How can we demonstrate readiness for the "glorious appearing" mentioned in Titus 2:13? Anchoring Ourselves in the Text “Titus 2:13—“as we await the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” What We Await—The Blessed Hope • A literal, visible return of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7) • The moment when faith becomes sight, bodies are glorified, and justice is finished (Philippians 3:20-21) • A hope so certain it reshapes every choice we make today (2 Peter 3:11-12) Grace That Teaches Readiness Verses 11-14 show that the same grace that saved us is training us: 1. Renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (v. 12). 2. Live “sensible, upright, and godly” lives in this age (v. 12). 3. Stay zealous for good deeds, redeemed and purified for Him (v. 14). Grace is not passive; it is a classroom where Christ Himself is the instructor. Practices That Signal Prepared Hearts • Self-control in mind and body—fasting from sin (Romans 13:11-14). • Daily Scripture intake—letting His Word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16). • Persistent prayer—“devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful” (Colossians 4:2). • Active holiness—“everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). • Loving His appearing—longing that motivates righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). Guarding Sound Doctrine • Hold “the pattern of sound teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13). • Test every spirit and teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). • Contend earnestly for the faith once delivered (Jude 3). Sound doctrine keeps us from drifting into deception in the last days. Serving While We Wait • Use gifts for building up the body (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Engage in “good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). • Evangelize—Christ delays so more may repent (2 Peter 3:9). Readiness looks like rolled-up sleeves, not crossed arms. Living in Anticipation Together • Stir one another to love and good deeds “as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper—“proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14); no soldier waits alone. Watching and Waiting • “Be on your guard and stay alert” (Mark 13:33). • Stay awake and sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6). • Keep lamps burning, like the wise virgins prepared for the Bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). Final Takeaway Readiness for the glorious appearing is not frantic prediction-watching; it is steady, grace-empowered living—holy, hopeful, busy in good works, and anchored in sound doctrine—so that when Christ breaks through the clouds, He finds a people looking, longing, and already living for Him. |
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