For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,”  (Titus 2:11,12)

In the previous section Paul enjoins disciples of every age group to conduct fitting of sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1-10)  He now connects such a lifestyle to grace. Contrary to popular religious views, the grace of God does not leave the disciples to a passive life.  It demands active obedience!

While reflecting upon Christ who gave himself to redeem them from sin (vs.14), and while eagerly awaiting his future appearance (verse 13), the disciple is called upon to live righteously in the present. In a world that is hostile to God's cause, disciples must allow God's grace to so penetrate their lives that they become a people that reflects God’s character. 

To fulfill this calling they must refuse “ungodliness” and “worldly lusts”.  “Ungodliness” is living without reverence or regard for God. It includes all that is worldly, including the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. A godless life is a graceless life. It stands contrary to all that God is about.  Thus, such worldly passions must be resisted and renounced.

However, a denial of evil alone is not enough. Disciples are not of God just because of what they give up. They are called to live soberly, righteously, and godly. They must master the passions and desires and walk in the right path given by God. They are to be governed by a daily presence of God, and an awareness of his love and justice.

Under the influence of grace new motives, thoughts, and ambitions are awakened. Righteous principles are brought to life. The disciple is called to the highest of virtues. Godliness in the home, marketplace, school, and church will create the desired effect: a people of God, zealous for good works.

By George Slover

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16) In these verses Matthew records the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Matthew specifically notes that the Lord was fulfilling prophecy Isaiah had spoken of 750 years before.  This prophecy specifically details geographically the place where this ministry was to begin. (vs.15)  The immediate reference is to the inhabitants of Northern Palestine. Isaiah tells us these people sit in a spiritual stupor, content with their deplorable spiritual condition. The darkness is a picture of spiritual ignorance and superstition. It represents the dismal moral condition of most of the world. It is a symbol of the kingdom and power of Satan. (Acts 26:18) This miserable state is pictured as the region and shadow of death. To dispel this darkness the light has dawned. He is the Messiah that has been spoken of and sought after for centuries. Many would welcome him. However, others would reject him because he did not fit their theology. The light of Christ provides correct information concerning our life on earth. The light of Christ offers peace and joy and hope. Christ is able to perfect us in holiness and point us toward an eternal home. There is no limit to the penetrating power of light. The light of Christ is able to reach the darkest places of man. Christ can touch the hearts of men and women of every nation and social status. He is to be heralded in the prisons, homes, churches, and streets of the world! By George Slover

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."  Matthew 6:28,29

Disciples of Christ are encouraged to seek his kingdom first. They must not allow the common cares of this world to distract them from this priority. The Lord promises to take care of basic provisions (food and clothing) if his disciples will make his kingdom their prerogative.

The Lord points to the gorgeous flowers that brighten the hills of Galilee. They are clothed with a beauty that exceeds Solomon and all his glory. They neither "toil nor spin" yet God arraigns them with such beauty.  What valuable lessons we learn from the fields!

The fields teach us to praise God. The flower's intricate patterns, various designs, and colors speak of a Grand Designer. Like all of God's creation they declare his glory. God's creation invokes praise.    I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." (Psalm 104:33)

The fields teach us to trust in God's providence. Plants are totally dependent on God. They must have the nourishment of the earth and life-giving rain. They must have the sun, and the air to breathe. God provides it all.

The Lord ask: "why do you take thought for raiment, for your father knows you have need of these things?"  If God cares for the simpler life-forms, surely he will care of man who is far superior.

God knows our daily needs. He listens to our prayers and provides the daily bread. Thus his children must not be like the heathens who seek the good things of this world. Their paramount objective must be a glad submission with all of the heart to Christ the heavenly king.

By George Slover
 

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud,That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10,11)

Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God will accomplish its intended purpose. “It runs like a swift messenger through nature and the world of man…to heal and to save; it does not return from its course till it has given effect to the will of the Sender.” (Keil and Delitzsch) The immediate application for Isaiah's listeners was the promise of deliverance from Babylon.  However, the power of God's word is manifest in various ways.

The force of God's word is seen in his miracles.  The universe, the earth, and its inhabitants were all created by the utterance of God. It was by God's word that the demons were cast out, the sea was calmed, the lame and the blind were healed, and the dead raised.  God's word will not return unto him void.

The efficacy of God's word is seen in its fruitfulness. God's word can probe into the hearts of men revealing their intentions and ways.  Its truth is either accepted or rejected. One cannot remain neutral. By clearly dividing the light from the path of darkness, God’s word accomplishes its purpose.  It exposes human folly. It will not return unto him void.

The power of God's word is seen in it's moral qualities.  When it is planted in an honest heart, it can radically change the life of that individual.  There is nothing more beautiful than a godly man or woman who has allowed its truths of love, gentleness, faith, and conviction to mold their character.  God's word will accomplish its purpose.

Throughout history man has sought for purpose by his own schemes. He has tried to fulfill his longing for contentment by worshiping idols made by his own hands. Like a steadfast beacon the word of God has been pointing to a way of genuine peace. His word is incorruptible and will accomplish its purpose.

There may be times when we may doubt it's power, but we have strong assurance that God's word will not return unto him void.  Learn it,  live by it, and share it.

George Slover

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:19,20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of the Bible. The gospel of the resurrection of Christ is gaining popularity. To add fuel to the fire, the apostles healed a lame man that was seen daily at the gate of the temple. This undeniable wonder further incites the enemies of Christ, and thus leads to a confrontation.

We not only marvel at the courage of the apostles, but also at the nature of Divine truth. There is a sharp contrast between the character of truth, and the character of human error.

When those opposed to Jesus are presented with the facts, their only option is to discredit or neutralize those who teach God’s word. In this case, the Jews first try to simply threaten the apostles. (Acts 4:16,17) The Sanhedrin was a body of great influence and power, but their inability to answer the hard facts leaves them powerless.

To teach that Jesus is the only way to God (Acts 4:12),and to proclaim this Jesus was raised from the dead (Acts 4:1,2) are daring claims. Such concessions greatly disturbed the religious elite in Jerusalem. However, these doctrines were backed by irrefutable evidence.

Divine truth is not speculative, but practical, and nothing has gained the attention of  skeptics like the resurrection of Christ. But, God has not left himself without witness. The testimony of early disciples challenged the authorities. Peter testified: “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know”. (Acts 2:22) Paul proclaimed: “For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.” Like all of other witnesses, Peter and John will say: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:20)

The historical events of early Christianity is marvelous proof of its Divine origin. Disciples of Christ of every generation must not be ashamed of their faith. Shout it from the house tops! Christ is risen!

By George Slover