“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, TEACHING us that, DENYING ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should LIVE soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; LOOKING for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, ZEALOUS of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
Very inspiring and powerful word on what the grace of God teaches us and how we should rightly treat His grace. God’s saving grace -His unmerited favour given to us through Christ’s sacrificial death in our place, is not a license to continue to live in sin! By grace you are saved through faith, not of works least any man would boast-Eph.2:8. It has nothing to do with the wrong doctrine of ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED. Only they that endure till the end, holding unto faith and obedience to Christ and His word till the end no matter the end-time pressure and tribulations, shall be saved-Mat 24:13.
Now from the above text, let us note three, and then fourth thing that the grace of God teaches us:
- What to give up-Denying or renouncing or doing away with ungodliness and worldly lusts: anything that is not God, that doesn’t reflect the holy character of God, lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and pride of life-see 1John 2:16-17
- How to live daily-SOBERLY (sound mind, moderately discreetly, humbly), RIGHTEOUSLY (rightly, blameless, doing all things well), GODLY ( like God, as Jesus would have done it). This will be as we continually yield to the Holy Spirit living in us!
- Eternal and glorious expectation -looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The early believers in the New Testament two thousand years ago lived in anticipation of Christ’s second coming in their time. How much more should we have such expectations and keep rejoicing and thanking God for eternal glory and rewards that await us! As we live in this anticipation, it brings comfort in the midst of challenges or difficulties in this present life.
- Our attitude towards service to God and man-zealous of good works-with seriousness and commitment from the heart! Whatever we do, we should do it heartily as to God-Col.3:23. Pray, thank and praise God zealously, read and study God’s word zealously, share the gospel zealously, attend the gathering of God’s people zealously, carry out your ministry or any service to God, your career, studies, family matters, etc zealously -with all your heart and seriousness.
This is right treatment of God’s grace!
May the Lord by His Spirit help us note the above teachings of the grace of God and live according to it and further share it with others, in Jesus’ name!
Have a blessed, victorious, fruitful and joyful week and daily life in Christ Jesus rightly treating God’s grace
Pastor Raymond Adonai
