The Grace Of God
The Grace Of God “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 IN THIS PRESENT AGE.” -Titus 2:11-12 “This passage first jumped out at me while I was engaged in a discipling study with a young person in my home congregation. He and I were a great deal alike and therefore found it easy to study and find memory verses because we rejoiced in similar strengths and struggled with similar weaknesses. As the need for what this verse promised grew, I decided to really look at it to see just what God was trying to tell Titus and me.” For: A reason why. Not an abstract idea thrown out just to fill our heads, rather a concept – a principle with a purpose. The Grace: Not a grace, but THE Grace. The one and only true grace. Of God: Belonging to, coming from, part of the ultimate creator. that brings: It carries with it a promise, a benefit. A vehicle for delivering something from our God. salvation: Freedom; Redemption for my soul; Fellowship with God, has: Actual. Has happened – not probably will or even will. It is now. appeared: Paul said that hope that is seen in no hope at all. We don’t have to hope for this grace, this gift. It has appeared where Paul, Titus, you and I can see it. to all men: Mankind, the human race, but specifically to men. Those of us to whom God has given the role of spiritual leader of our families and the church. It: The Grace – this special gift. teaches: Instructs, shows, helps, allows. us: All who hear. Those to whom the grace has appeared. to say “no”: To take a stand. To be strong in our freedom. to ungodliness: To those things that stand between my God and me, the things that are not like Christ. Those habits and thought patterns that are not God-like. and wordly passions: the wants, desires and lusts of this world that grasp my mind and emotions and try to lure me from my goal. and: also, at the same time. to live: The state of living, enjoying, being free within proper limitations. self-controlled: The ability to say how far I’m going to get into or stay away from anything. upright: Upstanding. The ability to stand tall and erect, not afraid of being seen by anyone. and Godly: Of God. Christ-like. Close to my Father. lives: The tools God has given us for carrying on his work. The time when we walk this planet – time we’ll be accountable for. in: In but not of. In the midst of, but not part of. this present age: Now. The time we find ourselves in.