Titus 2:11-15 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

This passage from Paul's letter to Titus focuses on the importance of self-control. Paul reminds us that God's grace has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. This grace trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, instead living self-controlled, upright, and godly lives as we wait for Jesus to return. We are to live with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God in this present age. Paul encourages us to be zealous for good works, as Christ redeemed us from sin to purify us and make us his own people. Paul tells Titus to declare these things boldly and to exhort and rebuke others with authority, so that no one disregards the message.

Living a self-controlled life can be challenging in a world that constantly tempts us toward excess and indulgence. But Paul reminds us that God's grace empowers us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. When we feel weak or lacking in self-discipline, we can draw strength from Christ's redeeming work on the cross. He freed us from sin so that we might live for him. As we reflect on all that Jesus has done for us, it motivates us to please him with our conduct. While self-control comes from God's Spirit within us, we must also choose each day to walk in obedience. I pray that Christ's love would compel me to live wisely and righteously as I await his return. May his grace sustain me to renounce all that displeases him and instead live for his glory alone.

Lord, thank you for your saving grace that brings salvation to all. I pray that your Spirit would empower me to live a self-controlled life. Give me strength to renounce ungodliness and resist worldly passions. Help me to reflect your character in all I do and say. As I wait expectantly for your return, fill me afresh with your Spirit each day. May my life honor you and draw others to faith in Jesus. Amen.