LIVE GODLY LIVES FOR CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”  Titus 2:11-13 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to Titus, his spiritual son.  Paul began this second chapter by instructing Titus what he should teach older men. (Titus 2:1-2)  He followed this with instructions on what to teach older women (Titus 2:3-5), young men (Titus 2:6-8), and slaves. (Titus 2:9-10)  Then Paul told Titus that the grace of God teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and how to live godly lives while we wait for the return of Jesus, The Christ.

 

APPLICATION

The Holy Spirit of God is within all believers and, like Christ, we are in this world but are not of this world. (John 8:23)  We are travelers in this foreign land on our way to a heavenly home.  While we are here, we are to promote the gospel by living godly lives.  Christ gave up His life to redeem us from our sinful wickedness.  We should be eager to please Him to show that we are grateful. (Titus 2:14)  We must learn to say “No” to sinful worldly pleasures, and we must learn to live to the glory of God.

 

OUR LIFE SHOULD REFLECT OUR CONNECTION TO CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Colossae.  Paul began this second chapter by telling them that he wanted to encourage them so that they may have complete understanding.  He did not want them to be deceived and misled by the eloquent and convincing arguments of false teachers. (Colossians 2:4)  He wanted them to live their lives for Christ, to be grounded and strengthened in Him, and to be full of thanksgiving.  He ended this chapter by advising them not to be concerned if the world judged them by what they ate or drank, or their lack of attendance at Jewish festivals, or not following Jewish traditions.  They were free from the rules of the world and were tied to Christ. (Colossians 2:16-23)

 

APPLICATION

Our salvation is not determined by our works, it is a gift of God because of our belief in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:9-10)  Our Christian walk is an outward demonstration of our inward conviction and the indwelling of The Holy Spirit.  Christ is our foundation, and our life should be built upon Him.  Our speech and our behavior in this world should be based upon our faith in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  It is not possible for us to grow in knowledge of Him without being rooted in Him.  Apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5)  As we grow in Him, we are strengthened by Him.  We should be grateful and thankful that we have been blessed by Him.

 

WE LIVE BY FAITH IN CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  Galatians 2:19-20 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Galatia.  Paul begins this chapter by recounting his acceptance by the apostles. (Galatians 2:1-10)  He then recounts an episode where he confronts Peter for his non-Christ-like behavior. (Galatians 2:11-18)  Peter would eat and fellowship with the Gentiles until some of the other apostles arrived, then he separated himself from them.  Other believers, including Barnabas, followed his lead.  After this, Paul states that he was no longer under the law because Christ died and rose for him.  Now he lives his life for Christ and walks by faith in The Son of God.

 

APPLICATION

Our behavior is always under scrutiny, by non-believers and by other believers.  When we do wrong and sin, we can cause those who follow us to stumble and fall into sin, as Peter did.  As believers, we are not to return to our old ways and follow non-Christian customs in order to gain the favor of man. (Galatians 2:14)  We need to recognize The Spirit of God within us and then to live our life as a good example of Christian behavior.  We are justified by our faith in Christ and not by our works or customs.  Christ was crucified once for all of us and for all of our sins.  There is no need for us to be crucified or to crucify Him again.  He died for us so that we could live with Him in the future.  So, let us live for Him now.