If you had the blessing of joining our service yesterday in person, or online, you would remember that Pastor preached on Paul’s challenge to Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. So I thought I would continue with the topic of grace in todays devotional. (Titus 2:11-14)…..“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.“ Take a close look at this verse. What does it say of God’s grace towards you today?
1. God’s grace “has appeared to all men” – Since God is no respecter of persons, salvation is offered to both Jew and Gentile – (Acts 10:34-35) (Romans 1:16) (Galatians 3:26-29)
2. God’s grace “teaches” us to “deny ungodliness and worldly lusts” – Our old sinful life must be rooted out and our selfish attachments to this world must be replaced by spiritual goals – (Colossians 3:1-2). God does not “take away” our inclination to sin; but by His grace, he teaches us to deny the entrance of sin into our life – (Matthew 16:24-26) (Psalm 119:11) (Romans 6:6-14) (Colossians 3:5-11)
3. We are to “live soberly, righteously, and godly” – Our lifestyle should reflect the positive teaching of God’s grace. How are you doing in this area.
4. We are to look for “that blessed hope” – Our Lord, whose appearing signals the end of our sojourn here and our reception into our heavenly home (Titus 2:13) (John 14:1-6). Hope (made possible by God’s grace) is an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19). It sustains us in times of trial.
5. “Who gave Himself for us” – The purchase price being the only price by which man could be justified in God’s sight is Him, and His blood (Romans 5:6-10) (Ephesians 1:5-7).
To what end did our Lord “redeem us from every lawless deed?”
6) To “purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” – He wants a peculiar people, a special kind of people, a people especially shaped and molded to be God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9) (Deuteronomy 14:2) (1 Chronicles 17:22).
Just a few more thoughts given to the wonderful grace of God. Thank-you Father for your grace towards those who are so undeserving!