How can the church support believers in implementing Titus 2:12's teachings? Grace-Trained Living “For the grace of God has appeared… ‘It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.’” (Titus 2:11-12) Grace as our Teacher • Salvation’s grace is also sanctifying grace—training every believer (v. 11-12). • The church must keep this double work of grace before the congregation through clear, Christ-centered preaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Renouncing Ungodliness & Worldly Passions • Expository preaching that names sin plainly yet offers hope (Romans 8:13). • Corporate confession of sin in gathered worship (1 John 1:9). • Formal church discipline when necessary, restoring the repentant (1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1). Cultivating Self-Control • Teach and model spiritual disciplines—prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). • Gender-specific accountability groups that meet weekly for honest assessment (James 5:16). • Biblical counseling to address besetting desires with gospel truth (Galatians 5:16). Upright Conduct in Community • Intergenerational mentoring patterned after Titus 2:3-5; older saints adopt younger believers. • Service teams—mercy ministries, visitation, practical helps—where integrity is learned by doing (1 Peter 2:12). • Testimony nights highlighting God’s transformative work, reinforcing upright examples (Philippians 4:8-9). Nurturing Godliness Through Worship • God-centered songs that exalt holiness (Psalm 96:9). • Weekly Lord’s Supper reminding all of the holy covenant (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Scripture-saturated liturgy that aligns hearts with God’s character (Colossians 3:16). Equipping Families • Parent training classes showing how to disciple children in holiness (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Family worship guides distributed each week to reinforce Sunday’s text at home (Ephesians 6:4). • Marriage mentoring couples offering counsel and accountability (Hebrews 13:4). Accountability Structures • Membership covenant spelling out expectations of holy living (Ephesians 4:1-3). • Shepherding elders who pursue straying sheep, restore gently (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Annual spiritual check-ins where members review growth and receive targeted encouragement (2 Corinthians 13:5). Leadership Modeling • Pastors and deacons exemplify renunciation and godliness (1 Timothy 3:1-13). • Transparent leadership meetings open to observation, showing integrity in decision-making (Acts 20:28). • Leaders share personal disciplines and struggles, demonstrating grace-enabled progress (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Serving Together in the Present Age • Outreach projects that demand sacrificial love, training believers to deny self (Mark 10:45). • Short-term mission trips where self-control and godliness are put to the test (Acts 1:8). • Hospitality networks welcoming strangers, breaking worldly individualism (Romans 12:13). Stirring One Another to Hope • Regular teaching on Christ’s “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) to motivate persevering holiness (1 John 3:2-3). • Corporate prayer nights focused on Christ’s return and faithful endurance (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Testimonies of persevering saints, living pictures of godliness “in the present age.” By weaving these practices into its life, the church becomes a living classroom where grace continually trains believers to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” and to “live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” |
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