Titus 2:11-12 (11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Paul writes that grace - self-motivated, condescending, reconciling, tender and forgiving mercy - has appeared. How has grace appeared to bring salvation? In the context of Titus 2, in its broadest sense, it has appeared in the gospel of the Kingdom of God. This includes the message of our great hope, the promise of Christs return, Jesus perfect life, and His death for the forgiveness of our sins. The Greeks used appeared in their literature to describe the suns light bursting out from the heavens onto the darkened earth. Its feminine form is used in other places to describe Christs first and second comings. When used in the passive voice, it means to show openly or shine light upon with the sense of suddenness and unexpectedness. This is part of the sense here since we do not normally expect grace to reveal or teach us anything. Grace, however, has a clear message that has much to do with our responsibility and growth. Teaching in Titus 2:12 is the Greek word paideuo, also translated as chastens in Hebrews 12:6. It is used in the sense of schooling, training, or disciplining. In the context of educating a child, it describes activity directed toward moral and spiritual development and influencing conscious will and action. In religious matters, paideuo means chastising to educate one to conform to divine truth. It includes instruction, as in a classroom; drilling, as in practice, practice, practice; and chastisement, as in spanking or rebuking to bring about correction. Gods grace teaches us by putting us under obligation negatively - to quit sinning - and positively - to grow and produce fruit. For the grace of God has appeared to save all men, and it schools us to renounce ungodly and worldly passions and to live a life of self-mastery, of integrity, and of piety in this present world. These are the areas toward which we must turn our attention to fulfill our duty to Christ.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 16:10:19 +0000
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