In a world that often feels chaotic and contradictory, the Bible provides a clear compass for our daily conduct. The Christian life is not just a destination; it is a way of "walking" or "conducting oneself" in the here and now. In Titus 2:12, the Apostle Paul reveals that God’s grace does more than just save us—it educates us.
Navigating the Present Age: How to Live in This World
Base Text: Titus 2:12
"...teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age."
Proposition: God’s grace teaches us to renounce sin and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world.
Introduction: Grace as a Teacher
Many people view grace only as a means of forgiveness, but according to Titus 2:11, grace is also a teacher. It instructs us to "renounce"—to shut the door and deny entry to—anything that displeases God.
If we claim to have received grace but still indulge in the "deadly" pleasures of sin, we are spiritually stagnant (1 Timothy 5:6). To truly live, we must follow the three-fold path laid out in our base text: an inward discipline, an outward integrity, and an upward devotion.
I. Living Soberly: The Inward Life
Focus: Self-Control and Prudence
To live soberly means to possess a "sound mind." It is the ability to maintain self-control and clear judgment, even when the world around us is intoxicated by passion or distraction.
• Clarity of Mind: Sobriety is the freedom from influences that cloud our spiritual judgment.
• The Need for Vigilance: Scripture repeatedly calls us to be sober so that we can:
◦ Pray effectively (1 Peter 4:7).
◦ Resist the Devil, who looks for the distracted and the unguarded (1 Peter 5:8).
◦ Keep our heads in all situations (2 Timothy 4:5).
• A Standard for All: This isn't just for church leaders; it is a requirement for every believer who wants to remain firm in the Lord (1 Timothy 3:11).
Application: Sobriety guards the "gate" of our minds, ensuring that we are alert to God’s voice rather than the world's noise.
II. Living Righteously: The Outward Life
Focus: Rectitude and Relationships
To live righteously (or justly) means to conduct ourselves with integrity before God and our fellow man. It is the practical application of God's standards to our everyday interactions.
• Horizontal Integrity: True righteousness shows up in how we treat people.
◦ At Home: Children obeying parents (Ephesians 6:1).
◦ At Work: Fair and just treatment between employers and employees (Colosians 4:1).
• Examples to Follow: We see this in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were "righteous before God" (Luke 1:6), and in Paul, who lived blamelessly among the people (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
• The Reward: God promises to bless, guard, and shine His light through the path of the righteous (Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 4:18).
Application: Our "just living" acts as a light, reflecting the character of Christ to a watching world (Matthew 5:14-16).
III. Living Godly: The Upward Life
Focus: Devotion and Sincerity
To live godly means to live with a sincere, heart-level devotion toward God. It is the "vertical" dimension of our lives—ensuring that our primary motivation is to please our Father.
• Intentional Discipline: Godliness doesn't happen by accident. We must "train ourselves" for it (1 Timothy 4:7) and actively "pursue" it (1 Timothy 6:11).
• The Cost of Devotion: We must be intellectually honest: living godly in a world that rejects God often leads to friction. Paul warns that those who desire to live godly lives will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
• Focus in the Storm: Godliness keeps us anchored to the eternal when the temporary world becomes difficult.
Application: Godliness regulates our relationship with the Creator, ensuring that our hearts are always positioned toward Heaven.
See Also
- Preaching on Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus: The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
- Preaching on Amos 4:12 - Prepare to Meet Your God
- Preaching on Idolatry: Why God Rejects Idols
Conclusion: A Life Aligned
God does not want us to simply "get by" until we go to Heaven; He wants us to be a distinct people right here in "this present age."
Direction |
Keyword |
Result |
Inward |
Soberly |
Self-Control & Protection |
Outward |
Righteously |
Integrity & Witness |
Upward |
Godly |
Devotion & Peace |
When we lean into God’s grace, we find the power to say "No" to the world and a resounding "Yes" to a life of purpose.
