11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. 12 It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. 14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

15 Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Yuan Vongsavanh

In yesterday’s reflection on Titus 2:1-10, the take-away was how our behaviours should reflect sound doctrine, especially in self-control. Today, in verses 11-15, God through Paul tells us in more detail the reasons why we should have these behaviours.

I read something recently on how we should teach our children, and the importance of delayed gratification. The idea is that we shouldn’t just give them sweets and help them solve every small problem. That might bring them happiness now, but for their long-term growth we should get them to eat vegetables and discover for themselves that if you jump into puddles you’ll have wet socks all day. That is, letting them experience small “inconveniences” now will (God willing) reward us with healthy and capable adults.

From today’s verses, my personal reflection on the “why” of self-control and godly behaviour is: because God our heavenly Father loves us in a way that we simply can’t fathom. Our Father has given us a blueprint of how to behave now, before we see him in the life to come. He knows that we are sinful and so won’t follow it perfectly until we are raised to life again, but the reason he has given it to us is in verse 11: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” The reason is his undeserved love and kindness. And Jesus died for us “to redeem us from all lawlessness,” to purify us and make us his own (v. 14). Our salvation is not based on our “performance” – we can be comforted by knowing we will see him in heaven – but in saving us, he rescues us to live for him, which is really the best possible life we can live and the path to true happiness.

Sometimes we think that godly behaviour is a form of “delayed gratification.” But it’s not that at all – it’s joy! I am so thankful that the work of redeeming us from all the wicked things we’ve done and will do, is already done. Jesus died on the cross to take all our sin and ungodly behaviour onto himself. How can we not trust that our heavenly Father’s plan for us is good and submit to his love and authority? Thank our heavenly Father now for the loving way he has designed our redemption, and ask him to help us live as we should, in joy, to bring honour to Him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yuan is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.