" The Discipline of Grace "

 

Titus 2:1-15  "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the WORD of GOD be not blasphemed.

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of GOD our SAVIOR in all things.

For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST; WHO gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto HIMSELF a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

     Grace is the unmerited, abounding provision of GOD's infinite love directed toward HIS creation; it is the result of the work of the LORD JESUS CHRIST accomplished on our behalf. All that we have, both temporally as well as spiritually, is only by virtue of the gracious and outstretched hand of our loving heavenly FATHER.

     We first experience the grace of GOD when we receive by faith the salvation that "hath appeared to all men" (v.11), that is, the Gospel message offered to mankind. Ephesians 2:8-9 (pictured above) plainly declares that salvation is independent from any works man may do; it is completely by grace. Grace and works are mutually exclusive with respect to salvation (Romans 4:4, 16); GOD's grace cannot coincide with good works, piety, ordinances, or sacraments - HIS grace stands alone. If we trust in something we have to do in order to secure even a part of our salvation, then we are not looking to what GOD has already done. HE has provided through CHRIST the remedy for man's lost condition and eternal damnation. In JESUS CHRIST we have the free gift of eternal life.

     However, we must never assume because we are saved by grace apart from works that GOD condones a lack of "good works" in our life. No we must perform our duty as prescribed by the WORD. The same grace that brought about our salvation (v.11) also teaches us to live a fruitful, godly life that pleases our FATHER (v.12). Today's text lists several of our responsibilities to the LORD and reminds us that GOD's grace will enable us to perform these "good works." The LORD has abundantly provided for our salvation; let us also trust HIM for the grace necessary to live for HIS glory. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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