Titus 2:11–15 “The Three Tenses of Salvation”

Titus 2:11-15 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Matt Maher – Because He Lives (Amen)
• Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Chris Tomlin
• Phil Wickham – Living Hope

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Salvation Message – Crumpled Paper – LifeKIDS.tv – Lesson for Kids
• Your Power Will Pull Us Through | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• My Hope Is In the Lord | True North VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Will Not Be Afraid | Roar VBS | Outback Rock VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

He also explains the “grace of God that brings salvation” (v. 11) that has appeared to all people. This grace “trains believers to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age” (v. 12). Those who live in this way hope for and await “the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (v. 13). Christ “gave himself for us” (v. 14) to accomplish salvation, so that we may be set free from “all lawlessness,” live “purified,” and become “zealous for good works” (v. 14).

In this context, the Apostle exhorts, “Let no one disregard you” (v. 15). This means that as the one preaching the Word, Titus himself must first stand firm upon faith and hope and be transformed. “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority” is a command to earn the respect of others as a spiritual leader. To gain such spiritual authority, he must first firmly believe in the truth of the gospel and let his life be transformed by that truth.

Meditation:

In this passage, the Apostle explains in detail the grace of salvation given by God. The grace of salvation is a gift given to all, entirely apart from our own merit. Anyone, just as they are, can receive and enjoy the grace of salvation. Yet those who accept this grace can no longer remain in the same condition because the grace of salvation does not leave them as they were.

The Apostle says, “This grace trains us” (NRSV: “instructs us,” v. 12). This is because the Holy Spirit works within God’s grace. When we remain in that grace, by the power of the Spirit, we are transformed to renounce “ungodliness and worldly passions” and to live “self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” To receive the grace of salvation does not mean that one instantly becomes a perfect person. The extent and pace of change differ from person to person. But if one has received the grace of salvation through Jesus Christ and continues to remain in that grace, then surely, they will leave behind sinful habits of the past and move toward a righteous and holy life.

Those who daily live in and enjoy the grace of salvation on this earth “wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” The grace of God that we experience here and now causes us to hope for and await the future when that grace will be fully completed. The stronger the grace we experience in the present, the stronger our hope for the future becomes.

For this reason, we say, “Salvation has three tenses.” The past refers to the grace of salvation given through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The present refers to the life of sanctification as we are trained by that grace. The future is when all the grace we have tasted on this earth will be completed. That is why how we live “here” and “now” is so very important.

Prayer:

Lord, who gave Yourself for us, delivering us from all lawlessness and cleansing us, making us a people zealous for good works—help us to stand more firmly and live more faithfully in Your grace. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s grace is a free gift that saves us, transforms us, and gives us hope for the future.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What is a gift you’ve received that made you happy? How is God’s grace like a special gift?
  • What are some things we can do to show we are living in God’s grace (for example: being kind, helping others, obeying parents)?
  • How does thinking about Jesus coming back one day make you feel? Excited? Curious? Hopeful?
    
• Youth
  • The Apostle Paul says grace “trains us.” What do you think it means for God’s grace to teach or train you in your daily life?
  • Why is it important to remember salvation as past, present, and future—not just something that happened long ago or will happen later?
  • In what areas of your life do you see God’s grace slowly changing you? Where do you hope to see more growth?