Where to Keep Our Focus

“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 this present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour 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.” (Titus 2:11-14 NKJV)

    Throughout this month we have studied Titus 2:11-14 and learned:

• To be watchful of how we use our time each day (and aware of the habits already formed in our lives) to make sure we are being wise (Ephesians 5:15-17) and properly denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (v12), leaving no place for the devil to get a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).
• The importance of replacing all bad habits with good ones and how God prepares us for exactly that by telling us what we need to put off/flee and what we need to then put on/pursue, so we can live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age (v12).

    Now, as we finish our study of this passage, we will see the value of having a proper focal point and the truth we can think on so we can remove bad decisions before they become habits and learn to become zealous for good works (v14).

What to Focus on Each Day

    “…the grace of God that brings salvation…” (v11) Only by God’s grace can we be saved (Ephesians 2:1-9), we could not, cannot save ourselves from sin, but God loved us and sent His Son to be the atonement for our sins (1 John 4:9-10, John 3:16-21). Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed – how could we so belittle His sacrifice by returning to lawlessness? God’s grace frees us from the bonds of sin; we need to realize the magnitude of His gift and be vigilant in our effort to keep ourselves from sin and sinful habits (Romans 6, 1 John 1:7-10). God has helped us in this by preparing good works for us to walk in (develop as daily habits, Ephesians 2:10). Jesus gave Himself so that we would be purified from sin and become zealous for good works (v14). We need to think on God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice each day with sincere, unwavering focus and appreciation so our zeal for doing good works can develop and flourish (consider Galatians 6:9-10, Titus 3:8, 14).

    “…looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ…” (v13) Reminding ourselves that this life is temporary (James 4:14) will help us to make the best use of Today. We are not guaranteed tomorrow (James 4:15-17), but as children of God we have hope of life beyond this life (Titus 1:1-2, 1 John 3:1-3). When we keep our focus on things above (Colossians 3:1-2) we will walk in love, in light, and in wisdom (Ephesians 5:1-17); we will do our utmost to abide in Jesus and practice righteousness (make it a daily habit) so that when He appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed at His coming (1 John 2:28, 1 Timothy 2:15).

    Please read and reread Titus 2:11-14 and if you have time please add the epistle of 1 John to your reading schedule – it fortifies the points in this week’s lesson, as John reminds his readers of all that they can be assured of so that they remain faithful throughout their lives.

    Take time today to think on God’s grace that provides you with hope beyond this life. Recall it to your mind each morning as you open your eyes to a new day; think of it each night before you close your eyes, and be thankful (Psalms 92:1-12). Remain diligent in removing bad habits and deliberate in your desire to develop good ones; focus your mind on the freedom God has granted you by His grace to do beautiful, blessing-filled works (Galatians 5:22-23, “Against such there is no law”) and let your love and appreciation for Him be made evident in your zeal for doing what is right and good!

You can do it! So can I!!