11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14
Titus 2:11-14
The Holy Spirit reveals God’s purpose in the Salvation of Grace by allowing every one to see what He has done in Christ. He wants to build a special people. The Authorized Version used the term “peculiar people” because our specialness was to be a mark that distinguishes us from the rest of the world as well as marks our value. The indicator that would set us apart was a character change.
When we see the grace that God has is so strong that it brings salvation in place of the judgment we deserve, we are to set aside our old way and even live against the impulses that drive us from within. Our hearts are to be set on the magnificent return of Christ along with the thrilling hope that when we see Him we will be changed to be like Him. Then the fulfillment of this salvation we have received will be complete. Since His grace is the motivational foundation of the salvation He is providing we cannot use it as a “sin-free” card. We must follow its teaching and deny ungodliness in our lives based in our return of love for Him.
While we must never be trapped in legalism because it allows demonic forces as well as our brothers to control us instead of consenting to the Holy Spirit’s lead, we mustn’t permit license to dissipate the distinguishing marks of our Father’s character in us either. Grace is God’s pause between judgment as well as the way to get back to Him so that judgment will not fall on us. It is not overlooking our sin. God can never overlook sin because of the great price He paid in Christ. Sin must be dealt with. God forgives sin as we bring it to Christ with the purpose of restoring our relationship with Him. Those who have been unfaithful to a spouse know that they can’t have both of their lovers in their lives. If they reconcile through the forgiveness of their spouse they don’t expect their relationship with the other person to continue. Yet as believers we try to maintain the relationship we had with sinful behaviors even though god has forgiven us. When we accept what Christ has done for us it will transform us into His own special people. We will belong only to Him and our character will show it.
Redeemed From Lawless Deed,
Pastor Jason
When we see the grace that God has is so strong that it brings salvation in place of the judgment we deserve, we are to set aside our old way and even live against the impulses that drive us from within. Our hearts are to be set on the magnificent return of Christ along with the thrilling hope that when we see Him we will be changed to be like Him. Then the fulfillment of this salvation we have received will be complete. Since His grace is the motivational foundation of the salvation He is providing we cannot use it as a “sin-free” card. We must follow its teaching and deny ungodliness in our lives based in our return of love for Him.
While we must never be trapped in legalism because it allows demonic forces as well as our brothers to control us instead of consenting to the Holy Spirit’s lead, we mustn’t permit license to dissipate the distinguishing marks of our Father’s character in us either. Grace is God’s pause between judgment as well as the way to get back to Him so that judgment will not fall on us. It is not overlooking our sin. God can never overlook sin because of the great price He paid in Christ. Sin must be dealt with. God forgives sin as we bring it to Christ with the purpose of restoring our relationship with Him. Those who have been unfaithful to a spouse know that they can’t have both of their lovers in their lives. If they reconcile through the forgiveness of their spouse they don’t expect their relationship with the other person to continue. Yet as believers we try to maintain the relationship we had with sinful behaviors even though god has forgiven us. When we accept what Christ has done for us it will transform us into His own special people. We will belong only to Him and our character will show it.
Redeemed From Lawless Deed,
Pastor Jason
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