Daily Devotion|Day 258
“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 this present age” (Titus 2:11-12, NKJV).
The grace of God is teacher. It is the love and power of God in us enabling us to live lives worthy of our calling (see Ephesians 4:1). Grace is for our life here on this earth. God wants us to reign over sin, the world and temptation (see Romans 5:17). And He has not left us helpless. Grace supplies everything we need to be conformed to the image of the Son of God.
In today’s Bible passage, Paul tells us that the grace of God has appeared to all people. This means grace is available to all. God has not kept His mercies in Christ a secret. Grace has been revealed for the salvation of all who will obey (see Hebrews 5:8-9).
According to the passage, grace teaches us two things. Firstly, the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodly and world lusts. The Christian life is about saying ‘Yes’ to righteousness and saying ‘No’ to sin and unrighteousness. God has always been a God of grace. He didn’t suddenly become a God of grace when Jesus came into the world. From the beginning of human life, it has been God’s character to teach his children to deny ungodliness and sinful lusts which can lead us to separation from God and eternal perdition (see Isaiah 59:1-2).
God’s plan has always been for His children to rule over sin.
God taught Adam and Eve to deny sinful lusts. When Cain was tempted to harm his brother, Abel, God revealed Himself to Him and taught Him to say ‘No’ to the temptation. That was the grace of God at work. He warned him, “And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7).
Secondly, grace teaches us how to live: soberly, righteously and godly. Grace is not only about what we are against. It is also about what we stand for: righteousness and holiness. Grace teaches us to be spiritually vigilant. It teaches us practical ways of living right with God and neighbor. It teaches us to walk with God, and like God (see Genesis 17:1). God is holy and righteous. If we want to walk with Him, we cannot walk in sin.
The only acceptable life of the believer is a life of holiness, godliness and righteousness.
We are saints called and set apart to live for God’s glory. As the passage tells us, we are to live saintly, godly and righteous life in this present age, not when we get to heaven.The grace of God has appeared to you. Grace refers to everything God has revealed in Christ Jesus for our salvation (for this present life and the world to come when Christ returns).
Let grace find a home in you. The grace of God wants to teach you. Be a disciple of grace and you will bear fruit of holiness, righteousness and godliness.
Blessing: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today. Amen.
For further study: Ephesians 4:11-32
Higher-Self Realities 