The Blessings of Grace
From The HeartPublish date: 09/07/2014
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14 NKJV
1. The grace of God brings salvation:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Titus 2:11
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
It is the grace of God that brings salvation. All those who depend on his grace are saved from sin and forgiven eternally. God is the one who saves us, but it is our responsibility to stay in the grace of God, once we have experienced it.
2. The grace of God has appeared to ALL men:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Titus 2:11
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 NKJV
The grace of God has appeared to all men – that means that it has shined upon all mankind. It has become literally visible to them, and/or figuratively, known by them. It is clearly visible to all those who desire to see it and experience it.
3. Seven lessons grace teaches us:
a. To deny ungodliness:
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness… Titus 2:12
b. To deny worldly lusts:
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts… Titus 2:12
God’s word instructs us to turn our back on any form of ungodliness and carnal lusts.
c. To live soberly:
…we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:12
Soberly: with sound mind; moderately.
For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled. Titus 1:7-8 NKJV
Sober-minded: safe (sound) in mind; self-controlled - moderate as to opinion or passion; discreet; sober; temperate.
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. Titus 2:1-2 NKJV
Sober: to be sober; to watch; to abstain from wine (keep sober); (figuratively) be discreet.
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5 KJV
Sober: to make of sound mind; (figuratively) to discipline or correct; teach to be sober.
Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:6-8 NKJV
Sober-minded: to be of sound mind; sane; (figuratively) moderate; be in right mind; be sober minded; soberly.
d. To live righteously:
In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Titus 2:7 NKJV
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 NKJV
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:12-14 NKJV
God’s grace empowers us to live righteous lives.
e. To live godly:
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV
God’s grace empowers you to live a godly life in spite of temptations or persecution.
f. To live right in this life:
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:12 NKJV
God’s grace empowers us to live right and do right.
g. To look for the rapture and the second coming:
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 NKJV
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
By God’s grace, we no longer belong to the earth. We are citizens of heaven – we belong to the Father, through Jesus His Son, and we eagerly await His coming return. Because of the great things we have experienced through God’s grace, we are assured that His promise is true, and we are looking for blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.