First:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself his own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).
Note the apostle’s argument: It is ‘the grace of God that brings salvation’ – not the law, but grace – which teaches believers to ‘live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age’. Paul told Titus to ‘speak these things’ (Tit. 2:15). This is the way to produce godliness, he said. Preach Christ! Remind believers that Christ accomplished their justification, and that this is inevitably connected to their sanctification. Stress this. Stress that it is all in Christ and through Christ! This is what the apostle demands of Titus. Christ himself is the sanctification of believers – its motive, means and measure: ‘Our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ... gave himself for us, that he might... purify for himself his own special people, zealous for good works’. Christ is not only ‘righteousness... and redemption’ for those who are in him. He is also their ‘sanctification’ (1 Cor. 1:30).30 The commencement, continuance and completion of sanctification is always ascribed to God’s grace in Christ. Spurgeon: |
