Titus2:11-14
INTRODUCTION
The Cathedrals quartet sings one of the greatest songs I have ever heard about the grace that saves a wretched sinner like myself:
He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs,
Amazing Grace shall always be my song of praise,
For it was grace that brought my liberty,
I do not know just why he cared to love me so
He looked beyond my faults and he saw my need
I shall forever lift my mines eyes to Calvary
To view the cross where Jesus died for me,
How marvelous the grace that caught my fallen soul
He looked beyond my faults and he saw my need.
I shall forever ever lift my eyes to Calvary
To view that Cross where Jesus died for me,
How marvelous Oh the grace that caught my fallen soul
He looked beyond my faults and saw my need. What a classic song about the grace of God.
If you are looking for the classic statement of the grace of God in the New Testament it is found in this passage. Grace – God’s Riches at Christ Expense.
ILLUSTRATION
It is said that, years ago, during a British Conference on comparative religions, experts from around the world gathered together and debated what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith. So, they began eliminating possibilities. Incarnation? No, other religions had different versions of God’s appearing in human form. Resurrection? No, again other religions had accounts of return from death.
The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the room. “What’s the ruckus about?” he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity’s unique contribution among world religions.
Lewis responded, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” After some discussion, the conferees had to agree. “The notion of God’s love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to be against every instinct of humanity.
The Buddhist 8-fold path, the Hindu doctrine of Karma, the Jewish Covenant, and the Muslim code of law, each of these offer a way to earn approval. Only Christianity dares to make God’s love unconditional.”
When it comes to the grace of God, it is, without question, one of the most unlimited, and sad to say, most unappreciated attributes of God Himself. It seems as if the longer that we are saved, the more familiar we become with grace; thus, the more careless, and callous toward it.
But, I submit unto you today, that Grace in God is God mercy pitying, God wisdom planning, God power preparing and God’s love providing.
Grace in Christ is saving grace suggested by Jesus, sanctifying grace suggested by Christ, sovereign grace implied by Lord, and satisfying grace by the little word our.
I. WHAT GRACE BROUGHT
- What did grace bring? Notice that only the grace of God brings salvation; the law did not do it and philosophy is unable to do it.