A Life Transformed by the Gospel
Imagine that you decide you want to get in shape and lose a pound or two. You buy into a dieting program – a book or an app – and you learn all about it. You become so convinced of its merits that you join social media groups for this plan and tell everyone about it. Although you claim this diet has revolutionized your life, your friends notice that it looks like the extra pounds haven’t gone anywhere – maybe one or two have actually been added. And when they quiz you about it, it turns out that you’ve become fully versed in the theory but have in no way changed your behaviour. It is clear that, for you, this new dieting plan is more theory than action and, ultimately, your commitment is meaningless. The same is true when it comes to Christian faith – to the apostolic truth. If we say we’ve “signed up", but it hasn’t changed our lives, our profession of faith is empty. Is your life being transformed by the Gospel?
The connection between gospel and godliness – truth and transformation – is one of the central themes of the book of Titus. Paul opens his letter with it in verse 1: “…the knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness”. Then, Paul comes back to this theme to reinforce it in Titus 3:8: “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” Paul wants his readers in Crete to understand that the truth of the gospel always leads to life change. The Christians in Crete needed to hear about life transformation because they were living in a pretty toxic culture. Evidently, Crete had a pretty bad reputation in the ancient world. Notice what Paul reports in Titus 1:12 : ‘One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said. “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true.’ These are tough words, but the assessment was true. Paul’s verdict is summed up in verse 16: ‘They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.’
There is a risk for Christians today to get hold of the idea of gospel grace – the glorious truth that we are saved by faith and not by works – but then reach the wrong conclusion that it doesn’t matter how we live. We could be living a double life, or indulging in all kinds of ungodliness. We could be stagnant in our discipleship or even moving backwards in it. But we tell ourselves that all is well because we are saved by “grace alone”. But Paul points out that God’s grace actually leads to a life of godliness: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” (Titus 2:11)
As you consider your attitudes, behaviours, and words, ask yourself if they accord with godliness? Draw close to God and ask Him to reveal any areas in which your “walk” doesn’t match your “talk” as a Christ-follower. These words from Psalm 139 may serve as a helpful prayer: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” May your Gospel profession result in life transformation today.