Living a Grace-Filled Life
Over the years, I’ve received many gifts, whether the occasion was my birthday, Christmas, or a celebratory moment such as college graduation. Yet, as much of a blessing as it was to receive these gifts, the ones that stood out the most were those I felt undeserving to receive. At times, the gift came as forgiveness for a wrong committed on my part. Another time, the gift was a second chance to pursue a desired vocation when I thought my chances were all but gone. Still, others were financial, such as help with school debt or an upcoming bill.
Whether the gift came in the form of forgiveness or something more tangible like financial assistance, they all were given without any thought of my deserving them. Upon receiving these gifts, I couldn’t help but feel humbled and grateful for the kindness of such generous people. Not only was my heart warmed by their kindness, but the gratitude I felt towards them prompted me to extend that same kindness and generosity toward others. The same is true about the undeserved gift of God’s grace we’ve received in Christ Jesus. So what is the proper response to such a loving gift from our heavenly Father? Let’s take a look at Paul’s words to his co-worker Titus:
Titus 2:11-13 “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...”
As redeemed people, God expects us to turn from sinful behaviors and pursue godliness in every area of our lives. But why? What’s the rationale for advocating such a pursuit? Well, it’s God’s plan for our lives! Through faith in Christ, we have become worthy recipients of God’s gift of grace, a gift we didn’t deserve and could never earn on our own. When we experience God’s grace in this way, should it not fill us with gratitude toward God and motivate us to pursue a life that honors him? Given that Jesus has given us new life in the Spirit, should we not demonstrate our love for him by walking in obedience to his commands? That’s Paul’s message to Titus, and it’s the message for us today!
Our New Life Has an Origin (2:11)
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
What is the source of our new life in the Spirit? It’s the grace of Christ! But what exactly does Paul mean in 2:11 about God’s grace “appearing.” In the original language, the word “appeared” comes from the Greek word for “epiphany.” It was a word used about a divine manifestation of a god in the ancient world. Paul, however, used this word to show that God’s grace had appeared in the coming of the Messiah (Titus 3:4). In other words, Jesus’ entrance onto the world stage was the ultimate manifestation of God’s grace!
But why did God’s grace appear in Jesus? To bring salvation! The primary purpose of grace is to save. Jesus came to save us from the penalty and power of sin. He alone is the source of our salvation and, thereby, our new life! But why does this matter? Well, whatever we place our hope in will directly affect how we think and live. If our hope is rooted in the saving grace of Christ, then our lives will reflect godly living.
Contrary to Christ as our source of hope, the world places the “self” as the source. It says that our hope for success and happiness lies ultimately within ourselves. It says our true worth lies in our career, abilities, social status, wealth, looks, or reputation. While these things may be enjoyable and helpful for a time, they are only temporal and will eventually bring disappointment. Christ, however, offers you something far more significant – Himself! By placing him as the source of your hope, you gain forgiveness, true worth, purpose, peace, daughterhood, heavenly citizenship, and eternal life!
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Our New Life Has an Objective (2:12)
“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…”
Why should our lives differ after receiving God’s saving grace? Verse 12 provides the answer. Christ appeared not just to bring salvation but to teach us how to live a new life. As recipients of grace, we’ve entered into a lifelong journey of being trained by grace to walk in holiness. God’s grace has two objectives: teaching us to deny our old sinful life and embracing a new life of obedience.
But what exactly are we denying? It’s the way of the world. Ungodliness and worldly passions are two words Paul used to describe this way. Even though we have received salvation, we still struggle with sinful impulses and temptations. Ask yourself, “What forms of ungodliness characterized your life before you came to faith?” Is there a noticeable change? If not, are worldly passions and sinful impulses still lingering in your heart that need to be acknowledged?” As Christians, we must make a conscious choice and effort to abandon any remnant of our old lifestyle.
Our new life, however, must be characterized by a different set of virtues - uprightness, self-control, and godliness. These three words paint us a picture of authentic Christian living. Formerly the world’s values had shaped our life, but now a new set of values must define how we live. In what ways have you learned self-control? How are you modeling an upright and godly life to those around you? Remember, it’s not your strength that determines your success in godly living. Instead, it’s your reliance on the enabling power of the Holy Spirit as he leads, corrects, and encourages you in your walk.
The point here is to show us the inseparable connection between what we believe and how we behave as Christians. Even though our good behavior doesn’t earn God’s favor, it does display the actual substance of our hearts. Godly behavior shows gratitude towards God and his gift of grace. Remember, God has a purpose for your new life in Christ! His ultimate desire is to free you from the captivity of sin and transform you into the image of his Son by the power of his Holy Spirit.
Our New Life Has a Destination (2:13)
“…while we wait for the blessed hope-- the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...”
A vital characteristic of our new grace-filled life is looking forward to the climax of our redemption in Christ’s return. To look forward means acknowledging that our hope is ultimately beyond this world. What began with Christ, our salvation, and our new way of life will be brought to completion only with his return. In other words, godly living requires keeping an eternal perspective. It means remaining focused on Jesus and knowing that the world's promises will never bring fulfillment.
But how does an eternal perspective motivate us toward doing good? First, keeping our eyes on Jesus reminds us that this present fallen world isn’t all there is. Soon we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new heaven and earth. Our eternal home will be where sin will no longer cause pain, sorrow, or guilt. Instead, we’ll have resurrected bodies living in a restored creation.
So often, we struggle to keep a heavenly focus. As a result, we find ourselves sidetracked by temptations and stressed by life. But keeping our eyes on the promises of Jesus will encourage us to persevere through tough times. His grace will fuel our faith and strengthen us when life becomes overwhelming. Therefore, let this hope drive you to live a life of love and godliness that points people to Jesus.
Take as a whole, let your gratitude for God’s grace be seen in how you live! If left to our ways, we would never be able to earn a right standing with our heavenly Father. The good news, however, is that God has revealed himself to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It’s by God’s grace that salvation has come to us! But there’s more! Jesus has gone beyond just saving us from our former way of life. Instead, he has redeemed us by his blood so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God and that others may be won to Christ by our godly behavior.
Therefore, you have a divine calling wherever you find yourself today. Whether at your job, church, or home, God has good works for you to perform. So, let that motivate you to live out your new life this week as God’s beloved daughters. Remember, the grace of God is at work in your hearts and through your actions always!