Four Facets of God’s Redemptive Grace: Salvation from the Power of Sin
By Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.
Sermon Delivered September 3, 2006
Introduction
In the book of Titus, Paul writes about the grace of God that brings salvation, teaching us to live holy lives in a world full of temptation. Today, we focus on the second facet of God's redemptive grace: Salvation from the Power of Sin.
Titus 2:11-14 (KJV)
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
What is Grace?
Before diving into today’s focus, let’s briefly review the definition of grace. Saving Grace is the unmerited eternal salvation of God, a gift freely given to the believing sinner through the atonement of Jesus Christ. It is by grace that we are saved, not by anything we do, but by the work of Christ on the cross.
Salvation From The Power of Sin
In our previous discussion, we explored how salvation from the penalty of sin is a fundamental aspect of grace. Today, we turn our attention to salvation from the power of sin.
Titus 2:12 states:
"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."
This verse highlights how the grace of God doesn’t only change our eternal standing but also empowers us to break free from the power of sin in our daily lives.
The Power of Grace
In the hymn “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing,” Charles Wesley wrote, “He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free.” These words capture the essence of the second facet of grace: God’s grace breaks the power of sin in the believer’s life.
When a person trusts Christ as Savior, a profound transformation takes place:
- A New Nature: The believer is given a new nature, one that desires to live in a way that honors God.
- The Holy Spirit’s Presence: Upon salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, guiding them to live according to God’s will.
As Dr. David Sorensen wisely points out, grace does not give us a license to sin. Instead, grace teaches us to live according to God’s righteous standards, rejecting sin and worldly desires.
Understanding Grace’s Instruction
In Titus 2:12, the word "teaching" (Greek: paideuousa) means to instruct. God’s grace teaches us to live holy lives that glorify Him. This teaching has two main aspects:
The Negative Aspect: Denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts
Grace instructs believers to say no to ungodliness and worldly lusts. The Greek word for "denying" (arnēsamenoi) emphasizes a deliberate, conscious decision to abandon sinful behaviors.
- Ungodliness: This refers to anything contrary to God’s commands. It is living without regard for God’s principles, disobeying His laws, and neglecting His commands.
- Worldly Lusts: These are sinful desires and cravings for things forbidden by God, such as those listed in Galatians 5:19-21: adultery, fornication, hatred, strife, drunkenness, and more.
Believers are called to renounce these sinful desires and instead live in a way that reflects God’s holiness.
The Positive Aspect: Living Soberly, Righteously, and Godly
In addition to rejecting sin, grace teaches believers to embrace a positive lifestyle characterized by three key qualities:
- Soberly: This means living with self-control and discipline, being under the influence of the Holy Spirit rather than the desires of the flesh. (Ephesians 5:18)
- Righteously: To live righteously is to obey God’s Word, which reveals His standards for righteousness. It means faithfully following God's commands in every aspect of life.
- Godly: To live godly is to be devoted to God, pleasing Him in all things. It reflects a life lived in relationship with God, marked by a desire to honor Him.
Grace and Transformation
Grace not only saves us but also transforms us. It empowers believers to:
- Break free from sin: The power of sin is broken in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit enables us to live differently.
- Live according to God’s will: Grace instructs us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, producing a life that reflects God’s holiness.
In Titus 2:14, Paul says, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Grace purifies the believer and empowers them to do good works, reflecting God’s character.
Conclusion
The grace of God is not just a one-time event of salvation; it is a dynamic force that continues to work in the believer’s life. Grace saves us from the penalty of sin, but it also frees us from the power of sin. It transforms us by giving us a new nature and by empowering us to live according to God’s will. Through God’s grace, we are taught to deny sin and to live righteously.
As believers, we are called to embrace God’s transforming grace and live lives that reflect His holiness, bringing glory to Him in every aspect of our lives.
Feel free to leave your thoughts or questions about how God’s grace has worked in your life. Let's continue this conversation about the power of God's saving grace!
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