Just Say No Biblical Tension of Grace and Works Series

Titus 2:11-12 NIV “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”

I. A Teacher Named Grace Romans 5:20 – 6:8 More sin – more grace As sin ruled – now grace rules instead  Grace sets the rule (standard of measurement) Grace is not just about what God has done, but grace is also about what God enables you to do Die to sin – set free from its power

Romans 6:12-23 Sin as master  Give in to sinful desires  Body an instrument of evil  Leads to death – the wages (consequences) of sin Righteous living as master  Obey God  Free from slavery to sin  Result in eternal life

Living under the freedom of Grace What is the difference between obeying God and living under the requirements of the law? John 1:17 (NASB) 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 (NASB) 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. The law was to show your own strength (or lack thereof) The undeserved favor and enabling power of God and the freedom of truth are realized in Jesus Grace is God’s strength in you – not permission to do wrong, but power to do right

“Do this and live”, the law commands, but gave me neither feet nor hands. A better word the gospel brings, it bids me fly and gives me wings

Biblical Tensions that Keep us in Tune Grace Rom. 5:20 As people sin more, grace abounds more Grace Rom. 5:20 As people sin more, grace abounds more Works Rom. 6:22 Free from sin and slaves to God Works Rom. 6:22 Free from sin and slaves to God License Gal. 5:13 Using freedom to indulge sinful nature License Gal. 5:13 Using freedom to indulge sinful nature Legalism 2 Cor. 3:6 The letter kills but the Spirit gives life Legalism 2 Cor. 3:6 The letter kills but the Spirit gives life Balance ConflictConflict

Error of License Since grace is not based on our performance then in matters not how we live Since God’s love and acceptance is not based on our works we are free to do whatever we want, and live however we like Since God has already forgiven everything, sin doesn’t matter

Error of Legalism Trying to become perfect by your own human effort (Galatians 3:3) Depending on the law to make them right with God (Galatians 3:10) Trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days, months, seasons, years (Galatians 4:10)

II. Goodness Gracious Titus 3:3-8 Disobedient and misled – slaves to many lusts Declared us righteous because of his grace Insist on these teachings so all will devote themselves to doing good These teachings are good and beneficial to everyone

Titus 2:1-15 Older men Older women Younger women Young men Employees Free from sin totally committed to doing good deeds Titus/Roger  Teach  Set the example  Authority to correct when necessary  Don’t let anyone dis’ you