12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
Now we turn to the positive side of what grace teaches. To say “no” to some things is not enough; we must say “yes” to some things. Grace can help us say no and it can enable us to say yes.
we should live
God’s graces teaches us how to live toward three areas:
to ourselves (soberly),
to others (righteously),
to God (godly).
soberly,
“Soberly” means sensibly, with self-restraint. A person with a sober mind is someone who has control over any issue that might come into his mind. There is a different mental attitude to the sober person. The idea is to live in a self-controlled manner.
righteously,
Grace trains us to live in integrity toward others. We deal with others using honesty and justice. This person has singleness of action with a clear code of conduct.
and godly
Grace trains us to live in a godly manner or in devotion and reverence toward God. This is a consecrated life. Grace orients us Godward because it draws us toward His resources for us.
in the present age,
The idea of the present age assumes a future age. Christians have a future beyond the pain of his world. We know there is something better farther on. We know where we will be 100 years from now. However, while we are here we live in a certain manner.
PRINCIPLE:
The grace of God teaches us to say “yes” to some things.
APPLICATION:
The continual operation of God’s grace in the believer’s life is the foundation for Christian living. God’s grace continually teaches us.
Grace makes a certain kind of life necessary. When grace grabs our hearts, it challenges us to live according to God’s will.
