THE GRACE OF GOD

Titus 2:9-15 THE GRACE OF GOD

It was common for Christians to be slaves during the time of the writing of the book of Titus. Slavery was a common practice in the Roman Empire. The practice was neither condoned nor attacked by the apostle Paul. He did give advice as to how slaves who were Christians should conduct themselves, even though they were still slaves. He also gave advice in other scriptures to those who owned slaves on how to treat them. Some things are in place in every society and culture over which we have no control, but God, in His own way, has used others in times past to bring about change. The same may be true in our day, but that isn't our motivation for godly living as believers. In every situation in which God's people are found, examples are needed in daily living that adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. Christian employees are not to work in a slow, reluctant manner that implies one does not like the employer or working for him. Rather, we are to please those we work for, even if we may not be easily satisfied with the job we are expected to accomplish. As a matter of principle, we are to do our work "as unto the Lord."

When I have been given instructions by the ones I serve, I should not challenge, contradict, or oppose the work I have been given to do. Attitude has a lot to do with how people respond to us and our faith and worldview. It is not right for me to undermine the authority of my boss and refuse to do what he says unless it is illegal and/or contradictory to the word of God. "Purloining" is stealing the property of the one for whom I work. I might think I deserve to take some things because I am not being paid what I believe I am worth. However, it is not justifiable to take any equipment or material for my own use. Nor is it right for me to steal his time by coming in late, leaving early, or taking too long on my break time. To use his things at his cost for my own use is not allowed to me as a servant.

A trustworthy employee who never steals time or goods makes the "doctrine of God our Savior" appealing to those who are unbelievers. "Good fidelity" is a positive feature of a child of God in the workplace who can be trusted to do the work he or she has been given. I am not required as a Christian to lie or in some way do that which is dishonest in order to please the one for whom I work. "Good fidelity" indicates a righteous work is done in a faithful way both to man and before God. This practice is so that salvation and all that it means to be a Christian are attractive and are a desirable way to live. This attitude changes labor from a boring activity to a way we can further the Gospel. We reject all that is ungodly, whether in ourselves or our actions toward those around us. Instead, we take life seriously, live righteous, upright lives while we wait for our Lord to come.

This is all backed up by Paul giving, in one sentence, the Gospel. This paragraph is one of the most comprehensive statements of the Gospel we have in the Bible. A similar statement is given in chapter 3, verses 4 through 7. The past, the present, and the future involved in the Gospel are brought out in verses 11 through 14. The grace of God has been revealed to mankind beginning with the birth of Jesus, who "though He was rich, for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." In His life, He demonstrated the grace of God in His works of blessing toward undeserving people, and also in "the gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth." Then in His death, burial, and resurrection, God's saving grace became effective to us because "by grace are ye saved through faith." Salvation by grace is not limited, but there is a provision for "all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." Grace, as the motivation is manifested [v.11], instructs us [v.12], gives us the expectation of Christ's return [v.13], and tells us the purpose of Christ's redemption [v.14]. Then Titus' duty is restated in verse 15.

The grace of God trains us by not only giving us instructions when it is linked with truth, but also in disciplining us to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts." Ungodliness includes more than what we might do, but when one is not morally upright, and is a person who does not want God to interfere in their life. An ungodly person may live a life pleasing to people who think they are "good people," but is without God. "Worldly lusts" include all that is "not of the Father but of the world." That is a reference to "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." In contrast to that, grace enables and empowers us to conduct ourselves with self-restraint, which affects us personally; righteously, which affects how I interact with other people; and godly, as one who is able to live in fellowship with God. That grace principle is how a believer is to live in and before the world. The grace of God seen and practiced in the life of a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has a positive effect on those around us in the world. That grace has brought salvation and taught us about the past and present, but it also informs us as to the future when our "great God and Savior Jesus Christ" will come to earth and rule righteously in power and glory. The "blessed hope" is not some speculative wish we have, but is a positive reality that will take place in God's good time. There will be a time when there is "peace on earth, goodwill toward men." That is a fact, and an encouragement, and a motivation for godly conduct on our part. We anticipate the time when grace rules and our Lord Jesus Christ reigns. We will be saved from the presence of sin when our Lord appears, and He restores all that has been polluted by sin. In view of this, we teach, encourage, and correct others when needed.

IN ASCENSION: Jesus Christ Himself, being the chief cornerstone, Eph. 2:20.

The purpose of the redemptive work of Christ in this scripture is to rescue us from the power of sin in our lives and cleanse us from the polluting effects of sin. We should be characterized as "peculiar people," unusual people, with a passion for serving God with all our hearts by serving people. By "doing good to all men, especially those of the household of faith." The servant of God in training needs to listen to his instructor in order to learn the principles of grace-living and how to accomplish those things expected of him and then pass them on to others. The truth of God must be spoken clearly so there is no question as to what we say and what we mean. People have the right to be taught in a way suitable to them and in a way that is easily understood. To apply the truth of God to the circumstances in which people are found is the purpose of exhortation. There is no point in telling people how to keep their driveway clear of snow if they are living in the desert, and similarly, there is no point in challenging older people to get out and evangelize in a new place when they are physically incapable of doing that.

Give people positive truths that are applicable to them. There are times when a rebuke is needed when there are those who oppose the truth of God or challenge authority with unfounded accusations and only personal opinions. The word of God is the basis on which we conduct our lives and testimony as individuals and servants of God. The servant needs to be conscious of the fact that he is teaching and serving God's people in a way that cannot be despised or condemned. Our conduct personally and our public life should add weight and authority to what we say.