“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.“
Titus 2:11-14
Now, there are several sermons in this short text, but I want to highlight just one command — to live soberly. This word is not too common in our modern lexicon but it expected of Christians. We recognize its opposite in drunkenness, but what does “to live soberly” mean or look like? Some translations use terms like discretely, temperate/moderate, or sound mind. A close cousin is self-controlled, which we know from Galatians 5:23 is a fruit of the Spirit.
In his recent book on Leadership, Joe Rigney describes sober-mindedness as a combination of three elements: clarity of mind, stability of soul and a readiness to act based on the first two. Applying this directly to men, consider it this way. When we are confronted with challenging circumstances or relationships, we must be in control of our passions. We can’t let other people’s sin or hardships cause our passions and emotions to get out of control. We can’t respond with anger, envy, bitterness, self-pity or indulgence.
As the start of this section states, “the grace of God has appeared to us.” And that same Grace empowered us with His Spirit of self control. In the midst of the storm or facing a snarky comment from our wife, a criticism from a co-worker, that ‘look’ from our kids, that unexpected bill, that news of an illness or whatever, we are called to remain sober-minded. And, in that soberness, we need to see with clear eyes what is really going on.
If we don’t know, we need to investigate, ask questions, ponder, self evaluate ask for help, and ask for wisdom (James1). Then, when we understand what is at hand, we will be able to measure this against God’s Word and act. Sometimes it will be to comfort the weak. Other times, a strong exhortation may be in order. Or, you may have identified a wolf in your midst and have to take more extreme measures to confront and remove the danger.
In each of these situations, you likely will face real blow back from your decision and taken actions. But, God made you men, revealed His Grace and gave you His Spirit. So, act like men.
Matt Meyer – April 14, 2024
