Godly Instruction

Sunrise on The Forth Bridge from South Queensferry,  Scotland.  Photo by Esteban on Unsplash

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Titus 2:11 – 3:2 (NASB)

It is a certainty that in whatever job we do in life that we need instruction in it first, to learn the ropes. This can also be applied to sports or hobbies too; I remember learning the game of chess and then years later passing it on to my son, who then very quickly beat me. The young are quick learners! Therefore it is true that the Christian needs instruction and continues to need it throughout their life.

Our training in Godliness has been the pre-eminent message I have read recently in the rich little epistle of Titus; our instructor being Almighty God Himself, through His Son and the Holy Spirit. It speaks frequently of “deeds” good and bad; “ergon” in the Greek being deeds of work, action or behaviour. Lawless and/or evil deeds being “anomia” in the Greek. It is by the Grace of God through our Saviour Jesus Christ that we are able to discern and choose good deeds rather than ungodly deeds.

Godly deeds are welcomed by fellow believers, but are often spurned by unbelievers (or even by other believers!) as they attack us and God. In such circumstances our scripture today encourages us to stand strong, being “ready for every good deed.” As I write this my wife is telling me about a lady who has been helped by others in what has been a difficult year, being able to help a stranger pay for their groceries yesterday – that is a heartwarming “good deed.”

Dear reader, I would encourage you to read the entire epistle of Titus – you will find what Father God intends for you today. In this festive season of goodwill let us endeavour to practice Godly deeds (in thought, word and action) boldly for those we meet; deeds born from the Grace of God through our Saviour whose birth we celebrate in these coming days. 

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