August 26, 2010

Titus 2:1-15 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith

Introduction

Titus 2:1-15: Titus is instructed to teach various church members how they are to live as God's people. The author quotes an ancient hymn to remind him how God came in Christ to save God's people and wash them clean by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives new birth and the promise of eternal life.

Today’s Scripture: Titus 2:7

In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching.

Today’s Reading

¹But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine. ²Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance. ³In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine. They must teach what is good, ⁴in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the message that comes from God. ⁶In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. ⁸Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us. ⁹Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them ¹⁰or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do. ¹¹For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. ¹²That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, ¹³as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. ¹⁴He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good. ¹⁵Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.

Reflect

Today's passage offers advice on maintaining self-control and patience. What instructions in this passage are related to self-control and patience? Do you find having self-control and patience challenging? Why or why not? What temptations get in the way? What do you do to manage them?

Pray

Holy Lord, it can be challenging to maintain self-control and to live patiently. Remind me daily of your love, that I may continue to be strengthened and humbled as your servant. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who struggle with their tempers