Lecture on Living a Godly Life

Aug 15, 2024

Thursday School Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Presenter: Dr. Jackson
  • Ministry: Divine Jackson Ministries
  • Focus: International Sunday School lessons
  • Availability: Recordings accessible on social media platforms for personal, group, and family study.
  • Appeal for Participation: Request for viewers outside the U.S. to list their nation in the community tab.

Opening Prayer

  • Thankful for the opportunity to study God's word.
  • Request for God's guidance during the session.

Lesson Overview: Rules of Life

  • Date: August 18, 2024
  • Scripture Reference: Book of Titus (Chapters 1-3)

Key Themes in Titus 1:1-3

  • Identity: Paul identifies as a "servant of God" and an "apostle of Jesus Christ".
  • Purpose: To support the faith and knowledge of God's elect, leading to godliness.
  • Musical Metaphor: The relationship between faith, knowledge, and godliness is compared to musical harmony, emphasizing unity in faith and practice.

Verse Analysis

  • Verse 1: Highlights the dual role of Paul - servant and apostle.
  • Verse 2: Discusses the promise of eternal life made by God before time began, emphasizing God's timeless nature.
  • Verse 3: Mentions the manifestation of God's promise through preaching.
    • Importance of Hope: Hope motivates believers to pursue a godly and pure life.

Salvation and Freedom

  • Grace: Essential for salvation (Ephesians 2:8).
  • Freedom from:
    • Condemnation: Romans 8:1 - No condemnation for those in Christ.
    • Slavery to Sin: Romans 6:17-18 - Transition from being slaves to sin to becoming slaves to righteousness.

Living a Godly Life

  • Training: Salvation trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:12).
  • Characteristics of a Godly Life:
    • Self-Control: Living a disciplined life.
    • Uprightness: Following what is right according to scripture.
    • Godliness: Aligning thoughts, priorities, and actions with God's principles.

Understanding Worldliness

  • Definition: Anything that is against God (James 4:4).
  • Questions to Assess Worldliness:
    1. Does it honor God?
    2. Does it promote worship and obedience?
    3. Is it God-focused?
    4. Does it advance God's kingdom?
  • Choices: We must choose between serving God or the world (Joshua 24:15).

The Blessed Hope

  • Anticipation: Waiting for the glorious return of Jesus (Titus 2:13).
  • Redemption: Jesus redeemed us from lawlessness to purify a people for himself (Titus 2:14).

Responsibilities of Pastoral Leadership

  • Commands to Titus:
    1. Declare: Speak openly about God’s will.
    2. Exhort: Encourage and build up the community.
    3. Rebuke: Correct those in sin with authority.
    4. Live Exemplarily: Ensure lifestyle reflects the teachings.
  • Authority and Responsibility: Pastors must hold authority while being responsible for guiding their communities.

Conclusion

  • Call to Action: Emphasizes the importance of living a godly life and being prepared for Christ's return.
  • Reminder: The God of the Bible is real, and believers should prepare for their divine appointment.