How Are We To Live In This Present World?
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
This week’s question comes straight from the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul wrote to an evangelist by the name of Titus. In the book that bears his name, we read of doctrinal and practical instructions that are very important for us today.
In this article, we want to examine the practical implications of how God’s people are to live day to day in a world of sin and wickedness.
The Text.
“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, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you” (Tit. 2:11-15)
From this text, we learn that the grace of God is available to all but also that it teaches us. How does God’s grace teach us?
Through the gracious words that help us “deny ungodliness and worldly lusts” so we can live “soberly, righteously, and godly.”
Jesus gave His life for us to redeem and purify a special people (1 Pet. 2:5, 9-10). Those who have been washed in His blood by obedience to the Gospel are in the family of God (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 1:22-25; Rev. 1:5). As a member of God’s family, I have a responsibility to live as a Christian (Rom. 12:1-2, 9-21).
Simply put a Christian is to be in the world but not of the world!
How are we to live? The Holy Spirit gives three words and we want to define and discuss them in the space remaining.
Live Soberly.
First, we notice the word “soberly.” The word “sober” carries the idea of “living in a wise manner as keeping self-control over one’s passions and desires.” While the word “soberly” is found seven times in the New Testament, this is the only time this particular word (sophronos) is used.
Paul used the word “soberly” five times (Rom. 12:3; 1 Thess. 5:6, 8; Tit. 2:2, 12) while the apostle Peter used the word twice:
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 1:13; 5:8).
As we live in a world full of wicked thoughts and deeds, Christians are to be sober-minded and practice self-control.
Live Righteously.
Second, we notice the word “righteously.” The word “righteously” could also be rendered “justly.” It means to live in accordance to a standard.
The standard by which Christians are to live is the Word of God. The Bible is the mind of God in written form, a mirror to our souls, a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path (Psa. 119:105; 1 Cor. 2:9-13; Jas. 1:22-25).
As we read, study, and meditate on the Word of God, we know how we are to live from day to day (Psa. 1:1-3).
Live Godly.
Third and finally, we notice the word “godly.” This word could also be rendered “piously” and means that we are to show fitting and proper respect and reverence to Deity.
Our lives then are to be pleasing to God in that we are striving to be more like Him. Jesus said,
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).
Notice that He said, “learn from Me.” We watch and examine the example of Jesus set forth in the Gospel accounts and model our behavior after His! We are not to be worldly, but godly even if we have to suffer for it: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
How are we to live in this world of darkness? We are to be “salt and light” (Matt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:15; Col. 4:6).
If we are willing to “deny ungodliness and worldly lusts” (say no to the world) then we can live “soberly, righteously, and godly” (say yes to God).
May we all have the courage to live as God would have us live to His glory!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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Great job of unpacking Titus 2:11-15. So often people ignore the "little" books... and miss out on their wisdom!