Living In Contrast

 

Titus 2:11-12

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,

Paul, through his letter to Titus, instructs us that Salvation in Jesus Christ is visible to all. Yet, we know that for as many of us who have taken hold of His Grace, there are countless numbers who have seen yet ignore, dabble in it, pursue other means or outright reject salvation. We also know that daily we face the choice of pursuing ungodliness and lusts vs. sober, righteous, godly living.

Sober- clear-minded, discerning and focused.

Righteous- abiding by the moral laws and principles of God.

Godly-applying Spiritual Truth and Wisdom to our life.

When these 3 words define our lives,

It increases our witness.

Gives opportunities to plant Seeds of Grace.

Brings hope and encouragement to those beaten down by sin and its consequences.

Allows the full experience of God's Blessings.

We also know that such a way of living is in stark contrast to the lifestyle of many around us. It can cause others to respond harshly, with much criticism and disgust. Yet, it is exactly the way God intends us to live. It is the transformational lifestyle for which Jesus died and it is exactly what the Holy Spirit empowers us to do. As I wrote 2 weeks ago, we are called to live the Message of Easter loudly. Sober, Righteous and Godly is as loud as it can get!


Are you ready to crank up the volume?

Easter Lived Loud

 

Psalms 98:1, 4 NKJV‬

[1] Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.

[4] Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.

Last Sunday, I hope you had a wonderful day of worship.  Being Easter, your church was likely filled with extra people. Maybe some special music and other elements were added into your service flow, and the message of Salvation in Christ was proclaimed. We are uplifted by moments like these as we we are doing what we are created to do-- Worship Our Lord.

However,  I am sure by Monday you were well aware that you are living in a world where many do not worship or even acknowledge the existence of God.

While discouraging to us, it is even more devastating to them.  In Romans 1:18-32, Paul, in clear, stark terms, describes the evil that grows in the hearts of those who suppress the truth. Foolish and arrogant, they deceptively think themselves wise. 

Yet, the evil heart is still a worshipping heart.  Paul goes on to describe the immoral ways their heart worships. The end result is that they become the objects of God’s wrath.

As you worship today, surrender your hearts to be further sanctified, and your faith made strong that you may not be led along the the same paths of evil. Then pray for those you know who are ignorant of God, His Love, and His Grace. Pray for their repentance and transformation. Finally, be resolved to join together with other Christ followers to point the way back to God and rescue the lost and deceived. The message of Easter needs to be lived loud!