Trained by Grace
Commentary by Matthew Henry
Prefaced and Edited by R. P. Woitowitz Sr.
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. - Titus 2:11-12
Preface
Brethren:
First, let us define the word grace. Webster's Dictionary (Ed. 1913), says thus; "The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilege conferred." Therefore we are to understand that grace is not only bestowed upon us from our Creator but likewise, we are to bestow it upon others.
This then moves us forward in our sermon today. For by our ability to understand the meaning and usage of grace, we are taught how salvation is the result of mercy and grace. We, as is written in verse twelve, are to henceforth, deny all things that would be of the former, and worldly nature of our beings. Thus being an example, an agent if you will, of all godliness, and righteousness in the eyes of all men.
Also note, that the Gospel of grace is made available to all people. This is to say, that one can either accept it, or reject it, but not one cannot say, that it is unknown to them. If I might be allowed to quote a lyric from the song “People Get Ready”; “there’s no hiding place under the Kingdom’s throne” Therefore, friends and brethren, be ready, be sober, and be vigilant.
R. P. Woitowitz Sr. - Humble disciple in the service of our Lord; Christ Jesus
“This gospel grace brings salvation (reveals and offers it to sinners and ensures it to believers)salvation from sin and wrath, from death and hell. Hence it is called the word of life; it brings to faith, and so to life, the life of holiness now and of happiness hereafter. The law is the ministration of death, but the gospel the ministration of life and peace. This, therefore, must be received as salvation (its rules minded, its commands obeyed), that the end of it may be obtained, the salvation of the soul.
It hath appeared, or shone out more clearly and illustriously than ever before. The old dispensation was comparatively dark and shadowy; this is a clear and shining light; and, as it is now more bright, so more diffused and extensive also. For, It hath appeared to all men; not to the Jews only, (See Romans 1:15-17; 2:8-10), as the glory of God appeared at mount Sinai to that particular people, and out of the view of all others; but gospel grace is open to all, and all are invited to come and partake of the benefit of it. The publication of it is free and general: Disciple all nations: Preach the gospel to every creature. The pale is broken down; there is no such enclosure now as formerly. The doctrine of grace and salvation by the gospel is for all ranks and conditions of men (slaves and servants, as well as masters), therefore engaging and encouraging all to receive and believe it, and walk suitably to it, adorning it in all things. This gospel revelation is to teach, and not by way of information and instruction only, as a schoolmaster does his scholars, but by way of precept and command, as a sovereign who gives laws to his subjects. It directs what to shun and what to follow, what to avoid and what to do. The gospel is not for speculation only or chiefly, but for practice and right ordering of life.
[It] teaches us [first of all], to abandon sin: Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts; to renounce and have no more to do with these, as we have had: Put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man which is corrupt; that is, the whole body of sins, here distributed into ungodliness and worldly lusts. "Put away ungodliness and irreligion, all unbelief, neglect or disesteem of the divine Being, not loving, nor fearing, nor trusting in him, nor obeying him as we should, neglecting his ordinances, slighting his worship, profaning his name or day. Thus deny ungodliness (hate and put it away); and worldly lusts, all corrupt and vicious desires and affections that prevail in worldly men, and carry out to worldly things the lust of the flesh also, and of the eye, and the pride of life, all sensuality and filthiness, covetous desires and ambition, seeking and valuing more the praise of men than of God; put away all these.’’ An earthly sensual conversation suits not a heavenly calling. Those that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. They have done it by covenant-engagement and promise, and have initially and prevailingly done it in act; they are going on in the work, cleansing themselves more and more from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. Thus the gospel first unteaches that which is evil, to abandon sin.
[Secondly, we are], to make conscience of that which is good (See Philippians 4:8). To live soberly, righteously, and godly, etc. Religion is not made up of negatives only; there must be doing good as well as eschewing evil, (See James 2:17-18). In these conjunctly is sincerity proved and the gospel adorned. We should live soberly with respect to ourselves, in the due government of our appetites and passions, keeping the limits of moderation and temperance, avoiding all inordinate excesses; and righteously towards all men, rendering to all their due, and injuring none, but rather doing good to others, according to our ability and their need: this seems a part of justice and righteousness, for we are not born for ourselves alone, and therefore may not live to ourselves only.” - Matthew Henry - Theologian
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