A No Good Grip on Godly Grace
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12 (KJV)
After over thirty-eight years of ministry, I have discovered that a good, godly grasp of the gift of God’s glorious grace is profoundly deficient among the people of God. Grace is too often understood to leave those unaddressed who are adamant in applying self-autonomy that undermines spiritual growth and surrender to the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, grace is erroneously implemented to launch a life of lawlessness in the name of liberty. So, let’s examine the scriptures in order to contrast godly grace with grace that is sourced in the soul of carnality.
In our text we find that the grace of God delivers lives while the grace of man deceives. God’s grace is also indiscriminatory. It is applicable to every people group and persons of every level of education and intelligence. The scriptures also assure us that God’s grace will become clearly known and revealed. Now I would like for you to also consider with me the natural and supernatural reasons that cause people to be blinded and unable to see the grace of God.
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:21-23 (KJV)
Did you notice the issues of an iniquitous heart: arrogance, pride, pain, entitlement, deception, emotional and spiritual ignorance? Often those arrested by an iniquitous heart will maintain an unrighteous attitude toward the truth. In addition, they will personally reject what God has revealed to them.
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20 (KJV, emphasis added)
In summary, those who maintain an iniquitous heart experience a diminishing of dignity, ingratitude, foolish and unprofitable thinking, a doubting and disputing disposition and a reimagining of God. Furthermore, I would like to introduce to you “Exhibit A”, the supernatural reason behind their attitude: Satanic deception.
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (KJV)
Now let’s examine the exemplary nature of godly grace. Godly grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and charges us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.
The word of God teaches that “the ungodly” are those who are separated from God. Ungodliness is the condition of being corrupt or dirty with sin. To be ungodly is to deliberately conduct yourself or behave in a way that is contrary to the nature of God, to actively oppose God in disobedience. The Bible often speaks of “the flesh” in reference to things that emanate from our sinful natures. The acts of the flesh and the desires of the world fall under the category of ungodliness. Worldly lust is defined as having the character of this present, corrupt age; an age that is intentionally active and governed by desires and cravings for that which is forbidden for the people of faith. This character is contrary to the condition to which God’s people are called. While ungodly people are slipping and sliding in the greasy grace of the world, godly people are gripped by the gracious hands of heaven.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR