Undeserved Grace

Titus 2

By God’s Grace, all people are within the hope of His salvation by faith in His Son Jesus Christ who came to be a sacrifice for humanity’s sin, to redeem them for His Glory! Have you received His Grace and accepted His Son by faith? Are you saved by faith alone by His grace alone?

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11–14 (ESV)

No one is beyond God’s rescue or eternal salvation, no matter who he or she is or what’s been done. In fact, the most heinous people in society are exactly whom God seeks for His rescue and Kingdom Work. In Titus 2:11, we see that the grace of God has appeared; that is, it has emerged out of the shadows of the law.

John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:15–17 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans says, “Grace is not just a doctrine; it’s a person. And grace has a name: Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior, who says to all, “Come to me.” Grace grows us in godliness and increases our victory over sin.

Jesus paid the price to free you and me from slavery to sin. So, how should redeemed people live? Only by adopting a godly perspective, living in obedience to his commands, and being eager to do good works can believers see the power of heaven at work in their earthly lives. Good works are the divinely approved acts that benefit people and bring glory to God.

In these passages we see that, God’s grace not only saves us but also teaches us how to live the Christian life. Those who use God’s grace as an excuse for sin have never experienced its saving power. The same grace that redeems us also renews us so that we want to obey His Word. How about you, do you desire to obey Gods Word and to follow His indwelling Holy Spirit?

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Titus 2:1–10 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe says Titus 2 is about living, learning, and looking. “Whether we are young or old, married or single, we are all needed in the local church; and God has a job for us to do. One test of spiritual fellowship is its ability to accept and minister to a variety of people. How we live either blasphemes the Word or beautifies it, and those who minister should set the example.
Paul gets specific in his description of what this looks like in the context of the local church, specifically because it was not happening in this most difficult Cretan fellowship. He says that older men should be serious and sensible. Older women should be godly role models for younger women. Younger men should be self-controlled. The pastor himself should be an example in both walk and talk. Servants can elevate Christ by obeying their masters.

“...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Titus 2:13–15 (ESV)

Pastor Wiersbe continues, “What starts with grace will lead to glory! The return of Jesus Christ for His people is more than a blessed hope; it is a joyful hope (Rom. 5:2; 12:12), a unifying hope (Eph. 4:4), a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3), a stabilizing hope (Heb. 6:19), and a purifying hope (1 John 3:3).  What to do while awaiting that blessed hope? Paul reminded Titus of the good news of grace, showing how grace should affect everyday life. He urged him to boldly declare this truth.

Dr. Harold Wilmington states, “A proper understanding of grace will produce good works and Spirit-controlled living as we await Christ’s return.”

Dr. Wilmington also writes in an exposition on Romans 1, "Grace precedes peace." There can be no peace apart from grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God toward sinners. Someone has suggested that the spelling of the English word grace offers a key to its meaning: It is “God’s Righteousness At Christ’s Expense.” While grace is often thought of as a NT concept, it is a prevalent theme in the OT as well, beginning with Noah’s finding grace in God’s sight and continuing throughout the history of God’s dealing with his people (often expressed in words other than grace.”

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm. 103:10–14(ESV)

Have you experienced the grace of God’s salvation through Jesus by faith? Are you living as one who has been saved by Grace? Or, are you trying to strive to God’s approval by your works? Are you serving in the church and in His Kingdom? How are you investing in others? Are you helping people develop spiritually through one-on-one discipleship? Come and See, Follow Me, Become a Fisher of People, Go and Bear Fruit!
​
Today, know that Paul gave Titus some serious marching orders for this Cretan church. The work of ministry is not for the faint of heart. It is to be exercised with loving but firm kingdom authority.

---