How we live matters (Titus 2:1-11)

The truth of the gospel gives knowledge of who God is and who people are in relation to him and what he says in the bible about his son Jesus, mainly that we (all people) are sinners who fall short of God’s glory and thus stand condemned - deserving eternal punishment. There is nothing that man can do to solve this problem. It will take God to send his only perfect son to reconcile man to himself. This will be accomplished by the blood of his righteous son, Jesus Christ.

Those who trust in Jesus’ righteousness, his death, and resurrection for the reconciliation between themselves and God are brought into true and deep fellowship with Jesus. 

This is the sound doctrine that Paul speaks of and instructs Titus to teach (v1) and to live out (v7). In the previous chapter, Paul also instructs Titus to look for elders who are “able to give instruction in sound doctrine”(1v9). Preceding this verse, the elders are to be godly in their lives and in their conduct(1v5-8). 

It is important to note that knowledge of the truth goes hand in hand with godliness. Knowledge of the truth is the fuel for godliness and godliness is the fruit of the knowledge of the truth. One can not exist without the other as evidenced in 1 Timothy 3:16.

So why is Paul making such a big deal about godliness among leaders as well as the saints? 

First, godliness upholds the word of God (v5) - so that the word stands strong against any form of ungodly and blasphemous attack.

Second, godliness puts opponents to shame - having nothing evil for them to say(v8).

Third, godliness attracts people to the truth (v10) -  it opens up to them the reality of the judgment that they are under and presents the gift of salvation and reconciliation found in Christ Jesus through repentance and faith.

Fourth, godliness is evidence of new life (Titus 3:3-8) - as outsiders witness the life of the saints that is contrary to the life lived in the world around them - a life devoted to doing what is good and steadfastly serving God’s people.

And lastly, godliness is evidence that the gospel about Jesus Christ is true as the saints live lives that are set apart for him. 

Do we take godliness as seriously as Paul does? Do we exhort and encourage our brothers and sisters in these things as Paul does to Titus?? Do we see its implications on the word of God as Paul does??

We should, especially when we take the truth (sound doctrine) seriously, so should we take how we live with the same kind of seriousness. By our lives (public and private) we testify the truth about Jesus as to whether it is true or not, and we testify of the new life that Jesus has brought us through the cross. Our lives ought to be in accordance with the true Word. Therefore take care of how you live. Take godly living seriously. 

Prayer/reflection:

- Ask for the Lord’s help in taking how you live as his child seriously, ask for his help in growing you and shaping you in godliness by his Holy Spirit. 

- We not always get it right on this side of eternity. However, this is not an excuse - but the reality of our sin and the flesh, our weakness and inability to do it right on our own efforts. Therefore, seek the Holy Spirit’s help to walk in step with him as he leads you to fruitful and godly living by making you more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ who is godly in every way. 

- Pray for godliness that is fueled and driven by the gospel of Jesus Christ - who has graciously brought us from death into fellowship and eternal life.