The Christmas Classroom.

We live in a culture of self-indulgence. Because of the pervasive influence of sin, humanity can't help but ruin ourselves even if we intend to do right. Titus 1:10-16 illustrates that Paul was writing to a pastor ministering in a similar society. False religious teachers in Crete had head knowledge of God without true heart knowledge, so their actions were ungodly. Both religious and irreligious people miss the mark because they seek to do things their own way.

Humanity left to itself always brings its own ruin personally and corporately. Paul's letter to Titus presents the solution: a body of true believers led by a good pastor-shepherd and sound doctrine taught by older examples.

Titus 2:11-14 focuses on the grace of God.

Manifestation

The word "appeared" in verse 11 has a very specific meaning: the sudden appearance of a hero to subdue a villain who poses a personal threat. God's grace saves us from certain death. In this passage, grace is not just a concept; it is a person, Jesus Christ.

"Grace is not some abstract doctrine or theological construct. Grace comes as Christ does. Grace is as personal as He is; in fact, Christ is grace. We should thus see grace as a personal action by a personal God who saved us from our helpless condition out of pure love."

Education

God's grace initiates a layered process of instruction that never ends.

Grace teaches us in a negative sense. It tells us to "deny ungodliness and worldly desires" (verse 12). We must not return to the irreverence and impiety that characterized our lives before we were saved. We learn to say "no" to the desires of the world that destroy, even to hearing and being entertained by anything that imitates darkness.

Grace also instructs us positively. It propels us to inward change, the spiritual protection and nurturing of our own hearts (Proverbs 4:24). It teaches us to change outwardly, to live correctly within all the relationships to which we have obligations.

Expectation

God's grace motivates us to upward change, always looking for Jesus' appearance (verse 13).

Culmination

Grace's instruction will produce believers who represent light inside and outside the church (verse 14).

Application Points

• God's children are always learning. As you have some time off this holiday season and as you look to next year, how will you be a growing learner of Scripture and God's grace?
• How often do you anticipate with excitement the appearance of Grace Himself?

A Hymn to Encourage: "Jesus Is the Son of God"

Jesus is the Son of God, the Lord of all,
the chosen One, the Son of Man,
The King of kings who gave His life for me--
this Jesus, the Great "I AM"!

We bow down before Him who is worthy of worship,
Worthy of worship and praise.
We bow down before and humbly adore
this Jesus, the Son of God.

Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Righteous One,
the Sacrifice who bore my sin,
The Prince of Life who lives and reigns on high--
this Jesus, He's coming again!