Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (vv. 11-14, NASB) I realize that I have copied four of the five verses from today’s reading, but I was really struck by the power of Paul’s words to Titus in these four verses. But what I can’t understand was that I was struck by these verses when I read the NASB earlier this morning. Then upon re-reading these verses in the ESV, I wondered what it was about Paul’s words that had struck me earlier. Then I went back to the NASB and again I felt the power of Paul’s words. Different translations, different reactions. I encourage each of you to read at least two translations every day when you read these verses. I think it opens our eyes a lot to see those contrasts.
At the end of verse 14, Paul writes …zealous for good deeds. (…good works in the ESV…) In yesterday’s reading we also saw “good works” in verse 7: Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works.. Finally, in this morning’s service, the Prayer of the Day included a phrase that we “…devotedly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name”. A divine echo? I think we’re supposed to be doing “good works”, folks.
Finally, a thank you to my Study Bible for pointing out that the word “training” (“instructing” in the NASB) at the beginning of verse 12 includes a whole lot more than just speaking. It includes instruction, encouragement, correction, and discipline. Nice to know…
Slava Bohu!
Great points, Fred. I would add: in my translation in v. 14, it isn’t just that we are redeemed, but that we are redeemed to be a people of His own who are ZEALOUS for good deeds.