Devos
Titus 2:11-13 One salvation in three tenses
Titus 2:11-13 One salvation in three tenses
One salvation in Christ by grace in three tenses
First Tense (past)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men
The grace of God has appeared – is in the past. This is true of every believer. The person was presented with the grace of God through the Gospel, they understood it chose to believe it and were saved.
This has to do with our Justification. When we are saved from the penalty of our sin.
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Second Tense (present)
instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
The grace of God has appeared…instrucing us…(present tense). Here Paul speaks of us in reference to all those the grace of God has given salvation to.
Instructing us...grace in the present is instructing (training, teaching, disciplining) the believer how to deny ungodliness and to live godly lives in the present.
It is not the law that instructs the believer, but the grace of God.
Peter’s desire for the believers he wrote to was that they would be firm…
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness,
Peter’s concern is for the brethren he wrote to was to have a firm standing and the next verse he explains the means for this…
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
The believer grows by the teaching of grace. This growth can be stunted by not teaching grace as we see the Galatian believers had fallen from their growth in grace (Gal 5:4). Does falling from grace mean God’s grace has been withheld and the believer has somehow lost it? No, it means the believer is not living (walking) by the means God provided to live victorious over sin (Rom 6:6) and bearing fruit (Rom 7:4). See more here.
If it is by grace it is not by means of works (Rom 11:6, Rom 4:5, 16). Works and grace are in direct opposition to each other! This means we walk in the same way as we initially received grace – by faith (Col 2:6).
This has to do with our sanctification when we are being saved from the power of sin. More here. The message of the cross is the power of God over the power of sin today!
For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
This is the means God intends me to be instructed and as a result experience power over sin.
Third Tense (future)
looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus;
The grace of God has appeared…looking for the blessed hope….(future).
Grace gives us a correct perspective regarding our future. It is a secure and blessed hope (Titus 1:2). It shows us that the future is bright and gives us a confident expectation of this yet to come (2 Thes 4:13-18)!
This is in regard to our future glorification when we will be saved from the presence of sin in our lives.
And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.
So there’s also a future grace for the believer! See more here.
In Conclusion
These verses show how God has made salvation possible by grace. God has provisioned grace to be the means for our justification (past salvation from the penalty of sin), sanctification (present salvation from the power of sin), and glorification (future salvation from the presence of sin). Therefore, as we have received Him (by grace through faith) we walk in Him (empowered by Grace through active dependence). One day we will be glorified by His unmerited favour to us through Jesus Christ.
One Question
Hi friend!
I have just one question for you…
I’d love to hear YOUR answer!
God bless,
John
James 5:7-8
In the previous verses the Holy Spirit speaks to those who have set their affections and focus on the thing of this earth.
So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 HCSB
This world has everything to offer and yet we are not to grow affectionate to it.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 ESV
The mention is to the rich man, yet anybody in any social class can fall prey of the world mindset therefore being classified as a rich man.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
If we belong to another place, we should identify with who we are and where we are from:
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV
Therefore, since our affections should be set (by faith) on who we are (by God’s declaration) and where we will be going (by God’s promise), our time and efforts should be invested accordingly. A farmer counts on the rain to come even though when he is ploughing the ground it is dry. He spends hours preparing the soil. He purchases seed and plants them only to cover them up with soil, never to be seen again. Then he waits and waits some more because he knows for certain that once the rains come, the seed will grow into a plant and yield the precious fruit. The patience of the farmer pays off.
As the rains came for the farmer, so the Lord will come for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. We should live expectantly for His return. The decisions we make, the time and resource investments and way we live should be reflective of this fact. Just like the farmer’s focus was on the precious fruit, our focus should be placed on the eternal since that is where the Lord is coming to take us.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
James 5:1-6
In an article he writes about the Bible, humanist Joseph Summer tries to demonstrate that the Bible is false on three assumptions; the seeming contradictions the Bible has with itself, the harshness of God’s dealings with people and the incorrect description of the physical world in contrast with our current scientific knowledge.
Today’s passage might appear to serve the humanist’s point. First, we have what might appear as contradictions: riches or wealth seem to equate misery and hardship. The humanist ‘knows’ that many of the world’s current problems today (ex: environment, illiteracy) are because of poverty not riches. The rich are actually out to solve the global crisis. The philosophy of the world today is, either you are wealthy, and long as you do your part (recycle, donate free stuff, give to the poor) you’re part of the solution and that’s cool, or you’re less fortunate and the world owes you what you rightfully deserve. Right?
Secondly, the unfairness and harshness of God is seen in that it speaks negatively of the rich, why would the God of the Bible promise misery to a person who simply wants to live in luxury and enjoyment of life? He works hard, he should be allowed to enjoy it. Especially since he’s solving the world crisis. Right?
The third sense is the physical understanding of the world, ‘your gold and silver are corroded‘ – it is common knowledge that gold and silver do not corrode. These are precious metals because they never corrode.
Therefore, the humanist concludes, the Bible is false. Right?
Who determines what is right? The humanist? We know enough not to trust man’s understanding…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV
We also know not to trust our feelings…
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 KJV
We trust the word of God as the truth.
All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal. Psalm 119:160 NIV
Does this passage in James teach that God is against the rich and all for the poor? No, but we should define who a rich person is. This passage mentions the person 15 times and only once is God mentioned. The rich man is defined as one who is trusting in his riches to satisfy his longing rather than God. He goes to great lengths to acquire riches (not paying wages, condemning and even murdering the innocent). A rich person sacrifices whatever it takes to get me where he wants; family, friends, even God. This is a person who considers himself to be successful yet God holds it against him calling him rich man.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 ESV
The issue God has with this person is that their trust is not set on God (who desires to richly provide for us).
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 ESV
The rich man mentality is dangerous and leads to destruction:
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9 ESV
Have you ever lacked discernment and fallen prey to this mindset?
Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV
Here’s the correct mindset.
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:33-34 ESV
We should give not because we are guilty [humanism] of what we have but because you do not need more than God’s provision [grace]: Nor should it be out of our abundance, but from a cheerful heart. After all, we are blessed!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ…I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:3, 18-19a ESV
Invest today for what God has prepared for you tomorrow.
James 4:16-17
The pride of life here is seen the way of one who makes plans for success and enjoyment with a total disregard for God.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16 NIV
What is evil? Sometimes evil actually has to be pointed out to us before we realize it is actually wrong. Surely prosperity (abundance in life) is not evil is it? James is not saying here that making plans for your benefit is wrong, unless a situation should arise where… “you know what is good and do not do it.” In this case the example is given where one makes plans apart from God’s involvement. It may feel like it is right, you may be ‘getting ahead’ in life, you might even be doing good for others, yet if it is your plan and not God’s, it is arrogance and… not from the Father.
“Unused knowledge of one’s duty is sin, the sin of omission”, Robertson states.
Jesus spoke harshly to those who knew to do right yet did not…
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Matthew 23:23-26 NIV
If I really want to please God in my life, to really make the right choices, then I need to learn in a practical, daily, moment by moment sense that…
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
How can you know to do the right thing each time? Simply put, you don’t. Situations will arise where all options appear to be good. You don’t want to be making choices on life without diligently seeking God first. Let Him reward you as a result of trusting and depending on Him.
James 4:13-15
In the book of Daniel, king Belshazzar had everything he could want. He was the most powerful man in the Babylonian kingdom. Nothing could stand in his way, if he wished it, it was done.
One evening however, at the height of his success, during a celebration among many guests, his life came to a sudden end. Even though we could imagine his wise men foreseeing great things for him ahead, even though Belshazzar was protected by the greatest of armies, even though the city of Babylon was impenetrable, it occurred in a flash.
The prideful mindset of Belshazzar had taken him to see himself as God by making gods of gold, silver, wood etc…
but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored. Daniel 5:23 ESV
There are two world views, two mindsets. One is a divine, God centred view while the other is a man centred view. Whatever our mindset, determines how we live.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he… Proverbs 23:7a NKJV
James has been speaking out against partiality, strife, fighting, jealousy and judging another. These all come out from a man centred mindset. In other words, pride.
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good. And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs 16:19-20 NKJV
Pride is a result of the flesh. The flesh cannot be tamed or changed but it can be rendered powerless while the mind is set on the Spirit.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 ESV
The Spirit empowered life is only available to one who has the Spirit. How do you receive the Spirit?
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 ESV
Christ came to set the captives (of sin) free. He did this by personally paying the sin debt for transgressions but also by condemning the sin nature. As our substitute (He died in our place) he was victorious over sin and death. We (those who have trusted in Christ) are now identified with Christ before God. Our identification with Christ is not only with Him but also in what He did. Therefore, His death and resurrection is now mine. When I died with Christ, I instantly was freed from the sin nature’s power to rule in my life. Now I count on this fact by faith and present my self to the Spirit.
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin [flesh], which leads to death, or of obedience [Spirit], which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:14-16 ESV [brackets added for clarity]
The Spirit has been provisioned (grace) to the believer so that you can walk free from the slavery that the carnal mindset produces.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 ESV
You, believer, have been saved by grace! God made provision for salvation for anyone who believes. That salvation is complete and in no way finished at the point of your believing upon him. Salvation has a past, present and future aspect – but all by grace provision! Just like your justification (past) was provisioned by grace, your sanctification (present) is also by grace and not by works. In other words, a mind set on the flesh (works/law) will not bring about your sanctification, only a mind set on the Spirit. As an example now of this in our every day life, we would not say “we will do this or that” but rather “if the Lord wills we will live and do this or that…” One perspective is trusting in self, the other trusts in the Lord. Who are you trusting in?
James 4:12
Speaking ill of another is seen as the same as one placing himself above the law as a judge. In so doing, one ceases to be a doer of the law. The real problem is that in placing ones’ self above the law, one goes against God himself. There in only one lawgiver James states. It is not me and God, it is not God through me. You (believer) are not God’s emissary to establish the law nor to make sure others maintain it. You have not been given this right.
Only God is the lawgiver. He is the only one who can save and condemn. God established the law, therefore He is the only one who is qualified to judge.
Though it is true that the stand of the believer before God is as one righteous, it is not because the believer has merited that right. He did not cease from sin to deserve it and somehow become righteous. The saved person did not arrive at forgiveness for anything he did. No, the believer benefits from the righteousness of Christ on his behalf. There is no other means to having a right standing with God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV
This should be reason enough to remind us that we are never in a position to judge.
James 4:11
There are passages that deal with abstaining from evil, not being friends with the world and not identifying ourselves with the world. This would require a certain amount of judgment to determine. This verse however is not one of them.
There are at least 4 words in the Greek that are translated judge into english. This causes some confusion. What the believer should do is examine closely, question, arbitrate but never is he to judge – pass a verdict or condemn. It just so happens we quite easily tend to jump to a ‘logical’ conclusion and speak as though it were fact. Even in the case of it being true, we are not to speak of each other in this way.
Why? Well, in the next verse (12) we get the reason…
There is only one lawgiver and judge…James 4:13a ESV
You and I are not the givers of the law. We did not produce the law and have no legal right to become judges. We may think we keep the law better than the next guy and that somehow gives us permission to speak ill of our brother, yet the moment we do, we become judges and no longer doers of the law. A judge sanctions those who break the law. He is, in a sense, above the law to make sure it is applied. We are never in such a category. This is God’s chair alone.
Keep in mind, there is only one who kept the law, Jesus Christ. The only way you keep the law is by faith in Jesus Christ (Him taking your place, keeping the law for you). This means you never, not on your best day, deserve to apply the law on others.
Aren’t you glad God doesn’t judge you? If He did, He would have to give us justly what we deserve. Thank goodness for the work of Jesus Christ.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17 ESV
James 4:10
The epitome of pride is seen in the heart of Satan himself when he says,
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:14 KJV
This was behind the lie Satan fed to Eve in the beginning,
For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:5 NIV
Pride was driving the infamous Nimrod, who began organized religion and united mankind to make a name for themselves at Babel.
He became a fearless hunter in defiance of the LORD. That is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a fearless hunter in defiance of the LORD.” Genesis 10:9 ISV
Pride is what drove Belshazzar the Babylonian king,
but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored. Daniel 5:23 ESV
So humility must be the opposite right? Well, sort of, however it is not self-abasement. True humility is essentially our faith in action, trusting the Lord rather than ourselves.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
When one is trusting in the Lord, he is dependent on the Lord for direction and enabling. This is how God exalts,
Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way. Proverbs 25:8-9 NIV
When God promises to take care of us and to even exalt us it is as good as done. When and how is up to God’s creative genius and to the praise of His name.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6 ESV
Remember the pride of the self-righteous religion man?
The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
Jesus was not impressed. Yet God’s response to the sinner is to exalt him…
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:11-14 ESV
Wouldn’t you rather be exalted by God rather than humbled by Him? Next time you reach into your self-motivated bag of goodies and want to swish out your pride, remember this verse.
Mi Historia 