Learn to Say No

Titus 2:11-15 God's grace not only brings us salvation, but it also teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. What is ungodliness? Perhaps a good "rule of thumb" might be—if you can't imagine Jesus doing or saying it, more than likely it's ungodly. Worldly passions are those things belonging to this world system which appeal to our basic drives and desires that would have us chase after fleshly pleasures rather than the things belonging to God’s kingdom. If we're willing to be honest with ourselves, we have things deep in our heart of hearts that routinely bring us down, that except for calling upon and drawing upon His grace, that there is no way we can say "no”. Notice that it says "teaches us” to say no. We've all heard the response, ‘Which part of ‘no’ don't you understand?" When Satan changes it to say "No, you don't understand, certainly God wouldn't want you to be deprived” We need to say no, but we do understand, and our "no" means - END OF ARGUMENT! When we try to argue and reason with him, we lose every time, Paul goes on to say that we need to live "self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present world." Yes, we do live in this world, but never forget our life here is only temporary. The truth is that we are Kingdom citizens, “waiting for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” He came the first time to purify us and redeem us from all wickedness. We are to be a people that are His very own. Our lives should be far more than a continuous struggle overcoming temptations to do wrong. As our mind becomes more like His mind there will develop an eagerness to do what is good.