Titus 2:11-14 - The Basis of the Christian Life.

Titus 2:11-14: The Basis of the Christian Life.

Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) For the grace of God that brings salvation 
has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness 
and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly 
lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the 
glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave 
himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for 
himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  

This passage is one of the most concise summations in the entire 
N.T. of the relation of Gospel truth to life.  [Scofield SB] 

Briefly describes the effect grace should have on believers. It 
encourages rejection of ungodliness and leads to holier living. [NIV SB] 

Salvation involves the double work of redeeming us from guilt 
and judgment and of producing moral purity and helpful service to 
others. [NIV SB] 

Jesus as God-man, two natures in one person. He loved us, and 
gave himself for us; and what can we do less than love and give up 
ourselves to him! Redemption from sin and sanctification of the nature go 
together, and make a peculiar people unto God, free from guilt and 
condemnation, and purified by the Holy Spirit. [Matthew Henry Commentary] 

Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary it 
is not to quiet your soul in the non-performance of duty, not to 
compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will 
work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness. When we lay 
hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has 
corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare. 
Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a 
follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, 
devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be 
full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can 
he use harsh words, and censure and condemn. The labor of love 
springs from the work of faith. 6BC1111 

The power to live as a Christian comes from the Holy Spirit. 
Because Christ died and rescued us from sin, we are free from sin's 
control. God gives us the power and understanding to live according to 
his will and to do good. Then we will look forward to Christ's 
wonderful return with eager expectation and hope. [Life Application SB] 

There are two "poles" to the Christian life: we look back to the 
cross (v. 14) and ahead to the coming of Christ (v. 13). These two 
poles help keep us steady in our Christian walk. These themes are 
written into Paul's description of the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11) where 
we are to remember His death "till He comes." [Wiersbe Expository 
Outlines] 

When a royal visit is expected, everything is cleansed and 
decorated, and made fit for the royal eye to see. The Christian is the man 
who is always prepared for the coming of the King of kings. [Barclay 
Commentary]