Titus 2:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

Teaching, х paideuousa (G3811)] - 'disciplining us.' Grace is connected with disciplining chastisements (1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:6-7). Children need disciplining. The discipline which grace exercises teaches us to deny worldly lusts, and to live soberly, etc., in this present world [aion, course of things], wherein self-discipline is needed, since its spirit is opposed to God (Titus 1:12; Titus 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 3:18-19): in the coming world we may gratify every desire without need of self-discipline, because all desires there will be conformable to the will of God.

That, х hina (G2443)] - 'in order that:' the end of the 'disciplining' is 'in order that ... we may live soberly' etc. This is lost by the translation, "teaching us."

Denying ... lusts (Luke 9:23). The aorist х arneesamenoi (G720)], 'denying once for all.' We deny them when we withhold our consent from them, refuse the delight they suggest, and the act to which they solicit; nay, tear them up by the roots out of our soul (Bernard, 'Sermon' 11).

Worldly lusts - the х tas (G3588): all] lusts of the world (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 2:3; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 John 5:19). The world х kosmos (G2889)] will not come to an end when this present age [aeon] or world-course shall. Live soberly, righteously, and godly - the positive side of the Christian character; as "denying ... lusts," the negative. "Soberly," i:e., with self-restraint, in relation to one's self: "righteously," or justly, toward our neighbour; "godly," toward God (not merely amiably and justly, but something higher, with reverential love toward God). These three comprise our 'disciplining' in faith and love, from which he passes to hope (Titus 2:13).

Titus 2:12

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