Living the Beauty of the Gospel

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    I grew up with a father who was a theologian and a philosopher.  He loved the Word of God and led his family to serve and honor the Lord.  He taught us well, but we always struggled as children to understand the practical application of all of his deep studies.  God balanced my dad's esoteric tendancies with an extremely practical and down-to-earth wife.  Mom was the epitomy of a Proverbs 31 woman. She found great fulfillment in keeping the home and was a help-meet extraordinaire for my dad.  She did her best to translate for us kiddos and help us practically apply what Dad taught. 

    Sometimes studying the Word of God is like that.  We can get very amazed and even overwhelmed with the amazing truths of creation and redemption -- and we should! These truths and wonders are the very foundation of who and what we are.  However, these truths should not just stop at being amazing, glorious facts and thoughts that float in our minds and make for nice "churchy" conversations.  Herein enters the hard part:  translating the our Biblical worldview into practical, everyday life. How does this change how I live? Does it even matter? 

`The Apostle Paul really helps translate the esoteric into the practical.  Titus 2 is one such passage of Scripture. I love it! Will you join me in looking at it more closely?  It may take a few weeks -- hopefully you will find this as fascinating and challenging as I have. 

     First, in Titus 2, we see that the overarching purpose of how we live life is this:  "that in everything they may adorn the the doctrine of God our Saviour in every respect" (vs. 10)  The verses that follow help us to see that that phrase is really for all who look for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour (vs. 13) So first we realize that our lives are to live out a life that lives out the beauty of the gospel!  The gospel of Jesus is beautiful and we are called to "adorn" or make it attractive for others. Our daily activities and attitudes should point others to Jesus.  How do we know what is "sound doctrine?"  Through reading the Word, fellowship with other believers, and receiving teaching from qualified teachers. 

    The Christian life isn't a litany of "Thou shalts" and "Thou shalt nots." Through understanding our desperate need for a Saviour, we can follow Paul's practical guide to figure out what a life that has been radically changed by Jesus should resemble.

     Paul encourages us to have relationships with one another.  He taughts us to have the type of relationships where older men and women are able to mentor the younger generation.  These more mature Christians are able to further translate (from experience) what living a life out in the beauty of sound doctrine can look like.  They provide models and practical encouragement.  

These are the foundations from which we springboard into figuring out what living a life adorning the gospel of Jesus looks like.  I have been challenging myself to apply truths more consistently in my life.  Living it out is not just a recommendation, it is a command.  Our faith is not just meant to be hidden in our heart and mind.  We are called to be salt and light in a dark, flavorless world.  We must know what that looks like and why it is important.

God is faithful and does not leave us without direction.  I encourage you to study Titus 2 with me.  It is a rich study, and I hope you will find some tips and challenges that will spur you on to a vibrant and beautiful Christian life.  

Soli Deo Gloria!

💓 Heather Sparks💓

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