The Gospel of God’s Grace Titus 2:11-15
Introduction Grace –Misunderstood subject –Agree on the need for grace –Differ over “how” grace is given
Introduction Gospel –Saturated with bad news –This is good news
Definition of Gospel Greek word euangelion –“Originally denoted a reward for good tidings; later, the idea of reward was dropped, and the word stood for the good news itself” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary) –That’s why we want to hear it
Greek word “charis” –“On the part of the bestower, the friendly disposition from which the kindly act proceeds, graciousness, loving kindness, goodwill generally” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary) –God grants it as an act of His will
Saved By Grace Due to our unworthiness –Do not deserve salvation (Romans 3:23; 6:23) –Not reckoned as a debt to us (Romans 4:4, 14) –Still be undeserved if we obeyed it all (Luke 17:10)
Saved By Grace Planned to save on His timetable –In His mind before creation (2 Timothy 1:9) –Died for man while in sin (John 1:17; Romans 5:8, 9) –Demonstration of His love and grace (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:7, 8)
Saved By Grace Available to all mankind –Error set forth by John Calvin –God desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) –Does not want anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9)
Saved By Grace Grace received conditionally –Jesus obeyed (Hebrews 5:8, 9) –Not saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9) –Must yield to Him (Romans 6:16-18)
Taught By Grace Learn how to live now –Deny ungodliness (Romans 6:16-23; 1 John 2:15-17) –Live soberly, showing self-restraint (James 1:13-15; 1 Peter 5:8) –Righteously before others (Titus 3:2) –Godly before God (Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:3)
Taught By Grace Looking forward to the future –The appearance of Christ (Titus 2:13) –Final judgment (Acts 17:20; 2 Corinthians 5:10) –Heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:7; 1 John 2:24, 25) –Abundant entrance into heaven (2 Peter 1:10, 11)
Taught By Grace Redeemed for a purpose –Zealous people belonging to God (Titus 2:14) –Engaged in good works (Titus 3:8)
Kept By Grace Calvinistic concept of perseverance –The “P” of “Tulip”
“Tulip Doctrine” T- total depravity (born in sin) U- unconditional election L- limited atonement I- irresistible grace P- perseverance of the saints (once saved always saved)
Kept By Grace Calvinistic concept of perseverance –The “P” of “Tulip” –Brethren’s concept of continuous cleansing is a step in that direction
Kept By Grace Kept by God conditionally –Active faith (1 Peter 1:3-5) –Drawing near to God’s throne (Hebrews 4:15, 16; James 4:8) –Possible for a Christian to be lost (Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 2:20-22)
Kept By Grace Cleansing power of the blood –Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:22) –Forgiven when we accept God’s terms (James 5:16; 1 John 1:7, 9) –Walk after the spirit, not the flesh (Romans 8:1, 4)
Conclusion Accepted or rejected God’s grace (Acts 13:46) Want to be saved? Need to be restored?