Introduction:

How things have changed over the years!

In Christ we have everything we need to get the job done.

Grace and Work

Paul had a lot to say about grace and works in his letter to Titus (Tit. 2:11-14; 3:4-7).

In the context of describing the grace of God, Paul says a lot about works (Tit. 2:14; 3:1, 8, 14).

Other N.T. epistles emphasize the same point (Eph. 2:8-10; Jas. 2:14).

A closer look at Titus 3:4-7 (Acts 2:38; Jn. 3:3-5; Col. 2:12)

Grace at Work

Grace is surrounded by works and enables us to do them in a way that pleases God.

What gifts are provided by God’s grace?

God’s grace gives us the tools we need to do His work              (2 Pet. 1:3).

God’s grace gives us the supplies we need to do His work      (2 Cor. 9:8).

God’s grace gives us the instructions we need to do His work (Col. 3:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

God’s grace gives us the power we need to do His work (Eph. 3:20-21; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:10).

Grace at Work in Us

The work of God’s grace is not mysterious (Rm. 10:17).

The working of God’s grace is described in three ways in                      1 Thessalonians 1:3.

Labor of love (2 Cor. 5:14; Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 5:3)

Work of faith (Jas. 2:14-26; 2 Cor. 5:7, 9; Hb. 11:6)

Steadfastness of hope

Closing emphasis of Paul’s letter to Titus (3:14)

Devotion to good works is a learned behavior.

Good works call for our devotion.

Good works are designed to meet urgent needs (Gal. 6:10).

Good works provide a safeguard against unfruitfulness        (Jn. 15:4-8).

Conclusion:

God’s grace reaches us only to the extent that we live by faith, abide in His word, and allow Him to work in our lives.

God has provided all we need – all that remains is you.