Adornedનમૂનો

Day 7: Why Titus 2?

If you’re a believer in Christ, He has already imputed to you His righteousness. You couldn’t possibly be any more pleasing to the Lord, even if you tried—because not an iota of your personal standing with Him is based on your personal effort. His covenant love is based on His performance, not yours. And it is His love and faithfulness that motivate and enable you to walk in a way that honors Him.

In Titus 2, Paul lays out three “purpose clauses” that give us an even grander, greater motivation for taking this message seriously. These three clauses, which are three different ways of making essentially the same point, remind us that our lives as believers have a major impact on how those around us view and respond to our message.

In other words, the reason we are called to live as Titus 2 women (and men) is so ...

1. “That the word of God may not be reviled” (Titus 2:5)

Paul’s point is simple and sobering. When we call ourselves Christians and claim to believe God’s Word but do not live according to it, the Scriptures will be dishonored in the eyes of those who are watching us.

2. “That an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Titus 2:8)

The consistency of our Christian character should keep people from being able to accuse us of pretending to be something we’re not.

3. “That in everything [we] may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10)

Or as the NIV puts it, “so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” Just as our lives can cause people to revile the truth, they can also cause people to admire it.

These three purpose clauses all address the quality of our witness. They call us to conduct ourselves in such a way that our lives reveal the inherent beauty of the message of the gospel. Although only one uses the actual word, they are all about adorning the doctrine of God.

As we live out the beauty of the gospel—younger and older women together—we will be beautified and blessed and, yes, overjoyed. That beauty will spill over into our homes, our churches, our workplaces and communities, and ultimately into our world.

And in the end, Christ will be “glorified in his saints, and . . . marveled at among all who have believed” (2 Thess. 1:10). Such pure beauty. Such eternal joy.

Let’s pursue it—let’s pursue Him—together.

If you enjoyed this 7-day devotional, be sure to check out Nancy's book, Adorned, and take your relationships to new depths. May your life find its fullest meaning as you adorn the gospel of Christ.