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.