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Northwest Church of Christ 3904 38th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44718 330-492-5523 Fax: 330-493-7119 |
“Victory By Grace” |
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I. Introduction.
A. Believe it’s reasonable to say, are some things that make us
happier in life. Good physical health; good relationships
within our family; feeling secure in a job, in personal life,
and not feeling threatened physically. Not only do these
things promote happiness, but also good deal of
contentment.1. These are all things we long for, work toward, and
feel good about when we do have them.2. Also, they are things we most often take for
granted, until we lose one, or more, or them.B. But, what about our “spiritual health;” our spiritual
security; our place in God’s family? What about our
soul’s salvation? Is that as important to us? Do we have
feelings of joy, and contentment, because we know we
are saved by the grace of God?1. First thing we must recognize, and acknowledge,
is that we have eternal life by grace.2. No doubt, often heard term “grace” defined as
“unmerited favor”; something received not because
it’s deserved, but as a gift. (Romans 6:23: “The
wages of sin . . . the gift of God . . .”).a. God does not save us because we deserve
it. Jesus didn’t die on cross because people
were just too good to be condemned to
eternal Hell.b. The reason for grace of God – for salvation
despite humanity’s faults and sins – is not to
be found in people, but with God Himself.
God’s own love and mercy compelled Him
to act.c. I John 4:9-10: “In this the love of God was
manifested toward us, that God has sent His
only begotten Son into the world, that we
might live through Him. In this is love, not
that we loved God, but that He loved us . . .”C. The word “grace” appears frequently in New Testament in
a variety of contexts.1. It’s God’s favor in forgiving us, as in Ephesians 2:8:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, . . ”2. Grace also is used to contrast the saving power of
the Gospel as opposed to the former Law of Moses;
Paul says in Romans 6:14: “For sin shall not have
dominion over you, for you are not under law, but
under grace.”3. Grace is the gift that enables us to do God’s work;
the Christ-like mind that is inclined to help others in
need (II Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He was rich, yet for
your sakes He became poor, that you through His
poverty might become rich.”)D. The grace of God does for us what we cannot do for
ourselves – eternal life, the victory over sin, death, and
Satan is a “Victory By Grace.” The grace of God has
power adequate for that victory; power we do not possess
ourselves.1. The power of grace is greater than the power of sin.
(Romans 5:20-21: “Moreover the law entered, that
the offense might abound. But where sin abounded,
grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in
death, even so grace might reign through
righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.”).2. The power of grace is universal, applying to all
people, everywhere. (Titus 2:11). (Review).E. Looking at these verses from “Titus,” let’s examine more
closely this great “Victory By Grace.”II. Teaching From The Grace Of God.
A. Paul told Titus the “grace of God” teaches us certain things
and enables us to live a certain way – a way that is pleasing
to God.B. First, grace teaches (or enables) us to “[deny] ungodliness
and worldly lust . . .” (It’s grace alone that allows us to
deny our natural instincts and to live the way God wants us
to live. How should we live? (Verse 12): “. . . soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present age;”). In other
words, we live with self-control, not wild abandon. Live
as one in image of God, not a soulless, physical animal.C. As we live in this world, and our sins are forgiven by a
merciful God, grace enables us to look expectantly for
the return of Christ (verse 13). Here is that spiritual
security that teaches us to pray for Christ’s return and
anticipate it as one who looks forward to the joys of
heaven.D. While we await that great day – or the day of our own
departure from this world, should that come first – grace
enables us – empowers us – to be people busy for our
Father. (verse 14).1. This theme is carried into next section of “Titus”:
(3:1): “. . . be ready for every good work,”; (3:8):
“. . . be careful to maintain good works.”2. We’re saved by God’s grace; we labor in His
kingdom because this is true, not so that we might
have salvation.III. Victories Won By Grace.
A. Consider some specific examples of victory by grace.
B. It was grace that saved those in Jerusalem on the first
Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection.1. The sin of those who heard Peter preach that day
was too great for them to be saved without the grace
of God. The Holy Spirit, through Peter, convicted
them of sin. “Therefore, let all the house of Israel
know assuredly, that God has made this Jesus,
whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
(Acts 2:36).2. Here were sinners who were not without hope.
When they accepted God’s grace in forgiveness,
they secured eternal life: “Then those who gladly
received his [Peter’s] word were baptized; and
that day about three thousand souls were added to
them.” (Acts 2:41).C. It was grace that saved Saul of Tarsus.
1. This zealous persecutor of Christians, this one who
was dedicated to the destruction of the church at
its beginning, could not be saved without grace of
God.2. This “chiefest of sinners,” as Saul later called
himself (I Timothy 1:15) was not without hope.
(Read I Timothy 1:12-14).D. It was grace that saved Cornelius.
1. Here is case of man who was very good; a very
moral person; certainly compassionate. Described
in Acts 10 as: “A devout man, and one who feared
God . . .” (verse 2). His generosity was
well-known: “[he] gave alms generously to the
people, . . .” And, “. . . [He] prayed to God
always.” (verse 2).2. As a Roman soldier, a representative of the hated
conquerors of Israel, he still, personally, was
“. . . [of good] (reputation) among all the nations
of the Jews, . . .” (Acts 10:22).3. Such a person, good as he was, still needed the
grace of God for his soul’s salvation. His own
goodness could not save him. Emphasis, once
again, that God’s grace is for all and necessary
for all – not just for those involved in “sinful”
activities.E. It was grace that saved the jailer at Philippi.
1. We see, in Acts 16, a man who thought he had no
future – on the verge of committing suicide.2. But, he was not in a hopeless situation. He heard,
believed, and obeyed teaching of Paul and Silas and
accepted salvation by grace of God. From depths of
despair he rose to a new height of joy. After his
baptism, he “. . . brought them into his house, . . .
set food before them, and he rejoiced, believing in
God with all his house.” (Acts 16:34).F. (Question): In each of these cases, how many times did
God’s grace win a victory in rebellious, disobedient,
unreceptive minds? Not one! In each instance, those who
“gladly received” the word of God, and obeyed what they
had been taught to do, received salvation. As loving as
God is, as powerful as His grace is, it never wins a victory
without faith and obedience in a submissive person.IV. Conclusion.
A. We can have “The Victory By Grace,” but only if we desire
it, and let God’s mercy change our spiritual person. (It’s
not every day that someone gives us a second chance; but
God gives us a second chance every day.) We must accept
the gift God has offered.B. What about your soul’s salvation? Is it important to you?
If so, let God’s grace bring you victory now and sustain the
victory in days to come.