(Titus 014) Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound

Titus 2:11–14 ESV

11 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 014) Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound

We will be touch on theological topics of...

Christology

Pneumatology

Hamartiology

Anthropology

But we will especially focus on the practical application of God’s incredible grace being poured out on men.

Grace is getting something you don’t deserve.

Underserved love and favor of God toward fallen man.

Even this can seem generic.

Especially with these verses.

One Pastor: The grace of God is an action not an abstraction.

The first four verses set Christianity apart from all other religions.

As well as 4 verses we will cover in the next couple few weeks in chapter 3.

Philip Towner writes: ‘This section is a densely packed statement of theology that … marks the rhetorical high point of the letter. Owing to the shift in grammar and the elevated language, the reader or hearer will know instinctively that this section is crucial to Paul’s discourse for several reasons … the theological passage provides the foundation for the ethical teaching that has just been laid down (2:1-10). Only now what has been prescribed is to be seen clearly as an outworking of grace, linked intrinsically to the death of Christ and the new way of life associated with that event … Christian theology is [the only way] to explain the power, character, and origin of this way of life.’

This passage starts with the word “for”

Tying it to the previous verses.

Why would we life that way?

Because of the grace of God...

1. God’s amazing grace redeems us. (vs. 11, 14a)

Titus 2:11 ESV

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

Titus 2:14 (ESV)

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness...

(1) A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

Write this down (something we will track through this passage): The Grace of God appeared.

This is past tense.

(We will talk about this) It happened at a specific and appointed time.

It has already happened.

Three aspects of this appearance that is important to understand.

FIRST: It was a hidden mystery but has now been revealed to all men.

Romans 16:25–26 ESV

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—

(1) A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

So it has now appeared: shining out as the sun!

Once hidden, veiled, a mystery.

No to longer a mystery!

Second: It came without any of our doing.

2 Timothy 1:9–10 ESV

9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

(1) A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

We didn’t go looking for it.

It wasn’t already there.

It appeared at a certain time.

Like a rescuer in the darkness.

Colossians tells us Jesus came into the kingdom of darkness and pulled us out.

This was not of our doing or desire.

Romans 3:9–12 ESV

9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

(1) A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

Ephesians and Colossians says we were dead in our sin.

The only hope is for a rescuer we did not ask for.

The Grace of God appeared.

The light inserted itself into the darkness.

Ephesians 2:8 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

(1) A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

Even the faith to believe is a gift.

Third: Not only is grace not an abstract thought, but it has a face… it is a person.

Appeared to us in the form of Christ.

1 John 1:1–2 ESV

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—

(1) A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

When we talk about the grace of God is is far more than we usually think about.

(1) B. God’s amazing Grace brought salvation to all peoples.

To redeem.

The context is immediately following an address to slaves.

The audience fully understood what it meant to redeem a person.

Redeem: To purchase from another by paying the demanded price.

This is why Paul says Jesus willingly gave Himself - grace with a face.

Acts 20:28 ESV

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

That was the price demanded.

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(1) B. God’s amazing Grace brought salvation to all peoples.

This redemption that led to offering salvation as a free gift was no small task.

Nor was it was not taken lightly by God.

1 Peter 1:18–20 ESV

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you

(1) B. God’s amazing Grace brought salvation to all peoples.

Jesus redeemed us and set us apart.

We are a people for His own possession.

He has every right for the price that He paid.

Who did Jesus redeem with His life?

All peoples (ESV does a good job here)

Not a contention the the world has already been saved.

Or that the entire world would be saved.

But Jesus came to save all kinds of people.

Jew

Greek

Roman soldiers

Slaves

Thieves

Pharisees

There is no one too sinful or too poor or whatever

It is easy for us to look an people and think God will never save them.

Romans 5:20–21 ESV

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. God’s amazing grace redeems us. (vs. 11, 14a)

A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

B. God’s amazing Grace brought salvation to all peoples.

2. God’s amazing grace reforms us. (vs. 12, 14b)

Titus 2:12 ESV

12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Write this down (continuing to track this): God grace appeared (past tense). Paul says it is training us.

This is present tense.

Happening currently and is an ongoing processes.

Salvation is not only a positional change but a progressive change.

Not only were we immediately transferred out of the kingdom of darkness and placed into the kingdom of God,

But that same grace teaches how to live in our new Kingdom as Sons and daughters of the King.

Colossians 1:13–14 ESV

13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

A big difference from what we once were.

Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

2. God’s amazing grace reforms us. (vs. 12, 14b)

So we need the grace of God to change us continually.

“training”

Reforming.

To train up a child

Here is how it is used in the NT

instructed

punished

disciplined

educated

correcting

training

The why is found in verse 14

Titus 2:14 (ESV)

14 ...to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

2. God’s amazing grace reforms us. (vs. 12, 14b)

We struggle with grace.

Sometimes we feel like it allows us to do whatever we want without consequence.

That is not so.

God instructs, disciplines, and corrects us as a father would his child because of His grace.

Hebrews 12:6–7 ESV

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

2. God’s amazing grace reforms us. (vs. 12, 14b)

Grace doesn’t flatter us it reforms us.

Grace doesn’t accept us for who we are it offers hope where we are.

Grace trains, corrects, and disciplines us into the person God intends for us to be.

(2) A. God’s amazing grace trains us to disown.

“renounce” (it takes discipline)

Say NO

To the habits engrained in us from our previous citizenship.

Disown

This is a discipline.

Not just saying no once, but over and over.

We are being trained to say no to certain things on an ongoing basis.

Ungodliness

Whatever attitudes and actions undermine the centrality of God in your life.

If it makes God marginal.

If it slows or impedes your relationship and growth.

Worldly passions

Hungering for and focusing on things that do not have God at the center.

They could be good things.

Luke 14:26 ESV

26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

(2) A. God’s amazing grace trains us to disown.

Unfortunately we don’t say NO just once.

We have to train ourselves.

We have to take up our cross everyday.

We have to say no constantly.

(2) B. God’s amazing grace trains us to pursue.

“to live” (it takes discipline)

Just as disowning is a constant thing, so it pursuing.

God doesn’t tell us it is ok to take breaks from either.

self-controlled

With a sound or controlled mind

The same conduct that is to be seen in older men and taught to younger men. As well as young women.

upright

Righteously

Honestly

Refers to proper performance of our duties to fellow man.

godly lives

In a godly manner

Speaking of or relationship with God.

Being fully devoted to God.

In such a way that God can quickly be identified in us and working through us.

A reverence for God that is seen in our actions.

purity

God is purifying for Himself

Romans 8:28–30 ESV

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

(2) B. God’s amazing grace trains us to pursue.

Never forget that disowning and pursuing are NOT a means of gaining grace.

They are not parameters for gaining favor with God.

Rather they are a result of the underserving favor that has already been poured out on the Christian.

We see a modern Christianity that says:

Come as you are.

All are welcome.

The coffee is on us.

Sit back and relax and enjoy the next hour.

Grace says:

Come as you are.

All are welcome.

Be prepared to be changed.

Come as you are but you can’t stay as you are.

(2) C. God’s amazing grace trains us to thrive.

(vs 12) “in this present age”

We know this present age is evil.

Galatians 1:4 ESV

4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

(2) C. God’s amazing grace trains us to thrive.

We can live victoriously in this age.

Whatever happens in this age does not impact our spiritual life.

There is nothing in this present age we haven’t already been or are not currently being trained to handle.

We can’t blame this present age on our spiritual downfall.

We cannot blame this present age on the downfall of the church.

God has equipped us to thrive in the present age.

We have been delivered from it.

Parents and grandparents of little ones, let me ask you a question:

When is “this present age?”

Was it when Paul wrote to Titus and the Galatians or right now?

Is it right now, or our little ones are adults?

John 17:14–16 ESV

14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

(2) C. God’s amazing grace trains us to thrive.

(vs 14) “zealous for good works.”

We once could do NO good thing.

He is purifying for his own possession

The idea of slavery to God.

Zealous to work for Him.

Titus strongly focuses on the need for good works/right living.

William Mounce writes: ‘Not only has God’s grace saved believers, but it has the ongoing task of teaching them to live righteously … This verse, which emphasizes present-day obligations, contrasts with the next verse, which looks forward to the Lord’s return. Its basic thrust is repeated in v. 14. The verse deals a death blow to any theology that separates salvation from the demands of obedience to the Lordship of Christ.’

1. God’s amazing grace redeems us. (vs. 11, 14a)

A. God’s amazing grace appeared.

B. God’s amazing Grace brought salvation to all peoples.

2. God’s amazing grace reforms us. (vs. 12, 14b)

A. God’s amazing grace trains us to disown

B. God’s amazing grace trains us to pursue.

C. God’s amazing grace trains us to thrive.

3. God’s amazing grace rewards us. (vs. 13)

Titus 2:13 ESV

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

3. God’s amazing grace rewards us. (vs. 13)

We move from this present time to the future!

Do not lose hope!

He is coming!

Keep looking!

Continuously with expectation.

But keep your life in order while you wait.

Zealously do good works while you wait.

Our idea of waiting is passive.

The biblical idea of waiting is always active.

We are to live by the principles found in Titus 2.

In this present age.

While we wait for Christ.

Romans 8:19–25 ESV

19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

3. God’s amazing grace rewards us. (vs. 13)

Write this down (Continuing to track this): God’s grace appeared (past tense) and is currently training (present tense). Now we see it rewards us. We are waiting for it.

Future tense.

This is an all encompassing grace.

That’s why Paul writes this to the church at Ephesus:

Ephesians 2:8–10 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God’s grace in our lives is His greatest work of art!

The specific context is lives have been and are being saved by grace is God’s workmanship.

His masterpiece.

This all encompassing work of past, present, and future grace.

Appearing in the darkness

Transferring us out of that darkness and into the light

Training, correcting, disciplining to purify us.

Preparing us for eternity.

Like the potter molding the clay.

The is God’s greatest work of art.

When the universe was created it was called good.

When new lives were created in Christ through the Grace of God, it was called His greatest work of art!

Don’t miss that as His greatest work of art, we are to do the good things He has planned for us.

Zealous for good works!

Questions for the week:

What new thing have I learned about grace and how should that impact my life?

(Not a question) Meditate on God’s amazing grace!

Does the world see me as God’s masterpiece?