Transfer Of Grace

Transfer of Grace

Titus 2:11-14 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 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, 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.

Intro: Most parents don’t have to be parents very long before they realize what a huge responsibility they have. Not only do they face the realization that their little tiny baby is depending on them for its survival, but also, as that baby grows and begins to do what the parents do and repeat what the parents say, most parents become aware of how much is riding on their delicate ability to set a good example. Experts tell us that the most formative years of a person’s life are birth to 5 years old. How’s that for pressure on parents?

-So most parents hopefully come to a place where they ask this question: “How can I transfer the good character traits I have to my children?” And the next question is, “How can I avoid transferring my vices, weaknesses, and failures to them?” Well, there is no easy answer to that, but let me offer a few thoughts on the subject. First, understand that those who lead well follow well. Do you want to lead your family in the right direction, helping them grow up and become productive citizens who are part of the solution, not part of the problem? Then decide who you are going to follow! But choose carefully because your kids (and perhaps many others) will be right behind you!

-Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t have what it takes to lead my family in the right direction. Not on my own. I am grateful that I don’t have to be the perfect Dad in order to keep my kids on the right track. Why not? Because I have the perfect Savior, whose grace is enough to help me do what would be impossible without Him! As I do life with the God who loves me, there is a transfer of grace from Jesus to me that makes all the difference. And as I lead my family and do life with them, there is also a transfer of grace that flows from me to them.

-Of course this isn’t just about our kids. It is about us and about anyone our lives touch in a significant way. The important thing is that you put yourself in a position where God’s grace is being transferred to you because you trust Him and are connected with Him in relationship. And that’s really what this passage in Titus 2 is all about. God’s grace is available to us, and will make the difference in us! Let’s break it down and look at it.

1. God’s Grace brings salvation (11a)

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that brings salvation…”

-The Bible talks a lot about being saved. Romans 10 says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” John 3:17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Jesus also said that He came to seek and to save those who were lost.

-And this is all about what Jesus did on the cross. He gave His life to atone for our sins so that when we call on Him in faith, we are saved – forgiven, made right with God. What are we saved from? Life without God. Eternal punishment. Despair and hopelessness. Self-centered living. The grace of God brings salvation to those who put their trust in Him!

2. God’s Grace has appeared to all people (11b)

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”

-This is really good news b/c God does not play favorites. His grace is available to all people! He loves the people He made, and He made us all!

-People had waited a long time for grace to appear. Jesus made His earthly appearance in a time when people really needed some good news. Babies were being murdered. The government was hostile toward people of faith. Many religious leaders were corrupt and only in it for the money. The rich were taking advantage of the poor. Demonic activity seemed to be at an all-time high.

-If ever people needed God to show up, it was then… and yet, things aren’t all that different now, are they? If ever someone needed God to show up, it’s here and it’s now! Our world and our communities are filled with broken people who need a Savior. God’s grace has appeared to ALL people. If only someone would go to them and help them open their eyes and see that God’s grace is available to them! And it works! It can break every form of bondage, every addiction, remove every sin, and bring hope and peace! It’s here and it’s yours for the asking.