The Transformative Power of God's Grace
How God's Grace Saves Us, Seals Us, and Shows Us How to Live
Titus 2: 11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared, [h]bringing salvation to all people, 12 [i]instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of [j]our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.
Today we gather to reflect on the profound and transformative power of God's grace. As we delve into the scriptures, we will explore how this divine grace saves us, seals us, and shows us how to live. Our guiding texts today come from Titus 2:11, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people," and John 1:14, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
What is Grace? Grace is often defined as "undeserved favor." It is God's free and unmerited favor toward us, demonstrated most fully in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures remind us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). None of us are worthy of heaven or God's favor. Yet, it is precisely this unworthiness that makes grace so wonderful and amazing.
Imagine a small village that had been suffering from a severe drought. The land was parched, crops were dying, and the villagers were on the brink of despair. One day, an elderly man, known for his wisdom, announced that he had a secret source of water that could save them. Skeptical but desperate, the villagers followed him.
As they walked, he told them, "This water is a gift, freely given, and it will be more than enough to restore our land and lives. But remember, you did nothing to earn it—it is pure grace."
When they arrived at the hidden spring, it was a sight to behold: fresh, clean water gushing out, abundant and life-giving. The villagers wept with joy and drank deeply, their hope restored.
In many ways, God's grace is like that hidden spring. It is abundant, life-giving, and freely given to us even though we did nothing to earn it.
May I submit to you today that grace is so much more than “Undeserved favor”…
Strongs – G5485 - of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
Warren Wiersbe titles Titus 2:11-14 – “The Gospel of The Grace of God” with a purpose to bring for Salvation. In fact he outlines this passage as the following:
The gospel
- What is here said of its nature.
- The name. “The grace of God.” – G – Theh`os Khar`ece (The God Of Grace)
- The subject “Bringing salvation.”
- The manifestation. “Hath appeared.”
(1) None are excluded from its benefits.
(2) None are exempt from its appointments.
- Its influence.
- How the gospel teaches.
(1) Precept. (a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.)
(2) Example.
(3) Motive.
(4) Real and spiritual operation and efficiency.
- What the gospel teaches.
(1) It teaches us to deny! Ungodliness and worldly lusts.
(2) It teaches us to do! “To live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world.”
(3) It teaches us to expect! “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
(4) It teaches us to acknowledge! “Who gave Himself,” etc. (W. Jay.)
As we study this passage in Titus, I would like to make three points about God's grace:
- The Position of Grace
Titus 2:11 tells us that "the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people." This is the position of grace—it is available to all. No one is excluded from the reach of God's grace. Our physical position in history is within the age of grace, also known as the Church Age. This is a time when God's grace is being poured out upon all humanity.
Spiritually, however, we find ourselves in one of two positions:
- In Christ: Saved by grace. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
- In Danger: For those who have not accepted God's offer of salvation by grace. Hebrews 10:26-31 warns of the severe consequences for those who reject this grace.
Consider the story of a young man named Alex. Alex grew up in a troubled neighborhood, surrounded by influences that often led people down dark paths. Despite the challenges, he was determined to find a better way. One day, he was invited to a community center that offered free meals, counseling, and various support programs. This center was run by a local church that believed in extending grace to everyone, regardless of their background.
At the community center, Alex met people who genuinely cared about him and wanted to help. They provided him with meals, educational support, and opportunities to learn new skills. More importantly, they introduced him to the message of God's grace. They explained that this grace was available to him freely, without any conditions, simply because God loved him.
Alex had a choice to make. He could accept the help and grace offered to him, or he could continue trying to make it on his own, possibly falling into the same pitfalls that had trapped so many around him.
This story mirrors the spiritual reality described in Titus 2:11. God's grace has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. Just like the community center's doors were open to everyone in Alex's neighborhood, God's grace is available to all of us.
Spiritually, we find ourselves in one of two positions:
- In Christ: Alex chose to accept the help and grace offered to him. He attended church services, learned about God's love, and eventually accepted Christ as his Savior. This decision transformed his life, setting him on a path of hope and purpose. This is akin to being "in Christ" and saved by grace, as Ephesians 2:8-9 describes.
- In Danger: Many others in Alex's neighborhood heard about the community center but chose not to go. They either didn't believe the help was real or thought they didn't need it. Spiritually, these individuals are in danger, similar to those who have not accepted God's offer of salvation by grace. Hebrews 10:26-31 speaks to the serious consequences of rejecting this grace.
Just as Alex's decision to accept grace led to a transformed life, our decision to accept or reject God's grace determines our spiritual position. We are either in the safety and blessing of Christ, or we are in danger, separated from the grace that is freely offered to all.
- The Purpose of Grace
God's grace serves multiple purposes in our lives, as outlined in Titus 2:11-14:
- To Save Us (Salvation): Grace brings salvation to all who believe. Titus 2:11 and 2:14, along with Titus 3:5-6, emphasize that it is not by our works but by God's mercy that we are saved.
- To Seal Us (Eternal; Life): Once we are saved, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 instructs us not to grieve the Holy Spirit, "by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
- To Show Us How to Live (Sanctification): Grace is a teacher. Titus 2:12 teaches us to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts" and to live "soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." Grace instructs us in godly living, encouraging us to be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14) and to maintain good works for the glory of God (Titus 3:8, 14). Our faith is evidenced by our works, as James 2:18 says, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Conversely, a lack of works testifies against us, as Titus 1:16 warns.
Meet Maria, a young woman who grew up in a difficult environment, surrounded by negative influences and with little guidance. Her life was filled with turmoil, and she felt lost and without purpose. One day, a friend invited her to a church service. Reluctantly, she agreed to go.
At the service, Maria heard about the grace of God for the first time. The pastor spoke about how grace brings salvation to all who believe, emphasizing that it is not by our works but by God's mercy that we are saved. He quoted Titus 2:11, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people," and Titus 3:5-6, explaining how God saved us, "not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Maria felt a tug at her heart. She realized that she couldn't earn God's love or salvation through her efforts; it was a gift freely given. That day, she accepted Christ as her Savior, experiencing the saving power of God's grace.
As Maria continued her journey, she learned about the sealing power of grace. In a Bible study, she read Ephesians 4:30, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." This gave her a profound sense of security and assurance. She understood that her salvation was secure, sealed by the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing her eternal life.
Finally, Maria discovered that grace was also her teacher. Titus 2:12 teaches us to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts" and to live "soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." She found that God's grace didn't just save her and seal her; it also guided her daily life. She began to see changes in her attitudes and behaviors. She turned away from the negative influences that once held her captive and started living a life that reflected her new identity in Christ.
Maria became involved in various good works, volunteering at her church and helping in community outreach programs. She embraced the call to live out her faith through her actions, aligning with Titus 2:14, which says that Jesus "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
Her transformation was evident to everyone around her. Her faith, evidenced by her works, shone brightly, just as James 2:18 says, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Through Maria's story, we see how the purpose of grace unfolds in real life:
- To Save Us (Salvation): Maria's salvation was a gift of grace, not earned by works.
- To Seal Us (Eternal Life): She found assurance in the sealing of the Holy Spirit, securing her eternal life.
- To Show Us How to Live (Sanctification): Grace taught Maria to live a godly life, turning from sin and embracing good works.
In Maria's life, the multifaceted purpose of God's grace is beautifully illustrated, showing us how grace saves, seals, and guides us in living a life that honors God.
- The Promise of Grace
The promise of grace is a blessed hope that we look forward to—the return of Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 calls us to "wait for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Grace was manifested to prepare us for the manifestation of His glory. It teaches us to be ready, ever-watching, ever-looking, and ever-working for His glory. Matthew 24:42-44 reminds us to stay awake and be prepared for the return of the Son of Man.
As we reflect on the transformative power of God's grace and look forward to the promise of Christ's return, let me share with you the story of a young woman named Rebecca.
Rebecca was an athlete training for the marathon of her life. She had spent years preparing for this race, pouring every ounce of energy into her practice. The marathon was a symbol of her dedication and perseverance. On the day of the race, the sky was overcast, and there was a forecast of rain. As the race began, the weather worsened. Cold rain pelted down, turning the path into a slippery challenge. Despite the adverse conditions, Rebecca pushed on, driven by her goal to finish the race.
Around the halfway mark, her legs began to ache, and doubt started to creep in. She wondered if she could make it to the end. Just then, she saw a familiar face in the crowd—her coach, who had trained her from the beginning. He called out to her, "Keep going, Rebecca! Remember why you started! The finish line is ahead, and I'm here waiting for you!"
His words were like a beacon of hope, reminding her of the purpose behind her effort. She kept his voice in her mind and continued running, despite the pain and fatigue. When she finally crossed the finish line, exhausted but triumphant, her coach was there to embrace her, saying, "I knew you could do it. Well done."
Rebecca’s story parallels our spiritual journey. In this life, we run a race of faith, facing challenges and difficulties along the way. God's grace is the encouragement and strength that keeps us going. Titus 2:13 reminds us of our "blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." This promise of grace is like the coach's voice, urging us to keep going, to stay faithful, and to remember the glorious finish line that awaits us.
Just as Rebecca had to remember why she started the race and focus on the encouragement of her coach, we too must keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. His grace sustains us, empowers us to live godly lives, and fills us with hope as we look forward to His return.
So, as we go forth today, let us be encouraged by the promise of grace. Let us run the race with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus, knowing that He is with us every step of the way, and that the finish line is a place of eternal joy and glory with Him. May we live each day in the light of His grace, to the glory of God.
In conclusion, let us be ever mindful of the grace that saves us, seals us, and shows us how to live. Let us embrace this grace, allowing it to transform our lives, guide our actions, and fill us with the hope of Christ's return. May we live each day in the light of His grace, to the glory of God. Amen.
