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
Most of us understand grace as something we receive.
And of course, that is true. The grace of God—His undeserved favor toward us through our faith in Jesus Christ—is the very foundation of our salvation. It is the most precious gift any of us will ever receive.
But look back at how Paul talks about grace in Titus 2.
He writes something really interesting.
He writes that the grace of God “teaches us.”
Not that grace just saved us. But that it actually continues to do work inside us!
Grace is active. Grace is at work. Grace is not a passive gift whose work is done the moment we receive it. Grace continues as a teacher.
And what does it teach?
Two things:
First, grace teaches us to say no. Specifically, “No to ungodliness and worldly passions.” The same grace that rescued us from sin is also the very power at work in us that helps us resist it.
We don’t say no to sin in our own strength. We say no because grace is teaching us how.
Second, grace teaches us to say yes. To “live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” Grace doesn’t just keep us from the wrong things, it moves us toward the right ones.
This is the full work of God’s grace in our lives. It is so much bigger than we often think.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace. Thank You that it saved me. And thank You that it continues to be at work in me. May I appreciate it more and more each day. Amen.