Titus 2:11-15

¹¹ “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, ¹²instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age,¹³ looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.¹⁵ These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you.”

All people: God, through Jesus, did not die for some people or a select group. Jesus died for the whole world because He wants all people to believe. 

Deny ungodliness: God’s grace teaches people to live godly lives. This, in contrast, to the Old Covenant law which is a ministry of condemnation and death. So, Paul’s point is that grace saves us and teaches us. As we rest in grace, we will see Christ’s life shine through our own lives in beautiful ways. 

Looking for the blessed hope: Paul has an incredible optimistic view of Christ’s Second Coming. There is no room in Paul’s theology for the believer’s fear at Christ’s return. There is no movie of our bad works to be played. Instead, we will step into the full reality of our salvation. 

Eager for good deeds: Because Christians have a new heart, they are eager for good deeds. These good deeds are the fruit of the Spirit produced within us and through us. Christians are eager and zealous to live righteously. This is reality regardless of what we feel or experience. 

No one is to disregard you: Paul is not speaking of being combative with people but rather standing confidently in the Gospel of grace. He wanted Titus to bolster the church in their identity so that they would be confident in the midst of persecution and rejection.