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THE TWO ABILITIES OF GRACE
Titus
2:11-12
Victor M.
Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
The more one studies the Bible, the more familiar he becomes
with numerous texts.
B.
Over the course of time, one begins to group different texts
together by subject.
C.
There are several marvelous passages that focus upon the
grace of God (Rom. 3:20-26; Eph. 2:1-16; Titus 3:3-7).
D.
Titus 2:11-12 is another passage that revolves around the
grace of God.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared
unto all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
E.
We
want to focus upon the subject of grace in this text. We will find that
grace has two wonderful abilities that greatly benefit man.
I.
THE DEFINITION OF GRACE
A.
For the grace… (Tit. 2:11).
B.
Word study (5485):
1.
Strong: graciousness, of manner of act
2.
Thayer: grace, good will, loving-kindness, favour
3.
Webster defines “favor” as “help, assistance, effort in
one’s behalf or interest.”
C.
Grace involves someone acting in behalf of humanity’s best
interest.
1.
When Adam and Eve sinned in
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
2.
At
that point, man was lost and helpless. He could not save himself.
3.
Favor, grace was needed. It was God’s grace that was forthcoming.
a.
Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and
sins.
b.
Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith
he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with
Christ, (by grace ye are saved).
II. THE
DEPOSITORY OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God…
(Tit. 1:11).
B.
Grace begins and ends with God.
1.
Grace originates and emanates from God.
2.
Peter refers to God as the
God of all grace (I Pet. 5:10).
C. Man has
always tried to find grace, help, and assistance in places other than God.
1. The
Jews sought it in idols and in the surrounding nations.
2. Men
today seek it in themselves, in knowledge and science, or in nature.
3.
Others try to find it in human religious leaders.
4.
Still others seek it in man-made doctrines, creeds, and rituals.
D.
They seek grace in all the wrong places and will never find
it. God is the
lone depository of grace (Heb. 4:16).
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
III. THE
DELIVERY OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God that
bringeth salvation… (Tit. 1:11).
B.
Grace brings salvation (4992).
1.
Words associated with salvation are rescue, save, and deliver.
2. Lost
mankind is held hostage by Satan, sin, the world, death, the fear of death, and
wrath to come.
3.
God’s grace came to rescue and deliver man from these things.
a.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from
this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.
b.
Hebrews 2:14-15
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and
blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death me
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver
them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
c.
Romans 5:8-9
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his
blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
C.
God brought this salvation in Jesus Christ.
1.
John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the
world; but that the world through him might be saved.
2.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
3.
This salvation can only be obtained by being “in Christ” (II
Tim. 2:10).
Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that
they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal
glory.
IV. THE DISPLAY OF
GRACE
A.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared
unto all men (Tit. 1:11).
B.
God manifested His grace to all men.
1.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten
Son… (John 3:16).
2.
God will have
all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (I Tim.
2:4).
3.
Jesus was to be the propitiation for the sins of the world (I John 2:2).
C.
This was not what the Jews believed.
1.
They believed they were the chosen of God. They believed that
only they would be saved.
2.
This belief was completely annihilated at the conversion of
Cornelius (Acts 15:7-9).
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and
said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made
choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the
gospel, and believe.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bear them witness, giving them the
Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us, and put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith.
D.
Some do not understand that God’s grace is for all
today. One
doctrine that demonstrates this is the doctrine of predestination as taught by
the Presbyterian Church.
1.
The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in the
United States;
Chapter III:
“Of God’s Elect Decrees.”
III. By the
decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are
predestined unto everlasting life, and other fore-ordained to everlasting
death.
IV. These
angels and men, thus predestinated are fore-ordained, are particularly and
unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and definite that it
cannot be either increased or diminished (pp. 25-26).
2.
If
men and women are predestined to hell, then grace has not and cannot appear to
all. Yet, Paul
said that God’s grace has appeared unto all men.
3.
It
is a matter of choice.
a. We
noted earlier that grace is found “in Christ” (II Tim. 2:10L
b. One
gets into Christ by being baptized into Christ (
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death?
c.
God’s grace is readily available for all men in Christ. You either choose to
be in Christ or not.
V. THE
DOCTRINE OF GOD’S GRACE
A.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared
unto all men, teaching us that… (Tit. 2:11-12).
B.
God’s grace not only saves man, but it also instructs him
after salvation.
1.
God’s grace teaches us to deny certain things, namely,
“ungodliness and worldly lusts.”
2.
God’s grace also instructs us in the positives; namely,
living “soberly, righteously, and godly” in this present world.”
C.
This teaching is contained in the New Testament of Jesus
Christ.
1.
II
Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:
that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works.
2.
Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I command you to God, and to the word of
his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among
all them that are sanctified.
CONCLUSION
A.
The grace of God is not some type of “feel good” element of
religion.
B.
It
is the tangible help and assistance of God given unto mankind.
1.
It
can save him from his sins.
2.
It
teaches him how to live acceptably to God in this present world.
C.
Thanks be unto God that “His Grace Reaches Me.”
THE TWO ABILITIES OF GRACE
Titus 2:11-12
Victor M. Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
The more one studies the Bible, the more familiar he becomes with
numerous texts.
B.
Over the course of time, one begins to group different texts together by
subject.
C.
There are several marvelous passages that focus upon the grace of God
(Rom. 3:20-26; Eph. 2:1-16; Titus 3:3-7).
D.
Titus 2:11-12 is another passage that revolves around the grace of
God.
E.
We will examine this text and note “The Two Abilities of Grace.”
I.
THE DEFINITION OF GRACE
A.
For the grace… (Tit. 2:11).
B.
Word study (5485):
1.
Strong: graciousness, of manner of act
2.
Thayer: grace, good will, loving-kindness, favour
3.
Webster defines “favor” as “help, assistance, effort in
one’s behalf or interest.”
C.
Grace involves someone acting in behalf of humanity’s best interest.
1.
When Adam and Eve sinned in
2.
At that point, man was lost and helpless. He could not save himself.
3.
Favor, grace was needed. It was God’s grace that was forthcoming (Eph.
2:1, 4-5).
II.
THE DEPOSITORY OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God… (Tit. 1:11).
B.
Grace begins and ends with God.
1.
Grace originates and emanates from God.
2.
Peter refers to God as the God of all grace (I Pet. 5:10).
C.
Man has always tried to find grace, help, and assistance in places other
than God.
1.
The Jews sought it in idols and in the surrounding nations.
2.
Men today seek it in themselves, in knowledge and science, or in
nature.
3.
Others try to find it in human religious leaders.
4.
Still others seek it in man-made doctrines, creeds, and rituals.
D.
They seek grace in all the wrong places and will never find it. God is the lone
depository of grace (Heb. 4:16).
III.
THE DELIVERY OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation… (Tit. 1:11).
B.
Grace brings salvation (4992).
1.
Words associated with salvation are rescue, save, and deliver.
2.
Lost mankind is held hostage by Satan, sin, the world, death, the fear of
death, and wrath to come.
3.
God’s grace came to rescue and deliver man from these things (Gal. 1:4;
Heb. 2:14-15;
This salvation can only be obtained by being “in Christ” (II
Tim. 2:10).
IV.
THE DISPLAY OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men
(Tit. 1:11).
B.
God manifested His grace to all men.
1.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son… (John
3:16).
2.
God wants all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the
truth (I Tim. 2:4).
3.
Jesus was to be the propitiation for the sins of the world (I John
2:2).
C.
This was not what the Jews believed.
1.
They believed they were the chosen of God; they believed only they would
be saved.
2.
This belief was completely annihilated at the conversion of Cornelius
(Acts 15:7-9).
D.
Some do not understand that God’s grace is for all today. One doctrine that
demonstrates this is the doctrine of predestination as taught by the
Presbyterian Church.
1.
The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church
in the
III.
By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and
angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and other fore-ordained to
everlasting death.
IV.
These angels and man, thus predestinated are fore-ordained, are
particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and
definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished (pp. 25-26).
2.
If men and women are predestined to hell, then grace has not and cannot
appear to all.
Yet, Paul said that God’s grace has appeared unto all men.
3.
It is a matter of choice.
a.
We noted earlier that grace is found “in Christ” (II Tim. 2:10).
b.
One gets into Christ by being baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal.
3:27).
c.
God’s grace is readily available for all men in Christ. You either choose to
be in Christ or not.
V.
THE DOCTRINE OF GOD’S GRACE
A.
God’s grace not only saves man, but it also instructs him after
salvation.
1.
God’s grace teaches us to deny certain things, namely, “ungodliness and
worldly lusts.”
2.
God’s grace also instructs us in the positives; namely, living “soberly,
righteously, and godly.”
B.
This teaching is contained in the New Testament of Jesus Christ (II Tim.
3:16-17; Acts 20:32).
CONCLUSION
A.
The grace of God is not some type of “feel good” element of religion.
B.
It is the tangible help and assistance of God given unto mankind.
1.
It can save him from his sins.
2.
It teaches him how to live acceptably to God in this present world.
C.
Thanks be unto God that “His Grace Reaches Me.”
THE TWO ABILITIES OF GRACE
Titus 2:11-12
Victor M. Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
The more one studies the Bible, the more ____________________ he becomes
with numerous texts.
B.
Over the course of time, one begins to group different texts together by
_____________________.
C.
There are several marvelous passages that focus upon the grace of God
(Rom. 3:20-26; Eph. 2:1-16; Titus 3:3-7).
D.
Titus 2:11-12 is another passage that revolves around the
grace of God.
E.
We
will examine this text and note “The Two ____________________ of
Grace.”
I.
THE ___________________________ OF GRACE
A.
For the grace… (Tit. 2:11).
B.
Word study (5485):
1.
Strong:
graciousness, of manner of act
2.
Thayer:
grace, good will, loving-kindness, ______________________
3.
Webster defines “favor” as “help, assistance, effort in one’s
___________________ or ______________.”
C.
Grace involves someone acting in behalf of humanity’s best interest.
1.
When Adam and Eve sinned in
2.
At that point, man was lost and helpless. He could _____________ save himself.
3.
Favor, grace was needed. It was _________________ grace that was
forthcoming (Eph. 2:1, 4-5).
II.
THE ___________________________ OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God… (Tit. 1:11).
B.
Grace ________________ and ___________________ with God.
1.
Grace originates and emanates from God.
2.
Peter refers to God as the God of ______________ grace (I Pet. 5:10).
C.
Man has always tried to find grace, help, and assistance in places other
than God.
1.
The Jews sought it in ________________ and in the surrounding
nations.
2.
Men today seek it in themselves, in knowledge and ______________________,
or in nature.
3.
Others try to find it in human religious ___________________.
4.
Still others seek it in _____________-_______________ doctrines, creeds,
and rituals.
D.
They seek grace in all the wrong places and will never find it. God is the
___________ depository of grace (Heb. 4:16).
III.
THE _______________________ OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation… (Tit. 1:11).
B.
Grace brings salvation (4992).
1.
Words associated with salvation are rescue, ____________, and
__________________.
2.
Lost mankind is held _______________ by Satan, sin, the world, death, the
fear of death, and wrath to come.
3.
God’s grace come to rescue and deliver man from these things (Gal. 1:4;
Heb. 2:14-15;
C.
God brought this salvation in ________________
_____________________.
1.
John 3:17; Acts 4:12
2.
This salvation can only be obtained by being “___________ Christ” (II
Tim. 2:10).
IV.
THE ________________________ OF GRACE
A.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men
(Tit. 1:11).
B.
God manifested His grace to all men.
1.
For God so loved the ______________ that he gave his only begotten Son…
(John 3:16).
2.
God wants ____________ men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of
the truth (I Tim. 2:4).
3.
Jesus was to be the propitiation for the sins of the ____________________
(I John 2:2).
C.
This was not what the Jews believed.
1.
They believed they were the ___________________ of God; they believed
only they would be saved.
2.
This belief was completely annihilated at the conversion of
_______________________ (Acts 15:7-9).
D.
Some do not understand that God’s grace is for all today. One doctrine that
demonstrates this is the doctrine of predestination as taught by the
Presbyterian Church.
1.
The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church
in the
III.
By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and
angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and other fore-ordained to
everlasting death.
IV.
These angels and man, thus predestinated are fore-ordained, are
particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and
definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished (pp. 25-26).
2.
If men and women are predestined to hell, then grace has not and cannot
appear to all.
Yet, Paul said that God’s grace has appeared unto all men.
3.
It is a matter of _____________________.
a.
We noted earlier that grace is found “in Christ” (II Tim. 2:10).
b.
One gets into Christ by being ____________________ into Christ (Rom. 6:3;
Gal. 3:27).
c.
God’s grace is readily available for all men in Christ. You either choose to
be in Christ or not.
V.
THE _____________________ OF GOD’S GRACE
A.
God’s grace not only saves man, but it also ______________________ him
after salvation.
1.
God’s grace teaches us to ____________ certain things, namely,
“ungodliness and worldly lusts.”
2.
God’s grace also instructs us in the positives; namely, living “soberly,
righteously, and godly.”
B.
This teaching is contained in the ____________ _________________ of
Jesus Christ (II Tim. 3:16-17; Acts 20:32).
CONCLUSION
A.
The grace of God is not some type of “_______________ good” element of
religion.
B.
It is the ________________ help and assistance of God given unto
mankind. It
saves him and teaches him how to live.
C.
Thanks be unto God that “His Grace _____________________ Me.”
