"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,”  (Titus 2:11,12)

In the previous section Paul enjoins disciples of every age group to conduct fitting of sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1-10)  He now connects such a lifestyle to grace. Contrary to popular religious views, the grace of God does not leave the disciples to a passive life.  It demands active obedience!

While reflecting upon Christ who gave himself to redeem them from sin (vs.14), and while eagerly awaiting his future appearance (verse 13), the disciple is called upon to live righteously in the present. In a world that is hostile to God's cause, disciples must allow God's grace to so penetrate their lives that they become a people that reflects God’s character. 

To fulfill this calling they must refuse “ungodliness” and “worldly lusts”.  “Ungodliness” is living without reverence or regard for God. It includes all that is worldly, including the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. A godless life is a graceless life. It stands contrary to all that God is about.  Thus, such worldly passions must be resisted and renounced.

However, a denial of evil alone is not enough. Disciples are not of God just because of what they give up. They are called to live soberly, righteously, and godly. They must master the passions and desires and walk in the right path given by God. They are to be governed by a daily presence of God, and an awareness of his love and justice.

Under the influence of grace new motives, thoughts, and ambitions are awakened. Righteous principles are brought to life. The disciple is called to the highest of virtues. Godliness in the home, marketplace, school, and church will create the desired effect: a people of God, zealous for good works.

By George Slover
 

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says theLord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!  (Ezekiel 18:30-32)
 
In the context of this passage Ezekiel has clearly stated the dilemma – “the soul that sins, it shall die” (vs. 20).  The soul that sins will die or be spiritually separated from God.   However, God “has no pleasure in the one who dies”.   Thus, he clearly states the solution – “repent”!    Some have said that repentance is a change of mind that brings about a change of action. That’s a good definition, but consider from this passage some other essentials to repentance.

A necessary prerequisite to repentance is for one to “consider”.  “Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die”. (vs.28)  God wants the sinner to contemplate the seriousness of the transgression.  It is a like parent telling a child “go to your room and think about what you’ve just done”.  Those words came to me when I was a boy.   I had thrown a rock and hit another child in the eye.  I was forced to face the victim (bloody face and all) and contemplate what I had done.  It taught me a valuable lesson.  The transgressor must think about the wickedness he has committed and recognize the consequences.   Hopefully, such introspection will lead to the godly sorrow that produces repentance.  (II Cor 7:10)
 
Next, the sinner must “get a new heart and a new spirit”. (vs. 31)  The heart is where his sins are conceived. (Lk.6:45)  Thus, God wants him to reprogram his mind.  (Rom. 12:2)  A good or bad heart produces a good or bad person.  It is impossible for one to change their lives without changing their hearts. Put away evil thoughts and think on things that are pure!

Finally, God exhorts the sinner to “cast away from you all your sins”. (vs.31)  Literally, the word “cast” means to fling the garment!  It pictures one who repudiates the deed done and is ready to shove it away!  He is ready to cease from his ungodliness and to start living a godly and holy life.
  
So my brother, is there sin in your life?  If so, then repent!  God does not want you to die, but to live!

By George Slover
 

"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;" (1 Peter 1:13)

Peter has been speaking to these suffering saints of a wonderful future; of a living hope; of an incorruptible inheritance. Such confident aspirations fill them with an inexpressible joy. However, they must not lose sight of present duties if they are to finish strong.

The phrase "gird up" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, except perhaps in Luke 12:35. Other translations render it differently: "prepare your minds" (ESV); have a mind that is alert" (NIV).  Thus, "we must gird up the loins of our mind" and set out to fix our hearts on the business of the Lord.

A closer look at the phrase paints a picture of perhaps soldiers preparing for battle, or pilgrims preparing for travel. They were to tuck in the edges of the tunic and tighten the belt. They must pull themselves together. Peter is obviously concerned about the encumbrances and challenges along the way that may keep them from finishing the journey.

Among the distractions would be persecution. (1 Peter 4:19) Peter does not deceive them. Because they are connected to a rejected savior, they will also be rejected. (1 Peter 2:7) The need for human acceptance is a strong emotion and can easily divert the disciple from his mission. He must get tough mentally. He needs to stay focused!

Fleshly lusts can also become a hindrance. (1 Peter 2:11,12) Former friends will expect you to engage in their fleshly activities. (1 Peter 4:3,4) Such worldly pleasures have a strong allurement, and can easily cause the soldier to stumble. He must stay mentally alert.

Finally, there is the allurement of material things that will be the downfall of some disciples. (Matthew 6:33) The cares and riches of this world will prevent these soldiers from bearing fruit for God. (Luke 8:14) Therefore, they must gird up the loins of their mind and get focused on the treasures of heaven.

The people of God are pilgrims and strangers in this world. God has made high and lofty promises to his people. However, the journey is long and treacherous. They must gather up the robes and lay aside anything that may impede the progress, and one day the Savior will say, "well done".

By George Slover
 

He asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I the Son of Man, am?  So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus answered and said to him,  “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”  (Matthew 16:13-17)

Notice in this setting that Jesus took a poll.  His question was “Who do men say that I am?”  The disciple’s reply was “some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”  Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?”   Peter’s reply was “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  After this Jesus commended Peter’s confession and noted that it was in harmony with what the Father in heaven had revealed!

Many today take their own private polls.  They allow peers or family to influence their conduct.  They look to current trends for their moral and religious guide.  But, all that matters is what the Father has said.  The bottom line is that success with God is not based upon the polls, but his revelation.
 
In you personal life make a resolve to do only what the God has said. 

George Slover

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  (Philippians 4:6)

The result of following the command above is stated in verse seven: “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. What components in the command will assure the tranquil life God promises here?

Paul is certainly not encouraging laziness or the totally carefree life. Diligence to both our physical as well as spiritual life are necessary to our success. In caring for our daily needs God says: “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat”. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) In building spiritual character we are instructed to “give all diligence”. (2 Peter 1:5) However, there is a kind of anxious care that robs us of our spiritual energy.  

So after all has been done on our part we are exhorted in all things to “pray”. “Prayer” is the first of three steps commanded here.  When used in the same context with words like “supplication” and “thanksgiving”, “prayer” may refer to the worshipful aspect of this triplet.  It seems to refer to a reverent, submissive frame of mind. It acknowledges that God's presence is our deepest joy, and extolling him is our greatest delight.  When our relationship with God means everything to us; it is difficult for the worldly cares to creep in.

And “supplication” implies a request. Certainly God covets our petitions. Here we are acknowledging our total dependence on him.  This is where we give to him our special petitions, and cast our cares on him. When such petitions are tempered by a prayerful, submissive state of mind, our cares are transformed from worldly aspirations to much more noble objects such as seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is how the peace of God guards our hearts.

When we are aware of what God has done for us; what he is doing for us; and what he will do for us, we cannot help but be thankful. We are encouraged to give thanks to God continually. When we are focusing on our blessings it is difficult to be distracted by anxious care. This is the perfect remedy for our anxiety.

The peace which God supplies is not merely a freedom from external troubles, but stems from a deep-seated harmony with God. God promises to guard our hearts through “prayer” which rests everything on him; through “supplication” which acknowledges our dependence on him; and by “thanksgiving” which recognizes the blessings from him.

By George Slover