In this passage, the Apostle Paul writes to Titus encouraging him to continue his mission of finding suitable elders for churches under his oversight. Paul describes the virtues and qualities that are pleasing for church overseers along with men and women, young and old. The body of Christ is called to be hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined, reverent in behavior, lovers of good, and sound in faith, love, steadfastness, integrity, and dignity.
All of these behaviors are based on the fact that grace, or the “goodness and loving kindness of God,” has already appeared. Since we cannot save ourselves by good deeds or “works done,” our Savior Jesus died for us. By God’s grace and mercy, we are not responsible for making ourselves righteous. Paul’s message to Titus, because we are saved by grace, is to look for Christian leaders that are compelled to “live self controlled, upright, and godly lives” (Titus 2:11-13).
When God’s grace does not compel us, we travel down a path of self-reliance. We become apathetic, prideful, and self-centered. That is when we become entangled in the sin that clings to and weighs us down. This month we want to focus on the grace of God because through his grace we desire to live righteously. By the grace of God we are saved and by the grace of God we are inspired and equipped to break free of our sin.
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