Grace Of God

Psalm 147

Titus 2: 11-15

The Epistle to Titus was written by the Apostle Paul to Titus in approximately 66 A.D (around the same time as the first letter to Timothy). Paul was an aging man at this point shortly before his final imprisonment. Titus was on Crete and was sent there by Paul to establish leadership within the churches.

What is Grace?

Grace in simple terms is God's unmerited favor of God.

Illustration

Preacher Dwight L. Moody loved to study the Bible topically, and it occurred to him one day that he had never studied the subject of grace. Setting aside a day, Moody gave himself to the study of God’s grace. But a second day was required. Even on the third day Moody had not finished his task.

By the late afternoon of the third day, however, Moody was so filled with his subject that he had to go out on the street and talk to somebody about it. Stopping a complete stranger, Moody said, “My friend, do you know anything about grace?”

Surprised at the question, the man replied, “Grace who?” “Why,” Moody responded, “the grace of God that brings salvation.” (Titus 2:11) Moody then left the stranger standing on the street wondering about the grace of God.

What is the Word of God’s grace in our life?

1- The grace of God brings salvation (Titus 2:11)

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. What is your nature? What is my nature? What are you naturally inclined to do?”

John 8:1-11

‘A Women caught in adultery and brought to Jesus”

Vs 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

Vs 7 “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone

vs11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

2- The grace of God teaches goodness (Titus 2:12)

“It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...”

Did your mom or dad ever say “No” to you when you were young? Why, of course. We were taught that certain things were dangerous for us and we were told, “no, no!” As in “Don’t touch hot stove. You’ll get burned.” Or “No, don’t play with matches.” Who uses matches any more?

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” A loving parent will say “no" at times to their children. And a loving parent will also discipline a child for being naughty or nasty. And so with God our Father. God says “no” at times.

3- The grace of God gives hope (Titus 2:13)

while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 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. That blessed hope.

Illustration

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, near the beginning of his little book All of Grace, tells the story of a minister visiting poor woman he intended to help. He had money in hand to give her, but when he knocked on door, she didn’t answer. Later he found out why: she thought he was the landlord coming to collect rent!

Spurgeon then said: “Now it is my desire to be heard, and therefore I want to say that I am not calling for the rent.

I Peter 5:10-11 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Our God is the God of all grace because He is gracious and extends His grace, His unmerited favor toward us in so many different ways!