Yes, we are saved by God’s grace (v. 11) through the redeeming work of “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 13). But since Christ has redeemed us from “all lawlessness,” it naturally follows that we have thus been saved in order that our lives might be changed, so that we might be purified from sin, and thus “zealous for good works” (v. 14).

What are these good works? Well, before we dash off to the local soup kitchen or head down to South Louisiana with shingles and roofing nails, we need to remember that the examples Paul gives in today’s passage have as much to do with our attitudes as with our actions. In fact, verse 12 urges those who have received God’s saving grace to reject worldly passions, living instead “self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” (v. 12).

And that’s tough for everyone, regardless of their age or status. It’s hard for young men to control their urges and channel their enthusiasms in positive ways (v. 6). It’s hard for older men to hold on to faith in the face of life’s increasing disappointments – after all, some abandon both sobriety and dignity in an effort to cling to youth (v. 2).

And it’s just as hard for older women to turn their attention to the training and encouragement of their younger sisters, as it is for young women to pour themselves into their family responsibilities (vv. 3-5). And of course it had to be hard for bondservants to work hard in the service of their masters instead of trying to remedy an admittedly unjust situation through resentment and theft (vv. 9-10). After all, how many of us struggle with maintaining a positive attitude toward the work for which we are paid?

So, why is this kind of “self-controlled, godly, and upright” living so difficult? Because in every stage and circumstance of life, Christians are called to be focused not on ourselves, our own happiness and contentment, but on the needs of others. The foundation of all good works is thus being more concerned with our employers, our parents, our children, our husbands and our wives than we are with ourselves.

Because that’s the way “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” redeemed us – by laying down His life for us. So, if we would be pure, if we would avoid lawlessness, we have to follow His example, no matter how difficult it might be.

So, will we remain focused on ourselves today? Or will we heed “sound doctrine” and follow Jesus?

Titus 2:1-15 (ESV)

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.