Grace, A Teacher

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

When it comes to grace, I can’t think of a more grand expression of it than found in Paul’s letter to his friend Titus. Paul wrote, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” That’s good news; there is no better news than that!

Grace “appeared.” At one time, it was invisible and unavailable. Now, it is in full view. Furthermore, when it appeared, it wasn’t merely for the benefit of a few, but for everyone. It’s what Paul called “the power of God for salvation,” in his letter to the Roman Christ followers [1:16]. 

When some Christ followers hear the words, “the power of God,” they think of instant transformation and easy accomplishment. That’s why they are disappointed when they encounter painful experiences in their grace walk. But we must never forget that grace is a teacher, one that has a very specific set of instructions. Paul mentioned them to his friend Titus: “to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.”

That’s the lesson plan of the teacher, grace. We learn to say no to sin and the things of this world. We learn to live holy lives. We learn sensible ways to display our holy living to the world. And, yes, even in a culture that seems unreceptive. 

Learning doesn’t come magically, it is a process much like the time we spend in school. And even though it takes time and effort, the progress we make is also a tribute to God’s grace.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12