our journey. He promises to give us strength to do the right thing, day in and day out.
Godliness and ungodliness have no place with one another. Not in your life. Not in this world. Live in such a way that you say "no" to the things that lead you away form God and "yes" to things that build you up in God.
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