The Grace of God
In his message, Brother Sparks emphasizes the significance of grace in the Christian life, particularly as outlined in Titus 2. He highlights three key aspects: the gift of grace, the goal of grace, and the method of grace. The grace of God brings salvation to all, but it also demands a transformation in character, urging believers to reject ungodliness and embrace righteousness. This transformation is not merely about being saved; it is about becoming a people for God's own possession, characterized by high moral standards and strength. Brother Sparks warns against the trivialization of grace, reminding us of its profound cost and the rigorous demands it places on believers. He explains that grace instructs and disciplines us, likening it to child training, which is essential for spiritual growth. The ultimate goal is to develop a character that embodies both strength and beauty, reflecting the nature of Christ. Brother Sparks encourages believers to embrace the challenges of their faith journey, recognizing that adversity is part of God's grace, shaping them into resilient and graceful individuals.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to Titus 2 and the importance of speaking with authority.
- Three aspects of grace:
- Gift of grace: Salvation for all.
- Goal of grace: A people for God's possession.
- Method of grace: Instructing and disciplining believers.
- The cost of grace and its demands on character.
- The need for strength and beauty in Christian character.
- Encouragement to embrace challenges as part of God's grace.
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
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; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
