Scripture: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” – Titus 2:11
Examination: Titus, a disciple of Paul the apostle, ministered primarily on the island of Crete. In this letter from Paul, Titus is instructed to reject any false doctrine and to persevere in teaching the truth of the gospel.
Application: Grace is defined as the undeserved favor of God that is manifest through His love, forgiveness, and help in our lives. It is the grace of God that allows us to have a forever relationship with Him through the salvation that Jesus provides. Ephesians 2:8 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”. There is nothing that anyone can do to earn the salvation that God gives. It is simply offered to us, and we can accept it or reject it.
It has been wrongly believed that God demands certain acts from us to make us worthy of His salvation, but if that were the case, we would all be lost. There is nothing we can do to satisfy the demands of a holy and righteous God to merit His forgiveness of our sins. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that in and of ourselves, our works are as filthy rags, but when we put our faith and trust in Christ, His grace works through us. James 2:18 explains the role of works, “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” Our works for the Lord come after salvation. They are the manifestation of our faith in Him.
Furthermore, it is the grace of God that enables us to serve Him. The Holy Spirit of God, which takes residence in us upon salvation, changes our hearts from desiring worldly treasures to setting our sights on the things of God. The Spirit empowers us to fulfill God’s will for our lives. 1 Corinthians 15:10 states, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
God’s grace is the expression of His love given to us in order to have a relationship with Him now and forever. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. That is truly God’s amazing grace!
Memory Verse: “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 1:14
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield And portion be, As long as life endures.
When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)