Verse 11 - "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,"
For God's grace is where salvation comes from. It is not from how many widows you feed. It is not how many church functions you go to. It isn't how many times you steered that youth you saw was straying from the path. It is not keeping the Sabbath starting at sundown on Friday (or Saturday or Sunday). It isn't in avoiding certain foods. We are saved because of God's grace and that is a priceless gift freely given. Every single person is given God's grace. Every single person has salvation. The problem is that many don't accept it. Please accept the gift.
Verse 12 - "teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age"
God's grace is a teacher. The lesson plans' objectives are on how you live. Sober. Righteous. Godly. These are the vocabulary found in each of those objectives. You are not supposed to have the material learned before class, otherwise why have a class or even a teacher? Life is a learning experience and we all will be learning about how to live soberly, righteously, and godly together. Maybe at different levels, but learning nevertheless. To do this, deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Learning through God's grace isn't going to get us salvation. It is already ours. We just have to be willing to accept. Then learn and grow. A life's process.
Verse 13 - "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"
The goal of this class that Jesus is teaching us through the Holy Spirit thanks to God's grace is... Jesus. His return to take us to a better place. His love for us. There is nothing else we should want more than His return.
Verse 14 - "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
I can hear it now. Excuses. "But I don't do this or I have done that. My lifestyle doesn't fit what I think it needs to fit for me to be saved." Allow me to be blunt and tactless for one sentence. Shut it. Those are valid concerns if you haven't read verse 14, but you just did. Now they are simply the devil trying to bring discouragement and despair to your heart. Jesus will work on helping you to have a better character, personality, lifestyle, and guide you in your choices. Jesus, who died for you, will make you clean both in your heart and in your mind. You are special and precious to Him. He will do everything in His power to help you be happier. You just have to accept. I give my word that once you accept, nothing will stop Him. He loves your so much.
Verse 15 - "Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."
What I just said is what we are supposed to be telling others. That Jesus loves us. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us with His own blood. He will take care of us in every way so that someday we can live with Him. He promised to return and when He does, He wants you to be with Him. You just have to accept.
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