THE MARVELOUS GRACE OF GOD- TITUS 2:1-14

Grace is more than mercy. Paul emphasizes the importance of solid, sound, and sober teaching of the gospel of Christ. It is the responsibility of the ministry to preach and teach sound doctrine. It should be plain and forcefully proclaimed since there are so many enemies of the gospel. In chapter one, the elders Titus was instructed to ordain were to be adept at preaching the word of God, and refuting heretics. Being faithful to the apostle's doctrine was the hallmark of the early church. It s the message that is preached and taught which determines whether the church is really a church. It is often said it does not matter what a man believes, so long as he does right. This is one way of dismissing doctrine as having no importance in relation to life, but every person has a theology whether he knows it or not. Man's actions are influenced by what he believes, strong beliefs makes for strong character.

It is imperative that the church today have godly leadership, it must also have godly members. When practiced, the standards set forth by Paul will make for harmony within the church and cause those on the outside respect it. This responsibility is not only on the clergy. Older men are expected to be temperate, sober, self-controlled, sound in the faith, loving and patient. The same requirements are laid down for bishops and women- 1 Tim. 3:2, 3:1. Older women are urged to live as consecrated Christians ''as becomes holiness'' so they will be good examples and good teachers to younger women. ''Keepers at home'' means they will become good housekeepers, faithful wives and loving mothers. The Bible has always placed high value on the role of a godly wife and mother. The modern feminist movement has caused some women to feel almost apologetic about their role as a home maker, yet there is no higher calling. The young men must control themselves because he Christian call is a call to live sober, upright, and godly- Lev. 11:45; Lk. 1:74-75; 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:16; 2 Pet. 3:11.

The ultimate purpose of God's grace is that all men may receive forgiveness and enter into the family of God, all the attributes of God are flowing out in order to save men. Instead of responding in anger and judgment for our sinfulness, He offered grace. This is seen at Calvary in the son of God's bleeding and dying for the guilty. We deserve death but God offers forgiveness. Grace does not only save us but also trains us.