You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Despite the national characteristics of the people of Crete (Titus 1:12), and their undisciplined social behaviour (Titus 2:1-8), the Apostle Paul was confident that the gospel would transform their lives. Although it is possible for people to alter their behaviour for a while (and all of us try), a lasting transformation of life-style is impossible unless the heart is motivated to want to live differently. But the gospel is not primarily a 'behaviour management' programme: it starts by giving people hope that their wickedness has been forgiven, and that God has given them a new heart, enabling them to live in a way that pleases Him.
It is God's grace which achieves all this. We do not deserve His favour, but He offers salvation freely to us. In our natural state, we are not eager to leave our wickedness (and we are certainly powerless to do so), we have no awareness of the return of Jesus Christ or internal motivation to please Him. But the gospel teaches us that in Christ we can be fully loved, forgiven and purified. In other words, we can make a new start. We do not have to be bound by the shame of yesterday, or obliged to submit to the expectations of ungodly people. Neither do we have to submit to our own internal passions; although they are approved by the world, they are condemned by God.
The astonishing thing about the gospel is that it enables believers to defy the worldly trend and to control ourselves, as we learn to do what is good. This is not simply an act of personal discipline (although discipline is necessary to ensure that we fully leave behind our old habits and adopt a new lifestyle). It is God's grace which gives us an internal power to say 'no' to what is wrong, and to deny ourselves the godless luxury of sinning. So, whatever background we have come from, and however badly we have absorbed the habits of the world, we can still be changed. Indeed, more than that: as we give thanks to God for His grace so our grateful hearts give us the motivation to choose to live the life of Christ. Discipline without devotion will always fail in the end: but as we appreciate and revel in the grace of God, so we will learn how to say 'no' and keep on saying 'no' to what is wrong, and learn to please Him.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your grace. I am amazed that You should be so kind and patient with me, when I stray so often and choose to worship myself rather than You. Please forgive me for frustrating You. I have failed to appreciate Your grace, and Your desire for me to be changed through Your power. So please help me to value Your grace more and more, and learn how to say 'no' to all that is ungodly in the world and in my own passions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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