Transforming Grace
Have you ever had an experience that changed your life? When you have experienced something that is truly life altering, it changes the way you see the world and the way you live your life. You are able to identify a definite point of demarcation that separates “before” and “after” the event that transformed you. In Titus 1:1-3; 2:11-15, Paul instructs Titus, his son in the ministry, regarding what he is to focus on in his Pastoral teaching at the church in Crete. Paul tells Titus to teach about the power of God’s grace that not only offers salvation to everyone, but evokes a lasting response in believers that transforms their lives. I pray that the power of God’s saving grace will continue to transform you to live a life that is more and more Christ-like and pleasing to God. Amen
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness — in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, (Titus 1:1-3) Paul identified himself in this letter to Titus as a preacher, a servant of God and an apostle of Christ who has been entrusted with the truth of God’s promise of eternal life with the purpose of furthering the faith of God’s elect. Paul’s ministry was focused both on salvation and sanctification (living a godly life). Titus was one of the young men that Paul was training to be a Pastor. Paul considered Titus to be one of his sons in the ministry.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14) God’s grace, through Christ, has come (appeared) and offers salvation to everyone. God’s grace also calls all those who are saved to live sanctified (upright and godly) lives. There is constant temptation in this world for those who have been saved. But we who are saved by God’s grace must say “No” to worldly desires by exercising self-control in our daily living. We are to live lives that are godly, being purified (removing sin from our lives) in our daily walk, even as we await Jesus’ return. As followers of Christ, whom He has redeemed (bought back from slavery to sin at a price), we should be eager to follow His example and do what is good.
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. (Titus 2:15) Paul ends this part of his letter by telling Titus to teach these things to God’s people, in his capacity as a Pastor. In summary, Titus is to teach that godly living is expected of those who have truly been redeemed at the high price of Christ’s life and saved by God’s grace. He was to teach these things with all authority, both encouraging and rebuking God’s people wherever necessary.
Throughout the 2nd chapter of Paul’s letter to Titus, he instructed Titus on what his teaching to various groups within the church should entail. In verses 11-15, Paul’s instruction turns to the saving and sanctifying power of God’s grace. God’s grace is offered to us so that we might receive the free gift of salvation. (Note, we do not obtain grace by our own power). Not only do we receive salvation by grace, but grace calls us to live changed lives. When we receive God’s grace, it changes us so that we say no to the lusts of the world and embrace godly lives. We are purified (ridding ourselves of sin) and become more like Christ in our daily living, which prepares us for His eventual return. We often associate God’s grace with our salvation…. But Paul instructs us that God’s grace that saves us, also transforms us in our daily living. God’s grace transforms us so that we are not what we used to be, and we are becoming what God wants us to be. Thank God for His transforming grace!
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
