What Grace Teaches

Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-control led, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own. eager to do what is good.” Although the grace of God has appeared to all men, (see Romans 1:19-20) it doesn’t mean it is received by all men. The opening word of verse 11, “for” gives meaning to the first 10 verses of the chapter. Paul is not in the least defending slavery (see I Cor 7:21). No issue should overshadow the message of God’s grace in salvation and deliverance. The Grace of God is a teacher. The implications of being taught to say "no to ungodliness and worldly passions, is that not only is it possible to give in to sin, it is the most likely response to temptation. A second and equally true conclusion is that after receiving what grace would teach us. we have the power and authority to refuse anything the enemy would hand out More than that, we can be positively driven with desire to live in holiness before Him, to be excited at the prospect of His soon return, to be called His very own, His possession and inheritance. Let us seek and long for the time when our chief and only desire will be to please Him.