Text: Titus 2:11–12 (NKJV)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” — Titus 2:11–12 (NKJV)
As we journey through our Lenten theme “Grace and Truth” (John 1:16–17), today we are reminded that grace is not merely a gift that saves—it is a teacher that transforms.
Many understand grace as unmerited favour, and rightly so. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV). But the same grace that saves also instructs. Titus tells us that grace teaches us. This means grace is not passive; it is active. It trains, corrects, disciplines, and shapes the believer into Christlikeness.
1. Grace Brings Salvation to All
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men…” (v.11)
Grace appeared in the person of Jesus Christ. “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16–17 NKJV).
Salvation is not earned by works of righteousness (Titus 3:5 NKJV), but it is received by faith. However, salvation is not the end of grace’s work—it is the beginning. When grace enters a life, transformation must follow.
2. Grace Teaches Us to Deny Ungodliness
“…teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…” (v.12a)
Grace teaches us to say “No.”
Holiness begins with denial—denying ungodliness, denying sinful desires, denying worldly passions. Grace empowers what the flesh cannot overcome on its own.
Romans 6:14 (NKJV) declares:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
Being under grace does not give permission to sin; rather, it breaks sin’s dominion. The grace that forgives sin is the same grace that gives power to overcome it.
During this fasting season, we intentionally deny the flesh. Not merely food, but attitudes, habits, pride, bitterness, immorality, and every appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV). Grace strengthens us to live separated unto God.
3. Grace Teaches Us How to Live
“…we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (v.12b)
Grace is practical. It affects daily conduct.
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Soberly — self-controlled, disciplined, spiritually alert (1 Peter 1:13 NKJV).
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Righteously — upright in dealings with others (Micah 6:8 NKJV).
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Godly — devoted and reverent toward God (1 Timothy 4:8 NKJV).
Notice Paul says “in the present age.” Holiness is not for heaven alone; it is for now. In a corrupt and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15 NKJV), grace enables believers to shine as lights.
Holiness is not legalism. Legalism says, “Change yourself so God will accept you.” Grace says, “God has accepted you in Christ; now live in the power He supplies.”
4. Holiness is the Evidence of Grace
Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) says:
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
Grace does not lower God’s standard—it empowers us to meet it. True grace produces purity. If grace does not change behaviour, it has not yet been fully embraced.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV):
“Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Holiness is progressive. It is a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16 NKJV). As we fast and pray, grace works deeply within us, refining our thoughts, motives, and actions.
Reflection for Day 12
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Have I mistaken grace for permission rather than empowerment?
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What ungodliness or worldly desire is grace teaching me to deny?
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Am I living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age?
Grace is not soft on sin. It is strong enough to conquer it.
Pastor Ebenezer Adeyinka Daramola
Prayer Points
- Thanksgiving for Grace: Thank You, Lord, for Your grace that brings salvation to all men. May we never take it for granted, in Jesus’ name. (Titus 2:11).
- Understanding of Grace: Father, grant me a deeper understanding of the grace You have given me in Jesus’ name. (2 Peter 3:18).
- Empowerment to live holy: Lord, empower me through Your grace to live a life that reflects holiness in Jesus’ name. (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- Strength to deny ungodliness: I pray for strength to deny all ungodliness and worldly desires in Jesus’ name. (Titus 2:12).
- Desire for righteousness: Lord, cultivate a strong desire within me for righteousness and godliness in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 5:6).
- Guidance in daily choices: Guide my choices each day, aligning them with Your will, in Jesus’ name. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Transformation of mind: Transform my mind to align with Your holiness, Lord, in Jesus’ name. (Romans 12:2).
- Resisting temptation: Father, help me resist temptations that lead me away from holiness, in Jesus’ name. (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- Living out the Word: Grant me the grace to live out Your Word in every area of my life, in Jesus’ name. (James 1:22).
- Fellowship with believers: Lord, surround me with believers who encourage holiness and righteousness, in Jesus’ name. (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Witnessing to others: Help me be a light to others through my holy living, in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 5:14-16).
- Holiness in thoughts: Purify my thoughts and intentions, Lord, that they may be holy, in Jesus’ name. (Philippians 4:8).
- Purity in relationships: Grant me purity in all my relationships, reflecting Your holiness, in Jesus’ name. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
- Overcoming sin: I pray for strength to overcome any habitual sin in my life, in Jesus’ name. (Romans 6:14).
- Faithfulness in service: Make me faithful in serving You and others with a pure heart, in Jesus’ name. (1 Peter 4:10).
