TEXT: Titus 2:11-15 (Read chapter 2)
READING: Psalm 86:1-17
SUBJ: The universal message of Grace as to the way of salvation and what it produces in the lives of those who are saved.
AIM: That we might so learn grace as see these things causing us to be identified as the Lord’s people and that by grace we may continue to learn and to grow.
INTR: The message of the grace of God is the same everywhere in that it teaches us that salvation is of grace through Christ alone. We would see here the practicality of these words to Titus.
1. This chapter is a list of specific instructions given to various members of church society.
2. While the Gospel is brought to bear in the summary about our Lord, the thrust here is of instruction that is universal in its application and implementation.
3. Sometimes we need to analyze in sequence to see the whole picture. We will endeavor to see the teaching of grace manifested to all and in every aspect of our lives.
THESIS: As the Disciples of Christ, we are ever in the way of being taught and learning that we may be equipped to deal with the things that oppose the grace of God in our lives. Thus, the emphasis is on “teaching” as a continuing function of the same grace that brings salvation.
I. What has appeared (v. 11)
1. The grace that brings salvation is the same that produces a consistent life.
1) It has appeared first and foremost in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ our Lord.
2) It has appeared in lives of those so affected by the regenerating work of the Spirit.
2. This is not the experience of grace that is worked mysteriously in the heart by the Holy Spirit as wonderful as that is. The view in the heart of men is not visible to all!
3. It is rather the message of the grace that brings salvation
1) It declares the means of salvation in the work of Christ
2) It identifies it as grace (unmerited favor)
3) It is the same message that appears to all men (from every category such as old, young, etc. and from every nation such as Jew and Gentile).
4. It is the message believed for salvation wherever it occurs.
II. What is taught (vv. 12)
1. The denial of ungodliness and worldly lusts in that:
1) These are contrary to the law and the holiness of God
2) These are reminders of the life of the old nature and must be denied by a new creature.
2. To live in a positive manner characterized by:
1) Sobriety – self control with respect to the divine affections
2) Righteousness – striving to the manifestation of that which is place within us
3) Godliness – bearing witness to the presence of God in true piety
4) In this present world as those seeking to affect it
III. To what we are to look as we are taught (v.13)
1. Looking for Christ (Who is our Blessed Hope – Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…
2. And the glorious appearing (brightness): Our God and Savior Jesus Christ
3. Our identified redeemer and the nature of His work:
1) That (hina) He might redeem us from all iniquity, its bondage and slavery
2) That He might purify (consider the words peculiar and zealous) as zealous with as in thing pertinent to Christ.
4. This is the message we preach even as we look and anticipate with great joy.
5. The message is to be delivered without apology
1) Speak – sound forth the message
2) Exhort – to beseech, to call to one’s side, with a view to being of comfort, to plead (parakaleo).
3) Rebuke – bring to light or expose as in untoward behavior
4) As mandated by the Word of God.
6. To do and to fear no man.
