Today, I want to talk about some things related to what does grace teach us?
Titus 2:11-15
Paul writes this to Titus as he is working with Christians on the island of Cyprus. He reminds him to teach things that exhort the brethren there and that they are saved by the grace of God.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9
The value of our works does not equal the debt of our sins. Without the grace of God our works of faith are not good enough. I'm not saying we can be saved apart from works, James 2:20 makes this clear, "Faith without works is dead, being alone."
We are saved by grace through faith. Where is grace found?
- 2 Timothy 2:1
The grace of God is in Christ Jesus. The only way to be in the grace of God is to be in Christ.
The grace of God teaches us.
Discover more about how to grow in grace.
For the Grace of God…
- Titus 2:11
What is grace?
Grace derives from the Greek word, charis. In secular Greek,chariswas related tochairo, “to rejoice.” As far back as Homer it denoted “sweetness” or “attractiveness.” — Wayne Jackson, Christian Courier
“In the New Testament, “grace” (156 times) takes on a special redemptive sense in which God makes available his favor on behalf of sinners, who actually do not deserve it…” — Wayne Jackson
God is a God of Justice - when one does receive what they deserve.
God is a God of Mercy - when one doesn't receive what they deserve.
God is a God of Grace - when one receives something he does not deserve.
This passage teaches us that we need salvation. We need God's grace to receive salvation. The value of our works does not meet
Grace That brings Salvation…
- Titus 2:11
I can extend to someone something they do not deserve, a form of grace, but my gift does not extend salvation. Only God's grace can lead to salvation.
The healing of the ten lepers.
We see that 10 received the blessing of God, but only one returned to offer thanksgiving.
- Luke 17:11-19
- Matthew 5:45
He extends his grace to everyone but not all will receive that grace.
- Matthew 7:13-14
If it is true that God's grace is revealed to all men, then all men are saved regardless. But, we know that is not true.
Grace that Hath Appeared Unto All Men…
God's grace teaches us that God is not a respecter of persons. It is offered freely to everyone. But, we learn that the Bible teaches us that He is not willing that any should perish.
- 2 Peter 3:9
Even the apostles thought, at first, that salvation was only for the Jewish people. Peter received a vision, showing him to not call that which is clean, unclean. And, he went to teach the gospel to Cornelius' household. Thus, understanding that salvation is given to all men.
- Acts 10:34-35
The gospel doesn't just apply to one particular group. It applies to every single person and nation.
- Titus 2:11
Grace that is Teaching us What to Deny
What else does grace teach us?
- Titus 2:12
It teaches us that we must learn to deny, we must learn to say no, to sin, and ungodliness.
There are those who believe that a Christian doesn't have to say "no." They believe that once one is saved, they can never be lost.
- Matthew 16:24
We must continue to deny our-self. We are to continuously deny ourselves.
- Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23 --- take up cross, daily.
- 2 Timothy 2:12
When we intentionally sin, we deny Him. We are to say no to certain things.
Grace Teaches us to Deny Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts…
Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness, and worldly things.Ungodliness is impiety. It is used to speak of ungodly deeds. And, it's used of lust and desires for evil things.
It is the opposite of godliness. Ungodliness is the opposite of God likeness.
- 2 Peter 2:5
The rest of the world, had evil thoughts continuously. But, Noah found grace in the eyes of God. Noah was a preacher of righteousness.
- Jude 1:15
Do you think God takes godliness seriously? He wants us to deny ungodliness. He wants us to deny worldly lusts.
Worldly lusts…
- 1 John 2:15-17
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life leads are things of this world that are not built to last.
We're breaking down, our bodies are breaking down. This world is not our home, we're just passing through. The things of this world will not lead us to where we want to go.
Grace Teaches Us that We should Live Soberly, Righteously, and godly in this present world...
We are to live a righteous life. We are to live soberly, and have a right thinking mind. We can't do that if we are under the influence of alcohol.
We are to live a right way in regards to God and His righteousness. Imitating Him as dear children.
We are in the world, but not of the world.
- John 17:16
- Romans 1:16-17
The gospel, Jesus is the embodiment of God's word.
John 1:17
We can't be ashamed of the gospel of Christ because in it is righteousness.
Living by faith is living soberly, righteously, and godly in this world.
Peter says we walk by faith, not by sight, (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Grace Teaches us to be Looking for that blessed hope…
- Titus 2:13
Grace teaches us to have hope. Without grace there is no hope. If there were no grace there would be no hope.
- Romans 5:2
We have access, by Christ, to the blessed hope. When we stand in Christ Jesus, we can have hope.
- Romans 8:24-25
We're looking for that blessed hope, that glorious appearing and the blessed Savior, Jesus Christ.
When Some do not Hold on Until the End…
Some can't hold on until the end comes. The things of this world can begin to choke out the Lord, from their lives.
- 2 Peter 2:20-22
We've got to hold on, and hope in the grace of God. We have to hold on to the end, and never turn back to the world.
Titus 2:14
God's grace teaches us how much God and Christ love us.
- Romans 5:8-9
If you want to know how much someone values something, they must name their price. God loved us so much, he was willing to pay the great price... His son.
- John 3:16
Christ gave himself for us, to redeem us, to buy us back from sin.
Sin is what brings us into bondage. He redeemed us from the bondage. In order to
Grace Teaches us to be a Peculiar People.
We are God's and God's alone.
- Ephesians 2:8-10
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:8-10
We are to be zealous for good works. We are born again as Christians by showing forth good works.
How do we show our love for Him?
- John 14:15
It's not that hard. It's hard to deny the world and ungodliness, but once we do, once we become a Christian it becomes easier. It's not a burden that we can't do. It is that we learn in Christ to do good works.
- Luke 6:46
A lot of people claim to love Jesus, but they don't deny the world, and ungodliness. They do not do what Jesus says to do.
Titus 2:15
Grace Teaches Us that We Have a Beautiful Message to Tell.
Titus 2:15
- Romans 10:15
How beautiful is that message of grace, the glad tidings of the gospel. The good news of the peace of God means we can be reconciled to God through Christ. The gospel of peace brings glad tidings of good things that is a message for everybody.
Jesus came to the earth to take on the form of a human life. But, he lived it in such as way that he never ...
He lived it perfectly, without sin. Though man does not deserve it, He loved us so much, that he offered His grace, Jesus Christ, to all.
We are to proclaim this message with authority.
If you are not a child of God, you much believe that he is the son of God. That is the cornerstone of the gospel that He died on a cross for you and me. We must also accept the gospel, we must believe that He is the son of God. We must repent of our sins, accepting that we are sinners and turn from those sins. We must confess Him, that He is God's Son. We must be baptized to have our sins washed away, Acts 2:38.
If you are a Christian, you need to live the life of denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. If you haven't been you need to return to him, confessing and repenting of sins. John... if you walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Christ continuously cleanses us from our sins.
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Jack McNiel, Evangelist