The Purpose Of His Grace!

Titus 2:11-14 KJV For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

THE GRACE OF GOD!!!

What is it? We are told that it's unmerited favor. We did not deserve it but we received it anyhow because of His love! It is a mind boggling thought that the eternal, all powerful God loves us in spite of who we are…enough to die for us: For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8 KJV

His grace:

1. Brings salvation

We never purchased it being unable to do so for not all the wealth of this earth can pay for one drop of the precious blood of Christ.

2. Shines on all. Regardless of class, culture or creed, irrespective of our moral status the love of God causes His grace to shine on all.

3. Teaches us that we should deny:

a. Ungodliness: Impiety; wickedness; disregard of God and his commands and neglect of his worship; or any positive act of disobedience or irreverence. (Webster). It refers to having irreverence towards God, contempt of His authority and neglect of His precepts. This brings the retribution of God against those who have done so.

Romans 1:18 KJV For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

2 Timothy 2:15-16 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

b. Worldly lusts: Lust: denotes "strong desire" of any kind. Worldly lusts refer to an intense desire for the things of this world to the exclusion of things godly.

What gets your vote and what gets only lip service?

How does the rich young ruler of Mark 10 stack up to this exhortation? When confronted with the choice f following Jesus or his own lifestyle here's what the Word says he did: And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. Mark 10:22 KJV

John gives a very strong caution against being in love with the world:

1 John 2:15-17 KJV Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

It is a natural thing to lust after the things of this world. It is spiritual to deny them take up our cross and follow Him. Any natural efforts to make the cross lighter results in spiritual loss.

There’s a story about a pilgrim making his way to the Promised Land. He was carrying a cross as His Master had done centuries before, a burden he cheerfully accepted. However, he soon noticed that the farther he walked, the heavier it became. Becoming weary, the pilgrim sat down to rest. That’s when he noticed a woodsman nearby. “Good Friend,” he called, “could I use your ax to shorten my cross?” The woodsman handed him the ax.

Refreshed, the pilgrim traveled on, making much progress. His cross was shorter, his burden lighter. Soon the Promised Land came into view. Drawing near, however, he noticed a deep gulf separating him from the goal of his pilgrimage. He would use the cross to span the chasm.

Though he struggled mightily to lay the cross across the deep rift, it fell short by the exact length he has cut off! Just then the pilgrim awoke; it had all been a dream. Now, with tears streaming down his face, the pilgrim again took up his cross and began his journey anew. It was just as heavy as before, but now he bore it joyfully, all the way to the Promised Land.

Our life in this present world should be sober, righteous and godly, as we look forward to a blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our Great God and Saviour. We are expected by God to present a certain lifestyle because of His grace!