Theme: THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE
THE MANIFESTATION OF GRACE
Key Text: ” For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” (Titus 2:11).
Our main text for today is a beautiful summary of what grace is, its provision, goal and impact. The appearance of grace to all men through our Lord Jesus is meant to have a regenerative and transformative impact on man. Though grace is God’s undeserved love shown to us in Christ Jesus, the blessing of salvation is meant to lead us to good works in Christ (Romans.5:6-10; Ephesians.2:8-9). The NIV Bible text note sums up the effect of grace in these words, “Salvation involves the double work of redeeming us from guilt and judgement and of producing moral purity and helpful service to others.”
Paul says, grace is a teacher; it is not a provision for indulgence and careless living. Grace “teaches us that…” The word “teaches” refers to the whole process of training of a child. Paul lists six results which grace teaches us, namely:
It teaches us to say “no” to sinful acts and temptations. Grace teaches us self-denial, to deny temptations that could lead us to moral impurity.
Grace teaches us to deny or reject worldly lusts (1 John 2:15-17)
Grace teaches us to live soberly, a self-controlled life (Titus 1:8)
Grace teaches us to live “righteously,” that is, to live upright lives (Hebrew.12:14; Romans.8:12-13).
Grace teaches us to live “godly in this present age” (2 Timothy.3:12).
Grace teaches us to look for the “blessed hope” of the coming of Christ (Philippians.3:20)
The Preacher’s Bible gives these five beautiful summary of the whom, how, when, why, and what of grace?:
“1, To whom was grace manifested? To all human kind ( 1 Timothy.2:4).
2, How did grace manifest itself? In indestructible love ( John 3:16).
3, When did grace manifest itself? When the fullness of time came ( Galatians.4:4).
4, Why did grace manifest itself? To save ( Titus 2:11-12).
5, What was the purpose of grace manifestation? So that God could have a people belonging exclusively to him ( Titus 2:12-14).”
PRAYER: Father, may your grace operating in my life lead me to live a holy life.
