Titus 2 12

Titus 2:12 kjv

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Titus 2:12 nkjv

teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Titus 2:12 niv

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Titus 2:12 esv

training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Titus 2:12 nlt

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 12 Meaning

Titus 2:12 encapsulates the transformative power of God's grace, which appeared in Jesus Christ, not only to save but also to instruct believers on how to live. It reveals that this grace (mentioned in the preceding verse, Titus 2:11) actively teaches us a twofold ethical response: first, to firmly reject "ungodliness" and "worldly passions"—things that disregard God and indulge the fleshly desires hostile to Him. Second, it teaches us to positively cultivate a life characterized by "self-control," "uprightness" in relation to others, and "godliness" in our devotion to God. This mode of living is not an abstract ideal but a present reality to be embodied "in this present age," demonstrating the practical implications of salvation as we await Christ's glorious return.

Titus 2 12 Context

Titus 2:12 forms part of Paul’s instructions to Titus regarding sound doctrine and godly living within the Cretan church. Following an introduction that highlights the characteristics of sound leaders (Titus 1), Paul pivots to outline the conduct befitting various segments of the church (older men, older women, younger women, young men, and bondservants) in Titus 2:1-10. Each instruction culminates in how their behavior reflects the "sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1) and makes "the teaching of God our Savior attractive" (Titus 2:10). Verses 11-14 serve as the theological foundation for all these practical commands, explaining why believers are to live in this manner: because God's grace (Titus 2:11) not only brought salvation but also teaches them a new way of life. This verse (Titus 2:12) specifically details the content of this divine teaching by grace. The cultural context of Crete, known for its hedonism, dishonesty, and impiety (Titus 1:12), highlights the urgent need for believers to embody a counter-cultural witness, demonstrating truth against pagan practices and local immorality. The passage implicitly polemicizes against the prevalent moral laxity and perhaps some Gnostic or Jewish legalistic tendencies that undermined true godliness.

Titus 2 12 Word analysis

• teaching (παιδεύουσα, paideuousa): From paideuō, meaning to train, educate, or discipline a child. It implies a thorough, ongoing process of formation, correction, and instruction, aiming to produce mature character. It's more than mere information; it's transformation through purposeful shaping by grace.
• us (ἡμᾶς, hēmas): Refers to believers, indicating that this instruction is universally applied to all who have received God's salvation.
• to say 'No' (ἀρνήσασθαι, arnēsasthai): A strong, decisive repudiation; to deny, reject, disown. It implies an active, intentional turning away from ungodliness and worldly desires. This is not passive avoidance but a conscious choice of rejection.
• ungodliness (ἀσέβεια, asebeia): Lack of reverence or piety towards God; impious conduct or attitude. It encompasses thoughts, words, and actions that dishonor God, disregard His will, or fail to acknowledge His rightful place in one's life. It's a foundational disrespect towards divine authority.
• and worldly passions (τὰς κοσμικὰς ἐπιθυμίας, tas kosmikas epithymias): "Worldly" (kosmikas) refers to that which pertains to the kosmos, the fallen world system estranged from God. "Passions" (epithymias) are strong desires or lusts, often with a negative connotation. These are desires for things associated with the world's values, pleasures, or systems that conflict with God's Kingdom, pulling individuals away from God-centered living.
• and to live (ζῆν, zēn): To live or exist. Implies not just existence, but a manner of life, a continuous and active expression of being. This indicates the positive, proactive aspect of grace's teaching.
• self-controlled (σωφρόνως, sōphronōs): Prudently, soberly, discreetly. It denotes soundness of mind and good judgment, especially in the practical affairs of life. It implies self-mastery over one's thoughts, emotions, and actions, leading to wise and balanced behavior. This is an inner disposition reflected outwardly.
• upright (δικαίως, dikaiōs): Justly, righteously. This adverb describes ethical conduct towards other human beings. It involves living in conformity to God's standards of justice and righteousness, treating others fairly and honourably in all interactions.
• and godly (εὐσεβῶς, eusebōs): Piously, reverently. This describes proper conduct towards God. It denotes active reverence, devotion, and faithfulness in worship and life, striving to please God and walk in accordance with His character. This is one's spiritual disposition and walk with God.
• in this present age (ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι, en tō nyn aiōni): Refers to the current era, between Christ's first and second comings, a time characterized by sin and the present evil world system. It emphasizes that believers are called to embody their transformed lives in the midst of a fallen world, not in an idealized future or an isolated community, but in their everyday historical context.

Words-group analysis:

• teaching us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions: This phrase emphasizes the negative command taught by grace: an active, conscious, and firm renunciation. "Ungodliness" deals with disrespect toward God (our vertical relationship), while "worldly passions" deals with desires stemming from the corrupted kosmos and self (our horizontal relationship and inner struggle). Grace empowers this definitive rejection of all that is contrary to God's nature and purposes.
• and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives: This section highlights the positive command, a threefold moral obligation enabled by grace. It forms a comprehensive spiritual triad describing Christian living: "self-controlled" (sōphronōs) pertains to a disciplined inner life and personal integrity, impacting our individual choices; "upright" (dikaiōs) relates to ethical behavior and justice in our dealings with others (social ethics); and "godly" (eusebōs) refers to reverent devotion and piety toward God (divine ethics). This trinity of adverbs demonstrates the holistic scope of transformed Christian living under the Lordship of Christ.
• in this present age: This phrase grounds the entire command in the reality of everyday existence. Believers are called to live out their renunciation of sin and their pursuit of righteousness in the here and now, demonstrating the transforming power of grace amidst the fallen world. This contrasts with a merely future-oriented hope (which is mentioned in the very next verse, 2:13), affirming the importance of present ethical action.

Titus 2 12 Bonus section

The active participle paideuousa (teaching/disciplining) linked to "grace" (from Titus 2:11) portrays grace not as a passive theological concept but as a dynamic, effective, and empowering force. It challenges any notion that salvation by grace leads to moral complacency. Instead, it asserts that genuine grace inherently instructs and leads to a disciplined, ethical life. This highlights the synergy between God's initiative (grace) and humanity's response (living according to grace's teaching). The contrast between the "present age" (nyn aiōn) in this verse and the "blessed hope" (makarian elpida) of Christ's appearing in Titus 2:13, creates an eschatological tension. Believers are called to live transformed lives in the interim period, in light of both Christ's past coming (bringing salvation and teaching grace) and His future glorious return. This means Christian ethics are not just for an ethereal, heavenly existence, but for the challenging, often messy, reality of the current world.

Titus 2 12 Commentary

Titus 2:12 profoundly clarifies that God's grace is not a license for sin but a powerful instructor that shapes true believers into a distinct people. Its teaching has two integral parts: the proactive rejection of all that is contrary to God, encompassing both outright rebellion (ungodliness) and insidious worldly temptations (worldly passions). This rejection is an active "saying no" rooted in a transformed heart. Concurrently, grace empowers the active pursuit and embodiment of Christian virtues. The three adverbs—self-controlled, upright, and godly—describe the comprehensive sphere of Christian conduct: inwardly (personal discipline), outwardly (justice in relationships), and upwardly (devotion to God). This integrated approach signifies that Christian life touches every aspect of one's being and interaction. Importantly, this spiritual transformation is to be manifested in this present age, serving as a counter-cultural witness in a fallen world, bridging the gap between sound doctrine and practical, holy living while we anticipate Christ's glorious return. Grace therefore becomes the foundational dynamic that cultivates piety, moral integrity, and right relationships, setting believers apart.

• Examples:
  • Saying 'No': Refusing to engage in office gossip (worldly passions) or cutting corners in business (ungodliness).
  • Self-controlled: Managing one's temper, prioritizing time for spiritual disciplines, or exercising temperance in diet and entertainment.
  • Upright: Returning borrowed items promptly, treating subordinates fairly, or being honest in all financial dealings.
  • Godly: Consistent prayer, diligently studying the Bible, or worshiping God sincerely even when it's inconvenient.