How a Christian Ought to Live in This World
Base Text: Titus 2:12
“Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Introduction
The word "to live" implies our manner of walking, conducting ourselves, and navigating life.
Titus 2:12 reveals three essential ways we are called to live the Christian life:
1. Self-Controlled (Soberly): concerning ourselves.
2. Upright (Justly): concerning others.
3. Godly (Piously): concerning God.
To live this way, we must first renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:11; 1 Tim. 5:6). To renounce means to shut the door, to absolutely prohibit the entry of sin (according to Vine's definition).
The purpose of this study is to guide us toward living exactly as God commands, according to the pattern of His redeeming grace.
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I. We Must Live Self-Controlled (Soberly) (Titus 2:12)
This quality pertains to our internal life and character.
A. Biblical Definition
Sober (or self-controlled): Having a sound mind, self-mastery, and prudence; free from harmful influences, whether physical or spiritual. A Christian without self-control loses clarity, discernment, and direction.
B. Self-Control in the Christian Life
We must be alert and self-controlled (1 Thess. 5:6). We are called to walk as children of light (1 Thess. 5:5, 8) and to avoid all physical or spiritual intoxication (1 Thess. 5:7).
C. A Requirement for Leaders and Servants
This is a standard for all who serve:
• Elders: Must be sober-minded (1 Tim. 3:2).
• Women: Must be serious and self-controlled (1 Tim. 3:11).
• Workers/Ministers: Must be sober-minded in their ministry (2 Tim. 4:5).
D. Self-Control to Pray and Resist the Devil
Self-control promotes prayer: "Be sober-minded therefore, and be watchful for prayer" (1 Pet. 4:7). It also enables us to resist the devil: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion" (1 Pet. 5:8).
E. Application
This quality relates to yourself: maintaining a clear mind, an balanced life, and making sound decisions.
II. We Must Live Uprightly (Justly) (Titus 2:12)
This quality pertains to our outward relationships and integrity.
A. Biblical Definition
Upright (or just/righteous): Living in integrity and honesty; acting according to both divine and human standards of morality and fairness.
B. Examples of Righteousness in the Bible
• Zechariah and Elizabeth lived righteously before God (Luke 1:6).
• Joseph of Arimathea was a just and righteous man (Luke 23:50).
• Paul lived justly and blamelessly in his conduct (1 Thess. 2:10; 2 Cor. 8:20-21).
C. Righteousness in Our Relationships
We must apply justice and integrity in all our dealings:
• Children: obey your parents (Eph. 6:1).
• Masters and Servants: act with justice and fairness (Col. 4:1).
D. Blessings of the Righteous
God grants unique blessings to the just:
• God blesses the righteous (Ps. 5:12).
• His eyes are upon them (Ps. 34:15).
• He delivers them from troubles (Ps. 34:17).
• He does not let them suffer hunger (Prov. 10:3).
• The path of the righteous is like the light (Prov. 4:18).
E. Application
This quality relates to others: demonstrating honesty, integrity, and fairness in every interaction.
III. We Must Live Godly (Piously) (Titus 2:12)
This quality pertains to our upward relationship with God.
A. Definition of Godliness
The Greek word eusebeia means sincere devotion, reverence, and doing what is pleasing to God. It is holiness in relation to the Divine.
B. A Continuous Call to Godliness
The Scriptures repeatedly urge us toward piety:
• To live a godly life (1 Tim. 2:2, 10).
• To train ourselves for godliness (1 Tim. 4:7).
• To pursue godliness (1 Tim. 6:11).
C. Godliness Produces Opposition
Those who live godly lives will face persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). True devotion to God stands in stark contrast to the world and therefore faces resistance.
D. Application
This quality relates to God: demonstrating devotion, obedience, love, and holiness in our worship and private life.
See also
Conclusion
God demands a threefold pattern of life in this world:
1. Self-Controlled (Soberly): concerning ourselves.
2. Upright (Justly): concerning others.
3. Godly (Piously): concerning God.
The grace that saved us (Titus 2:11) is the very thing that empowers and trains us to live this way.
Are we living according to these three indispensable dimensions?
May God help us to walk diligently according to His Word, that our lives may be a complete witness—inwardly, outwardly, and upwardly.
