The Grace of God Has Been Revealed

Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Introduction

The title of today’s message holds a special meaning for me. The Apostle Paul repeatedly used the word, Grace (91 times in his writings). His favorite use of the word is in the phrase, “Grace unto you” or “Grace be unto you,” in his introductions of his epistles.

Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace comes from the Greek word charis which holds manifold meanings. “Graciousness, divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life including gratitude.”[1]

I have been a fan of Dwight L. Moody since the first time I read one of his sermons. He has been quoted so much, but one of my favorites is a saying about Grace and the Law.

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. Dwight Layman Moody

Thus far, the Apostle Paul has described lifestyles of elders, mothers, fathers, women, men, and slaves. Beginning in verse eleven, he defends his position by laying out the theological basis pertaining to the words and actions in believers.

Christians should live in accordance with his words because of the “Grace of God.” When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, we should live differently because of the “Charis” that the LORD has offered.

The change in a believer’s lifestyle is rooted in the atoning work of Jesus Christ and the anticipation of His return.

Listen to the words of the Apostle Paul.

Ephesians 2:5-8 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

2 Timothy 1:8-9 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Grace Is Offered To All Men

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men

The grace of God is a reference to Christ’s appearance on earth, Immanuel. His grace if found in His life, death, and resurrection: that is the Gospel message. The Gospel is a manifestation of God’s Grace and made salvation possible for all mankind. Please do not misread or misconstrue this verse by deducing “salvation hath appeared to all men,” that all people will be saved. That interpretation would conflict with other passages of Scripture.

What

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world

It would be good to define the term “godliness.” Godliness is the behavior that is in accordance with the Word of God. Therefore, ungodliness, would be a believer’s behavior that is NOT in accordance with the Word of God.

This verse is an If /then statement. If we are to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, we must deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.

Why

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

The believer’s life should show an eagerness for the return of Jesus Christ. Perhaps this should be looked at as: Grace in the believer teaches us to renounce sin and live in the way the Lord would have us live.

Christians are to live our lives in a lifestyle that is pleasing to the LORD in order to demonstrate to unbelievers the hope and expectation in the return of Jesus Christ our Savior,.

How

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The “work” of salvation has been accomplished by Jesus Christ. He laid down his life on the cross in order to:

redeem us unto the Father to call believers unto himself as his peculiar people. So that the believer’s lives are “zealous” to do good works keeping the commandments and accomplishing the Great Commission.

Commissioned to Work

15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

This is a definitive call from Paul to Titus to preach and teach with authority in the church.

Speak – preach, Shout it from the roof-tops. Exhort – invite, call, intreat Rebuke – admonish and reprove

Let no man despise thee.

Do not allow anyone to disregard you in your mission.

Conclusion

"Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)That sav`d a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see." - John Newton

[1] Strong’s Greek Dictionary