Transformed by Truth: The Power of God's Grace Titus 2:11-14
Today, we delve into a rich and profound passage from the book of Titus, focusing on Titus 2:11-14. This passage beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of God's grace and its implications for our lives. The title of our sermon is "Transformed by Truth: The Power of God's Grace."
Titus 2:11-14 (NLT)
"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."
Point 1: The Revelation of Grace
Titus 2:11 (NLT): "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people."
The first point we must grasp is the revelation of God's grace. The Greek word for grace here is "charis," which signifies favour, kindness, and a gift freely given. This grace has appeared, manifesting in the person of Jesus Christ, and it brings salvation available to everyone.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT): "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."
Grace is unmerited favour from God. Imagine a prisoner on death row receiving a pardon he didn’t earn and being set free. That’s what grace does for us—setting us free from the penalty of sin.
John Piper said, "Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon."
Point 2: The Instruction of Grace
Titus 2:12 (NLT): "And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God."
Grace instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. The Greek word for "instructed" is "paideuo," meaning to train or educate. Grace teaches us to say "no" to sin and "yes" to godly living.
Romans 12:2 (NLT): "Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Grace not only saves but also transforms. It’s like a mentor guiding us away from destructive habits and leading us towards a life that pleases God. Picture a personal trainer helping someone overcome unhealthy habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
As Samuel Johnson once said, "The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good."
Point 3: The Hope of Glory
Titus 2:13-14 (NLT): "While we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."
Let's focus on the hope and future aspect of grace. The Greek word for "hope" is "elpis," which denotes confident expectation. We eagerly await the return of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our redemption.
1 Peter 1:3 (NLT): "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation."
Grace gives us a glorious hope for the future. Imagine a bride eagerly preparing for her wedding day, filled with anticipation and joy. That’s how we should await Christ’s return.
To quote John MacArthur, "Hope is the anchor of the soul, the stimulus to action, and the incentive to achievement."
Point 4: The Commitment to Good Deeds
Titus 2:14 (NLT): "He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."
Grace compels us to live out our faith through good deeds. The Greek word for "commitment" is "periousios," which means a special possession or a people set apart. We are called to be zealous for good works as an expression of our gratitude for God’s grace.
James 2:17 (NLT): "So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."
Our commitment to good deeds is a natural response to the grace we have received. Consider a person who receives a life-saving organ transplant. Their gratitude motivates them to live a life that honours the gift they’ve been given.
In the words of John Wesley, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Titus 2:11-14 highlights the profound impact of God's grace in our lives. It reveals God's favour, instructs us in righteous living, gives us a glorious hope for the future, and compels us to commit to good deeds. This transformative grace calls us to live differently, fully committed to God and good deeds.
Application:
This week, reflect on how God's grace has impacted your life. Are you living in the reality of His grace, renouncing ungodliness, and holding onto the hope of Christ's return? Seek His guidance and let His grace transform every aspect of your life. Commit to doing good deeds as an expression of your faith and gratitude.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that saves, instructs, and gives us hope. Help us to live in the fullness of Your grace, turning away from sin and embracing a life devoted to You. May we eagerly await the return of our Saviour and live each day in light of that hope. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Go forth this week with a renewed sense of God's grace in your life, committed to living for His glory. May God bless you abundantly.
