Christmas Changes the Way We Live
CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING — Series: Message #2
Titus 2:11-12
INTRODUCTION:
Well, last week we began our Christmas series — which we’ve titled:
“CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING!”
And that’s pretty obvious — it does. But maybe…not always for the good!
Sometimes, the changes we see in people at Christmas are not the changes we were hoping for. Sometimes the changes that come are seen in…
But for most part the changes that some experience at Christmas isn’t good. Sometimes…
— The greed that runs rampant in people. Maybe, people demanding more for themselves).
— Or maybe it’s a change towards greater materialism (Where people want want more stuff)
— We know…every Christmas the spending can get way out of control.
— And sometimes it’s the increase in jealousy, envy, & resentment that changes…consuming people.
And while all of that is change — it’s not the change we hope for every year. But this year, I think I can speak for all of us, when I say — we want to experience a godly change in our lives. We want to experience something good — and lasting (deep within our hearts). That’s my hope this year!
And so, last week we talked about how CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING — beginning with OUR LIVES. And, the greatest change is the way GOD’S GRACE changes our standing with Him.
But today, I want us to consider the way Christmas changes the way we live!
So, if you have your Bibles…turn again with me to the New Testament book of Titus. And we’ll be in Titus chapter 2.
TRANSITION:
In the Charles Dickens fictional story A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge receives a visit from three spirits, each representing the past, the present, and the future of Scrooge.
In the story, each visit served as sort of a parable for him, a teachable moment drawn from his life.
If you’re familiar with the story — then you’ll recall how those stories, those moments of seeing things from a different perspective greatly impacted Scrooge’s life. In fact, those moments would ultimately change the way he lived…altering both his nature and his future.
And because of his encounter with the supernatural — Scrooge went from being a hard, mean, miserable man — into a happy, generous, and compassionate man.
It’s a beautiful story — but it’s built upon the idea that Christmas changes the way we live! And while it’s just a fictional story, it speaks to the power of GRACE. And how Grace can change us!
And, that’s the emphasis Paul makes when he writes his letter to Titus. Again, we’ll be looking at Titus 2:11-14.
MESSAGE:
As Paul speaks in this letter — of the appearing of Jesus (at Christmastime), he addresses the idea that His coming, and the Grace that He offers ought to change everything. Not just the mood of this season, but also the motivation of our hearts.
Listen, as I read. Beginning again in verse 11, Paul writes,
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
Last week we unpacked the first verse — noting, that God’s Grace changes our lives…bringing us an opportunity to experience salvation! (What a gift! Right?)
But today, I want to pick up where we left off…because, Christmas not only changes our lives — it should also change the way we live!
And one of the ways this happens — is this:
1. THE GIFT OF GRACE TEACHES US TO LIVE WITH CONVICTION!
When I say it teaches us to live with conviction, I’m saying — it shapes and defines those things that we believe. It shores up our believes. It gives us a new foundation in life.
In the same way those fictional spirits guided Scrooge through his life (altering his convictions), so also when Jesus saves us, He sets our on a mission to lead us and guide us in life…that we might begin to live better.
Now, I know we talk a lot (around here) about God’s saving grace…and that’s so important. But maybe we need to talk a little more about God’s sustaining grace. Because, it’s His sustaining grace that empowers us to live each day for Him.
So, again — in verse 12, Paul says,
12 (God’s Grace) teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Titus 2:12 (NIV)
Paul says — God’s GRACE teaches us to see how much better life is when we say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions.
Unlike this world — which lives to give themselves to the selfish passions of this world, God’s work within us, calls us to live with a new standard. So, we no longer live without restraint — giving ourselves to the whims of our temper, or to the drives our ungodly passions, or to the demands of our selfish tendencies. Instead, we live better!
Now…maybe you’ve thought, well…I just can’t do it. I can’t seem to make the right decisions in life. I am not strong enough. I’m not wise enough. I just can’t do it!
And if that’s the case, well — you’re right. YOU CAN’T DO IT! At least not on your own. But, that’s why you (and I) need God’s sustaining grace. We need more. We need someone to help.
Last week, I read from an Old Testament passage, where the prophet Isaiah fore-tells of the coming of Christ. And, in Isaiah 9:6, he described who Jesus would be. And, I want to read it again, because — I think it will help us understand how we are able to find the strength (or power) to live with conviction.
As Isaiah says,
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
I love those names! And, as Isaiah points out — Jesus was no ordinary man. He was (and is) the greatest. And, He is our “wonderful counselor,” and our “Mighty God.”
And that’s why the story of Christ’s coming is such good news. Because, He has come to be WITH US…(Immanuel). But, He’s also come to guide us through life (that’s why He said He was the WAY).
And He’s also come to empower us TO DO (that’s why Isaiah says, He’s our Mighty God. So, what we are be powerless to do on our own—He empowers us to accomplish.
And, this is where God’s grace becomes so visible to us. Because as our counselor — He speaks into our lives, He prompts us to live well, and He guides us (through that still small voice) to make good decisions. We need only to listen to His voice!
That’s what Paul talked about in 1 Corinthians 10:13, when he said,
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
How will we know the way — by listening to His voice. Because, He’s not just a counselor — He’s a WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. And as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10, He’s also FAITHFUL.
So, while you and I aren’t very faithful — He is! And His FAITHFUL GRACE is all we need!
And in our passage today — Paul makes two really important statements as it applies to how we live — and specifically, our convictions.
(a) And the first is this — Paul says God’s grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and to live with self-control.
And I think this word: Teaches is key! Because it implies there is a process involved.
It’s not immediate — or instantaneous. It’s a process.
But Paul wants to make sure that we never settle for anything less than God’s best. So, while it’s a process — it is also a possibility.
But don’t get duped into thinking that LIVING BETTER is accomplished by you BEING BETTER. It really isn’t about you or your abilities. Just as you were not saved because of WHAT YOU’VE DONE — neither are you able to reject the ungodly pursuits in your own STRENGTH.
— It is the SUSTAINING GRACE of Christ that enables you to reject ungodliness — and the temptation that arise.
But…have you ever noticed how temptations tend to rise up at just the WRONG TIME in our lives?
—They come when we are weak. When we are tired. When we are most vulnerable.
—They arise when we become prideful, or arrogant, and think too highly of ourselves.
—They come when we least expect them and are least prepared..
— They come during those times that we are worn-out and emotionally spent.
They never seem to come when we are strong and ready for battle.
And so it is, during those times — God’s sustaining grace is most needed. But that’s when God’s grace shows us (if we will welcome it into our lives).
And that leads us to the other key phrase in this verse.
(b) And it’s where Paul says “…in this present age.”
Remember, he’s talking about mastering self-control — and he says, we can gain self-control and master living a life of conviction…and we can do it in this lifetime.
So, understand — Paul is saying that THE SUSTAINING GRACE OF CHRISTMAS calls us to live up to God’s best…in this life.
And I bring that up, because I’ve had too many conversations with people through the years, who have put their trust in Christ, and experienced salvation — but then seem to settle into a life of bad-behavior.
And when we’ve talked about things, and the possibility of living with conviction, and rejecting ungodliness, or choosing to live with some self-control, some have said:
Well, “I can’t wait until I go to heaven and I am able to live without temptation.”
Or, “I can’t wait until I go to heaven, because then I’ll be able to live better or I’ll be made perfect.” As if, they have settled in and decided to just to wait UNTIL HEAVEN, but for now, they’re content to settle for a life of endless faults and bad decisions.
But that’s not the message of Christmas.
Through Christ’s coming and His gift of grace, we are now able to live differently.
By God’s grace we can live with conviction, and self-controlled
…and we can do it now!
We can learn to do…in this lifetime. We may not be there yet — and we may not have mastered it yet, be we will. And we can.
As we grow in Christ, and welcome the work of His grace in our lives, we can learn to say ‘no’ to that stuff in this life that doesn’t honor Him. We may not be there yet, but by God’s grace we will be soon.
So, let’s learn to live with Godly convictions!
Because, as Paul says — Christmas changes our lives…first by teaching us to live with conviction.
But in addition, He says…
2. THE GIFT OF GRACE HELPS US LIVE LIKE JESUS!
Notice again the words of verse 12. Paul says (of God’s grace),
12 It teaches us to…to live…upright and godly lives in this present age,
Titus 2:12b (NIV)
Paul says — God’s grace teaches us to LIVE UPRIGHT AND GODLY LIVES.
And you know who always lived and UPRIGHT and GODLY?
JESUS!
And that’s what Paul is pointing us to (not only in this verse — but throughout this entire chapter). He’s saying, the gift of God’s grace at Christmas helps us learn to live like Jesus!
I think the emphasis Paul is making here — is that we must pursue righteousness.
It’s not only important for us to reject sin, but we must also pursue righteousness. As Christians, we must pursue righteousness because if we don’t — we will end up leaving a vacuum in our lives. And vacuums always seek to be filled with something, and that will most likely be re-filled with those sins and bad habits of our past.
So, how do we do that?
In Philippians 4, Paul says, change your thinking. Instead of filling your minds and thoughts with ungodly things — begin to fill your thoughts with those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy (Phil 4:8). When you do this — you’ll see a difference in how you live.
Because, as Proverbs 27:3 says, “as a man thinks — so is he!”
So, let’s change our thinking. Let’s begin to think more about Christ. Let’s develop some good habits this Christmas:
— Maybe start reading your Bible (every day).
— Maybe start journaling your thoughts — and your prayers — and the good things you see God doing in you.
— Maybe start looking for others you could bless, or others you could serve this Christmas.
I just wonder, is there anything that would be more exciting this year, than if you and I became more like Jesus?
Just a few practical ways:
- Intentionally show more compassion to the hurting around you (at work, at home, in your neighborhood).
- Work to be more patient with those in your family. Or maybe those you work with (who are really stressed out).
- Seek out the overlooked, and learn to love the unloveable. Maybe go out of your way to speak with those others ignore.
Those are just a few thoughts — but this Christmas, let’s really seek to live like Jesus!
CONCLUSION
My hope for you today — is that you would experience the BEST that Christ has to offer. But it won’t come through more stuff — or more parties — or more stress.
It will come as you learn to lean into God’s Grace. Learn to say no to ungodliness. Learn to say yes to God’s best. And, learn to become more like Jesus!
and you learn to say no to ungodliness, and yes to God’s best.
Doing so will help you to become more like Jesus! And that would be the best Christmas gift (for sure)!