Text: Titus 2:11-14
Paul reminded Titus of the grace of God – what it does for us and also what it requires of us. Many like to think of what we receive through God’s grace, but not what we must do. We need to accept all that the Bible teaches about it.
The Grace of God Has Appeared
- The fact that it appeared implies a couple of things – it was previously hidden/veiled but has been fully realized in Christ (John 1:14-17); it could not be found without God revealing it
- The grace of God brings salvation (Ephesians 2:8) – salvation from sin (Matthew 1:21); the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23); all who are of accountable age deserve this punishment (Romans 3:23); therefore, it is impossible to be saved without God’s grace
- This grace has been extended to all men – Jesus died for all, not just a few (John 3:16); God is impartial (Acts 10:34-35); He has not arbitrarily selected some to be saved and the rest to be lost
The Grace of God Instructs Us
- So many people think of grace as nothing more than the gift of salvation – yet there are also instructions that are part of God’s grace (cf. Acts 20:24)
- Why would instructions be part of God’s grace? – because salvation is conditional; offering salvation, but not telling how to obtain it, would not do us any good
- Grace is conditional for non-Christians – extended to all, but not all will be saved (Matthew 7:13-14); certain things one must do to be saved (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38)
- Grace is conditional for Christians also – possible to “receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1); after becoming a Christian, one must be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10)
- We are to deny certain things – ungodliness (acting in a way that is contrary to the character/nature of God); worldly desires (lust after those things that are contrary to God)
- We are to live in a certain way – sensibly (giving thought to what we are doing); righteously (in harmony with the standard of righteousness revealed in God’s word); godly (in harmony with the character/nature of God)
The Grace of God Provides Hope
- This is described as a “blessed hope” – means it is a blessing from God (grace); no hope otherwise (Ephesians 2:12)
- It will be realized when the Lord returns (1 Peter 1:3-5) – we eagerly wait for this (Philippians 3:20-21)
- While we are to live godly in this life, the reward is in the next – false teachers promise earthly rewards (1 Timothy 6:3-5); Jesus did not (John 16:33)
The Grace of God Is Seen in Jesus’ Sacrifice
- Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of grace – no greater love (John 15:13); grace is extended because of love (Ephesians 2:4-5)
- Love from the Father – willing to send Jesus to die on the cross (John 3:16)
- Love from Jesus – willing to lay down His life on the cross (John 10:17-18)
- What Jesus’ sacrifice did – redeemed us from every lawless deed so we will not receive the wages of sin (Romans 6:23); purified us by providing forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7); made us His own possession (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- We must be zealous for good deeds – we cannot live any way we want to live; we must keep His commandments (John 14:15; 15:13-14)
Conclusion
- The grace of God makes it possible for all to be saved – but sadly, not all will be
- If we want to take advantage of God’s grace, we must meet the conditions He has given
- Once we do that, we must continue in faithful service to Him
