Understanding Grace

When we grow in our understanding of God’s grace, we are less likely to abuse it.

“¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” —Titus 2:11-15

Grace brings salvation and change.

“⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” —Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly passions.

“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions…” —Titus 2:12

“⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” —Colossians 3:5

Grace teaches us how to live in this present age.

“and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” —Titus 2:12 (con’t)

Grace teaches us to expect and prepare for our blessed hope.

“¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” —Titus 2:13-14

God met our guilt with grace.

“²⁰ The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, ²¹ so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” —Romans 5:20-21