DAILY DEVOTION, January 20, 2022

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ 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 (Titus 2:11-14)

The Gospel teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. The Greek grammar undergirding “deny” is in the aorist tense.  We do not have this tense in English grammar.  The idea is “to deny once and for all.” Those who come to Christ do not get up each day and decide whether or not to engage in ungodly behavior. We have made a once for all decision to turn away from ungodliness. Ungodliness has to do with any thought, word, or deed that is contrary to the will of God.  Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness in any and all forms. If ungodliness sneaks into our lives, we are to turn away immediately.

The same is true for worldly lust. It refers to those who live without God in the world. Their behavior turns to gluttony, drunkenness, immoral sexual thoughts and actions, anger, malice, revenge, immoderate love of riches, power, fame, etc. These are all forms of worldly lust. Those who have received the grace of God are to turn away from such things in a once and for all decision. This is how we know our faith is real. We have a strong aversion to ungodliness and worldly lust, coupled with a strong desire to please God.

Father, I thank You that I have received Your grace. Thank You for leading me away from those things which are evil in Your sight, and into a life of godliness. When I fall short, forgive me for Jesus’ sake and empower me to do better. In His name, I pray, Amen.