For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our 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 lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14 ESV
Aren’t you glad that Jesus was willing to give Himself to purchase our salvation? Me, too! Notice, however, that the grace of God not only saves us, but it trains us in how to live. The word translated “training” used here is not like a class lecture. It’s more like a parent directing and correcting children. It can also be translated as teach, instruct, and chasten. Notice what God is training us to do:
- Say “no” to ungodliness and the passions of this world.
- Live a self-controlled life, not being carried away by the desires of the flesh.
- Live an upright life, treating others with justice, honesty, and respect.
- Live a life of godliness, actively honoring God in our daily affairs.
- Live each day in anticipation of the appearance of the Lord.
Thank God, Jesus came to earth to redeem us. He was the personification of grace, and He provided salvation for all people. He did all this to redeem us from being slaves to lawlessness, that sickening rebellion that controls the hearts of fallen men. He wanted to purify a people for Himself who would have a passion for doing good things for others. We are that people.
Today, as we head to the gathering of the saints, let’s go with a heart ready to be trained. Let’s make it our desire to become the kind of people that Jesus had in mind when He went to Calvary. Let grace change you today.
pastorvirgil.com 