Titus 2:1-15
Titus 2:11-14 is an echo of John 3:16-17, and it gives us an idea of what the ‘eternal’ or ‘everlasting’ life of John 3:16 is all about. And this everlasting life is simply ‘life to the fullest’—a life beyond corruption and condemnation and decay; a GREAT life. How is this life characterised on this side of heaven’s door? Simply by our act of denying ungodliness and worldly desires, and living sensibly, righteously and godly, always eager to do good (vv. 12, 14). Much, much easier said than done.
In yesterday’s reading, we saw that good deeds define a person’s character; the latter is expressed as the former, for a person’s character and actions are inseparable. Here, today, in chapter 2, we are faced with the staggering reality that our actions and character actually reveal how much of God’s everlasting life we are truly enjoying.
And something else is at stake: the word of God (v. 5). Our submission to authority and graciousness of character, as pictured in this chapter, leads to one end: the continual honouring of God’s word. And His word is His truth, and while we meditate on Jesus’ final 40 days (this season of Lent), it would be good to remember than He is the Word of God—the embodiment and incarnation of all that God is (John 1:1).
Reflection:
Do our deeds honour Christ? If so, why? If not, why not?
Action:
Let us make an extra effort this Lent to live as people who are redeemed to do good, who want to please their God. Think of an attitude you want to change, and list ways in which you can work towards that change. Perhaps you could do this with a friend (or in a group), and keep track of each other’s progress this Lent.
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