DOES SAVED BY GRACE DENY CONSEQUENCES OF UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY LUSTS? TITUS 2: 11 – 14

TITUS 2: 11 – 14   For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 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. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. NIV

INTRODUCTION The Bible states categorically that the whole world is condemned under sin. No, not one person is righteous. Everyone is liable to die as a punishment for sin. Rom 3: 23; 6: 23. However, God, in his infinite love for mankind provided a way of escape for all in that while we were yet sinners, he sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for us, Romans 5: 8.  

His death on our behalf purchased for us salvation by grace – unmerited favour. Based on this fact, Paul stated that we are saved by grace not works lest no man should boast, Eph. 2:8. Does this mean that the Christian man or woman is not required to distinguish him/herself from the unbeliever in daily lifestyle? Does grace nullify punishment that goes with sinful life?  

DEFINITION Save – To keep away from harm or loss. Grace – A gift that is very much out of proportion to what one merits by work. Deny – Reject, refuse, disagree with. Consequence – Effect, outcome, end result.

Definition of Term (contd) Ungodliness – unholiness, unrighteousness, unsoundness. Worldly lust – hunger, desire or longing for fleshly pleasures against the spirit.  

DOES GRACE DENY POSSIBILITY OF SIN? No, grace acknowledges that sin is and that it is the transgression of the law. But where grace applies, sin is pardoned.  

IS SIN COMMITTED UNDER GRACE PUNISHABLE? The Bible talks about the mercy and severity of God. Rom 11:22-23 says Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. NKJV 

IT IS CRUCIFYING CHRIST AGAIN If while we are under the cover of grace we willfully indulge in sin, we crucify Christ the second time and are liable to suffer the penalty.  

Heb 10:26-30 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? NIV

WHAT DOES GRACE DEMAND FROM US? The text says it all. If we say we have no sin even when under grace, we lie to ourselves. 1 John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. NIV.

But a contrite or repentant heart pleases God any day But a contrite or repentant heart pleases God any day. One who turns away from sin unto a new life is ever in favour with God and man.

HOW DO WE BALANCE UNDERSTANDING OF GRACE AND RIGHTEOUS LIFE? Grace means that by the works of the law no man can please God because no one can observe the entirety of the law without failing in one or more. Righteous life is life ruled by the fear of God. Grace compliments an effort geared toward God and based on faith in Christ.  

NOT BY WORKS Gal 2:16-19 Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. 17 "If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. NIV

Guilt is pronounced on one who fails in even one of several laws. Does saved by grace deny consequences of ungodliness and worldly lusts?  

CONCLUSION Sin is sin any time and it goes with punishment 2 Cor. 5:11, 20 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

PRESENTER EVANGELIST OJI O. OJI @ IKEJA CHURCH OF CHRIST SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2014 WEB SITE: www.ojiooji.com