Grace Teaches Us

14. November 2013 Titus 0

Text: Titus 2:11-14
Theme: Teaching that changes us requires understanding and embracing grace.
Key verses: “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, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us…and to purify for himself a people…eager to do what is good” (v. 11-14).
What God said to me: Dwayne, the ultimate goal of biblical teaching is life-change: purified in heart and eager to do good in mind and body. That should be your goal when you teach. Don’t settle for less than seeing people’s lives transformed. But never forget that it is my grace that will accomplish the life-change. My grace is what teaches them and transforms them. My grace saves them and my grace alone will change them and prepare them for eternity. Be a beacon of my grace. Emphasize it every time you teach someone. Rely on my grace to do what seems impossible. My grace can melt a cold heart, a discouraged heart, a distracted and sinful heart, and set it ablaze to know me more. My grace can accomplish far more than you can think or imagine or manipulate. Don’t try to be eloquent. Don’t try to be profound. Just let my grace flow through you to teach people to be godly.
What I said to God: Good Thursday morning, Lord. I’m enjoying these times alone with You in Your Word. Thank You for the time and energy and where-with-all to experience them. Forgive me when I put too much stock in my own abilities or in growth strategies or techniques. These are helpful, but only Your grace can affect real lasting change in someone. I pray now for my sons, Stephen and Justin, that Your grace will so grip and captivate them that they will hunger and thirst after You and Your righteousness. Sonia and I can not make them follow godly values and lifestyles. We commit them to You. May we show them Your grace and teach them about Your grace daily. Help us talk often of how You gave Yourself for us to redeem us and of Your glorious appearing one day soon.