{"id":305,"date":"2023-04-05T16:03:09","date_gmt":"2023-04-05T16:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=305"},"modified":"2025-12-16T16:58:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T16:58:39","slug":"christmas-changes-the-way-we-live","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/christmas-changes-the-way-we-live\/","title":{"rendered":"CHRISTMAS CHANGES THE WAY WE LIVE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Christmas Changes the Way We Live<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING \u2014 Series: Message #2<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Titus 2:11-12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, last week we began our Christmas series \u2014 which we\u2019ve titled: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING!\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s pretty obvious \u2014 it does. But maybe\u2026not always for the good! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But for most part the changes that some experience at Christmas isn\u2019t good. Sometimes\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 The greed that runs rampant in people. Maybe, people demanding more for themselves).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Or maybe it\u2019s a change towards greater materialism (Where people want want more stuff)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 We know\u2026every Christmas the spending can get way out of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 And sometimes it\u2019s the increase in jealousy, envy, & resentment that changes\u2026consuming people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while all of that is change \u2014 it\u2019s not the change we hope for every year. But this year, I think I can speak for all of us, when I say \u2014 we want to experience a godly change in our lives. We want to experience something good \u2014 and lasting (deep within our hearts). That\u2019s my hope this year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, last week we talked about how <\/strong>CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING \u2014 beginning with OUR LIVES. And, the greatest change is the way GOD\u2019S GRACE changes our standing with Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But today, I want us to consider the way Christmas changes the way we live!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you have your Bibles\u2026turn again with me to the New Testament book of Titus. And we\u2019ll be in Titus chapter 2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRANSITION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Charles Dickens fictional story A Christmas Carol<\/em>, Ebenezer Scrooge receives a visit from three spirits, each representing the past, the present, and the future of Scrooge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the story, each visit served as sort of a parable for him, a teachable moment drawn from his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re familiar with the story \u2014 then you\u2019ll recall how those stories, those moments of seeing things from a different perspective greatly impacted Scrooge\u2019s life. In fact, those moments would ultimately change the way he lived\u2026altering both his nature and his future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And because of his encounter with the supernatural \u2014 Scrooge went from being a hard, mean, miserable man \u2014 into a happy, generous, and compassionate man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a beautiful story \u2014 but it\u2019s built upon the idea that Christmas changes the way we live! And while it\u2019s just a fictional story, it speaks to the power of GRACE. And how Grace can change us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, that\u2019s the emphasis Paul makes when he writes his letter to Titus. Again, we\u2019ll be looking at Titus 2:11-14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Paul speaks in this letter \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen, as I read. <\/strong>Beginning again in verse 11, Paul writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 <\/em><\/strong>For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. <\/em>12 <\/em><\/strong>It teaches us to say \u201cNo\u201d to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last week we unpacked the first verse \u2014 noting, that God\u2019s Grace changes our lives\u2026bringing us an opportunity to experience salvation! (What a gift! Right?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But today, I want to pick up where we left off\u2026because, Christmas not only changes our lives \u2014 it should also change the way we live!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And one of the ways this happens \u2014 is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. THE GIFT OF GRACE <\/strong>TEACHES<\/strong> US TO LIVE WITH CONVICTION!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I say it teaches us to live with conviction, I\u2019m saying \u2014 it shapes and defines those things that we believe. It shores up our believes. It gives us a new foundation in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2026that we might begin to live better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I know we talk a lot (around here) about God\u2019s saving grace\u2026and that\u2019s so important. But maybe we need to talk a little more about God\u2019s sustaining grace. Because, it\u2019s His sustaining grace that empowers us to live each day for Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, again \u2014 in verse 12, Paul says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 (God\u2019s Grace) teaches us to say \u201cNo\u201d to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Titus 2:12 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul says \u2014 God\u2019s GRACE teaches us to see how much better life is when we say \u201cno\u201d to ungodliness and worldly passions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike this world \u2014 which lives to give themselves to the selfish passions of this world, God\u2019s work within us, calls us to live with a new standard. So, we no longer live without restraint \u2014 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now\u2026maybe you\u2019ve thought, well\u2026I just can\u2019t do it. I can\u2019t seem to make the right decisions in life. I am not strong enough. I\u2019m not wise enough. I just can\u2019t do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if that\u2019s the case, well \u2014 you\u2019re right. YOU CAN\u2019T DO IT! At least not on your own. But, that\u2019s why you (and I) need God\u2019s sustaining grace. We need more. We need someone to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 I think it will help us understand how we are able to find the strength (or power) to live with conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Isaiah says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love those names! And, as Isaiah points out \u2014 Jesus was no ordinary man. He was (and is) the greatest. And, He is our \u201cwonderful counselor,\u201d<\/em> and our \u201cMighty God.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s why the story of Christ\u2019s coming is such good news. Because, He has come to be WITH US\u2026(Immanuel). But, He\u2019s also come to guide us through life (that\u2019s why He said He was the WAY). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And He\u2019s also come to empower us TO DO (that\u2019s why Isaiah says, He\u2019s our Mighty God. So, what we are be powerless to do on our own\u2014He empowers us to accomplish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, this is where God\u2019s grace becomes so visible to us. Because as our counselor \u2014 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s what Paul talked about in 1 Corinthians 10:13, when he said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How will we know the way \u2014 by listening to His voice. Because, He\u2019s not just a counselor \u2014 He\u2019s a WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. And as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10, He\u2019s also FAITHFUL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, while you and I aren\u2019t very faithful \u2014 He is! And His FAITHFUL GRACE is all we need! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in our passage today \u2014 Paul makes two really important statements as it applies to how we live \u2014 and specifically, our convictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(a) And the first is this \u2014 Paul says God\u2019s grace teaches<\/em> us to say no to ungodliness and to live with self-control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I think this word: Teaches<\/em> is key! Because it implies there is a process involved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not immediate \u2014 or instantaneous. It\u2019s a process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Paul wants to make sure that we never settle for anything less than God\u2019s best. So, while it\u2019s a process \u2014 it is also a possibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t get duped into thinking that LIVING BETTER is accomplished by you BEING BETTER. It really isn\u2019t about you or your abilities. Just as you were not saved because of WHAT YOU\u2019VE DONE \u2014 neither are you able to reject the ungodly pursuits in your own STRENGTH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 It is the SUSTAINING GRACE of Christ that enables you to reject ungodliness \u2014 and the temptation that arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But\u2026have you ever noticed how temptations tend to rise up at just the WRONG TIME in our lives? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014They come when we are weak. When we are tired. When we are most vulnerable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014They arise when we become prideful, or arrogant, and think too highly of ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014They come when we least expect them and are least prepared..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 They come during those times that we are worn-out and emotionally spent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They never seem to come when we are strong and ready for battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so it is, during those times \u2014 God\u2019s sustaining grace is most needed. But that\u2019s when God\u2019s grace shows us (if we will welcome it into our lives).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that leads us to the other key phrase in this verse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(b) And it\u2019s where Paul says \u201c\u2026in this present age<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, he\u2019s talking about mastering self-control \u2014 and he says, we can gain self-control and master living a life of conviction\u2026and we can do it in this lifetime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, understand \u2014 Paul is saying that THE SUSTAINING GRACE OF CHRISTMAS calls us to live up to God\u2019s best\u2026in this life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I bring that up, because I\u2019ve had too many conversations with people through the years, who have put their trust in Christ, and experienced salvation \u2014 but then seem to settle into a life of bad-behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when we\u2019ve talked about things, and the possibility of living with conviction, and rejecting ungodliness, or choosing to live with some self-control, some have said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, \u201cI can\u2019t wait until I go to heaven and I am able to live without temptation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, \u201cI can\u2019t wait until I go to heaven, because then I\u2019ll be able to live better or I\u2019ll be made perfect.\u201d <\/em>As if, they have settled in and decided to just to wait UNTIL HEAVEN, but for now, they\u2019re content to settle for a life of endless faults and bad decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that\u2019s not the message of Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through Christ\u2019s coming and His gift of grace, we are now able to live differently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By God’s grace we can live with conviction, and self-controlled<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026and we can do it now! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can learn to do\u2026in this lifetime. We may not be there yet \u2014 and we may not have mastered it yet, be we will. And we can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we grow in Christ, and welcome the work of His grace in our lives, we can learn to say ‘no’<\/em> to that stuff in this life that doesn\u2019t honor Him. We may not be there yet, but by God’s grace we will be soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s learn to live with Godly convictions! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, as Paul says \u2014 Christmas changes our lives\u2026first by teaching us to live with conviction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in addition, He says\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. THE GIFT OF GRACE HELPS US LIVE LIKE JESUS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice again the words of verse 12. Paul says (of God\u2019s grace), <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 <\/em><\/strong>It teaches us to\u2026to live\u2026upright and godly lives in this present age,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Titus 2:12b (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul says \u2014 God\u2019s grace teaches us to LIVE UPRIGHT AND GODLY LIVES. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And you know who always lived and UPRIGHT and GODLY? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

JESUS! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s what Paul is pointing us to (not only in this verse \u2014 but throughout this entire chapter).  He\u2019s saying, the gift of God\u2019s grace at Christmas helps us learn to live like Jesus! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think the emphasis Paul is making here \u2014 is that we must pursue righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not only important for us to reject sin, but we must also pursue righteousness. As Christians, we must pursue righteousness because if we don\u2019t \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how do we do that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Philippians 4, Paul says, change your thinking. Instead of filling your minds and thoughts with ungodly things \u2014 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 \u2014 you\u2019ll see a difference in how you live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, as Proverbs 27:3 says, \u201cas a man thinks \u2014 so is he!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s change our thinking. Let\u2019s begin to think more about Christ. Let\u2019s develop some good habits this Christmas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Maybe start reading your Bible (every day). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Maybe start journaling your thoughts \u2014 and your prayers \u2014 and the good things you see God doing in you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Maybe start looking for others you could bless, or others you could serve this Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I just wonder, is there anything that would be more exciting this year, than if you and I became more like Jesus? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just a few practical ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n