Titus 2:11-14–A Grace Fueled Journey

In Perry Hall’s book “Grace Does That?” he relates a neat story about Charles Bradlaugh and Hugh Price Hughes.

Bradlaugh was the most prominent atheist in 19th century Britain. On one occasion he challenged the evangelist Hughes to a debate on the validity of Christianity.

Hughes, who worked in the poor slums of London, agreed, but on one condition. “I propose to you that we each bring some concrete evidences of the validity of our beliefs in the form of men and women who have been redeemed from the lives of sin and shame by the influence of our teaching. I will bring 100 such men and women, and I challenge you to do the same.”

The debate never occurred. A chagrined Bradlaugh withdrew. Hughes’ point was proven in dramatic fashion.

This story illustrates the transforming power of Truth and the impact of a grace fueled journey on our lives. In today’s text the apostle Paul expressed it vividly in this familiar passage.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

The topic of grace is one about which much is written today. Sadly, there’s too much speculation, conjecture, and even outright misinformation regarding this grace Bible topic. Here are three simple points to ponder from this passage that speak to the greatness of God’s grace.

#1 Redemption

It ought to be obvious that man cannot save himself. Neither can we by our own ingenuity devise the means and method of redemption. Nor did we discover it by our intellect. God revealed the means of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the incarnation and epitome of grace and truth (Jn. 1:14). Paul affirmed that “Christ gave Himself for us that he might redeem us.” Peter penned that Jesus “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24).
No one can boast that they deserved or have earned their salvation. Indeed, it is ” In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7).

God’s gracious means of redemption through Jesus Christ and bought us and brought us back into a relationship with Him.

#2 Reformation

Grace that redeems transforms. Teaches. Changes. Corrects. Molds. And challenges us to a higher and nobler plane of living.

We are no more slaves of sin, but servants of righteousness. And bond servants of Jesus Christ. Born anew. And created for holy and godly living.

Warren Wiersbe expressed it this way. “Salvation is not only a change in position (set free from the slavery of sin), but it is also a change in attitude, appetite, ambition, and action. The same grace that redeems us also reforms our lives and makes us godly.”

Grace raises us up from the putridity of sin. Cleanses us from its filthy. And conforms us into the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29).

#3 Reward

Grace not only reaches back to Christ’s sacrifice which cleanses us of past sins, and presently teaches us about godly living, but it offers a glorious promise for the future. Of a brighter day. Of a better home. Of a blessed hope.

Can there be any greater motivation to live “soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world,” than knowing heaven can be our eternal home?

We are God’s special people. His purchased possession. The expression and culmination of His eternal purpose in Christ. He wants not only to redeem us and reform us, but to reward us.

Jesus promised “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn. 14:3).

Redemption. Reformation. Reward. Thank God for His amazing grace!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman