Thursday, February 22, 2007
Letting the Grace of God Teach
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives...
(Titus 2:11-12a NIV)
I chose this translation because it emphasizes the most familiar part of the verse in a unique and powerful manner. I have always heard this verse and followed the natural preaching outline that lies in it. There are two key things to deny (ungodliness and worldly passions) and three key things to affirm (self-control, uprightness, and godly living). Man, I can imagine this as a perfect springboard into a series of sermons on just how each of these things impact our lives.
However, as I read these verses today, I am struck by another bit of the verses.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us(KJV)
I wonder how capable we are of letting this sink in. God's grace teaches us these important aspects of living. It is God's grace, for we would be blind without even the most common grace and the most general revelation. But Paul is not merely saying that God is gracious to give us good principles for character and living. Note that he says it is the grace of God that brings salvation is revealed and teaching. It is not a second grace or third, or fourth. It is that same grace by which we were saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
I have trouble trusting God on this one. You mean that if I am to succeed at these things, I have to focus on the same old gospel message? Yes. God's grace not moral fortitude changes lives.
looking for the blessed hope, and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works.
(Tit 2:13-14 MKJV)
It is the confidence that salvation gives and the powerful message of a saving God Christ Jesus that changes hearts.
So, stop being so introverted and trying to glorify God by works. Trust His grace. Let His grace teach.
(Titus 2:11-12a NIV)
I chose this translation because it emphasizes the most familiar part of the verse in a unique and powerful manner. I have always heard this verse and followed the natural preaching outline that lies in it. There are two key things to deny (ungodliness and worldly passions) and three key things to affirm (self-control, uprightness, and godly living). Man, I can imagine this as a perfect springboard into a series of sermons on just how each of these things impact our lives.
However, as I read these verses today, I am struck by another bit of the verses.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us(KJV)
I wonder how capable we are of letting this sink in. God's grace teaches us these important aspects of living. It is God's grace, for we would be blind without even the most common grace and the most general revelation. But Paul is not merely saying that God is gracious to give us good principles for character and living. Note that he says it is the grace of God that brings salvation is revealed and teaching. It is not a second grace or third, or fourth. It is that same grace by which we were saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
I have trouble trusting God on this one. You mean that if I am to succeed at these things, I have to focus on the same old gospel message? Yes. God's grace not moral fortitude changes lives.
looking for the blessed hope, and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works.
(Tit 2:13-14 MKJV)
It is the confidence that salvation gives and the powerful message of a saving God Christ Jesus that changes hearts.
So, stop being so introverted and trying to glorify God by works. Trust His grace. Let His grace teach.
