THE IMPACT OF GRACE
READ Titus 2
Titus 2:11-14, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
The above verses, which speak about the impact of grace upon our lives, are my favorite verses in the New Testament. The passage begins by stating a powerful truth, which is the fact that God's grace, which brings salvation, is for all people. God does not discriminate by simply offering His grace to a selected few. No, that grace which brings salvation has appeared to all men! Praise God for this truth. People can ignore and deny His grace, but it is available to all through the death of Jesus Christ.
Grace has appeared to all for the purposes of saving us and teaching or instructing us. It is important that we not fall into the snare of believing we are saved by keeping the law or that we remain saved by doing the same. We must understand that God, through His grace, has saved us, and His grace should drive us to serve Him with all our heart and soul. We are counted righteous because of the grace we find in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. Grace teaches us to say "no", we are instructed by grace to deny ungodliness and worldly desires. We are taught to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present.
Grace gives us an upward focus. Every believer should live with the expectation and anticipation of Jesus’ soon return for His bride. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
Grace should impact us by motivating us to minister by serving Jesus and others. We are to be zealous of good works. Grace doesn't call me to laziness or inactivity, but rather it calls me to action. It calls me to serve Jesus and others for His glory.
We would have no grace apart from God extending it to us. I am saved by God's grace, and I serve Him because of His grace. Will you do the same?
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How did God’s grace lead you to trust Christ for salvation?
2. Does it surprise you that grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts? How does this differ from believing that grace allows one to live any way he chooses?
3. How has God’s grace taught you to live?
4. Grace gives us an upward (heavenly) focus. What else does grace cause us to anticipate as it relates to an upward look (see verse 13)?