I can think of fewer Biblical topics that have been perverted in pulpits across the world more than the topic of grace. This sad reality has caused many among us to refuse to discuss it for fear of being perceived in a theologically liberal light. However, while it has been misused and abused it is still a Biblical subject that needs to be addressed both to aggressively counteract the confusion that exists as well as to encourage folks to receive it in obedience. Today’s sermon starter deals with God’s grace and how we can enjoy its benefits to the fullest in our lives.
Title: A Lesson of Grace
Text: Titus 2:11-13
Main Point: Sin implies guilt and since we have all sinned we all hold guilt before God – however, that does not mean we must automatically suffer the consequences of our guilt. Jesus has already paid the price for our freedom. That is grace – the reality that God has blessed us with the opportunity to be redeemed while we did not and could not do anything that would make us deserve it. But at the same time, while grace is a wonderful blessing, it is also something that we must learn to obtain which is exactly what Paul does in our text – thus grace’s three-fold lesson:
Discussion Points:
- Grace Demands a Leaving – Forsaking things is often a topic we preach against in our pulpits (the assembly, etc.) – but from the outset Paul assures us that to obtain grace there is something we must forsake (Titus 2:11-12). Grace’s first lesson is that in order to obtain the fullness of its blessing we must forsake all things unrighteous. Two things in particular are mentioned as the objects or our forsaking: (1) Ungodliness – wickedness or a lack of devotion, and (2) worldly lusts – mundane longings or desires. Doesn’t it make sense that of all things in the world we should leave those things of the world (1 John 1:5-7)? God is holy and unholiness cannot dwell in His presence. Thus, if we want to be partakers of His grace and dwell in His presence we must purge our lives of unrighteousness.
- Grace Demands a Living – Its not just enough to give something up – we must at the same time commit ourselves to something. Titus 2:12b – “we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world…” So while leaving ungodliness we must cleave to righteousness. This is the very concept of repentance defined. Many have the assumption that “as long as I live a good moral life and not really do anything wrong I’ll be alright.” However, repentance as a prerequisite for true conversion is much more than a “good moral life” (Matthew 21:28-31a). In order to accomplish that end three pursuits are specifically mentioned by Paul: (1) soberly – with sound mind, (2) righteously – equitably and with justification, and (3) godly – piously and with devotion. These attributes are mentioned as an exact contrast to the ungodliness and worldly lust that must be denied. Thus, if I’m going to be a partaker of God’s grace I must not just commit to being against things, at some point I must be for something.
- Grace Demands a Looking – Ultimately having left ungodliness and living for righteousness a person gains vision– a vision of what is to come (Titus 2:13). Grace allows for a vision of heavenly splendor – the ability to look forward with anticipation to the glories that await. Such vision allows certain aspects of life: it motivates (Philippians 1:20-21), (2) it armors (Ephesians 2:13,17); and (3) it embraces (2 Timothy 4:6-8). It is by God’s grace that we can be like righteous Abraham of old and “look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).
What a marvelous lesson grace provides in giving us vision toward eternity! Grace is a marvelous gift, but one that must be received in obedience. Let’s endeavor to in the future paint a truly Biblical picture of what grace really is so that we can help to deliver our world from mass confusion on such a vital topic!