MEMORY VERSE: ‘For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.’ Titus 2:11-12.
STUDY HELP: God’s Amazing Grace, page 10.
LESSON AIM: To study how God’s grace enables the believer to overcome temptation and become Christlike.
‘Man cannot transform himself by the exercise of his will. He possesses no power by which this change can be effected. The leaven, something wholly from without, must be put into the meal before the desired change can be wrought in it. So the grace of God must be received by the sinner before he can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. All the culture and education which the world can give will fail of making a degraded child of sin a child of heaven. The renewing energy must come from God. The change can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 96.
Note: “Grace” is often defined as God’s unmerited favour towards sinners. While this definition is not adequate, nevertheless whenever you see that word “favour”, remember that it is included in God’s grace. But the grace of God has many more wonderful and practical aspects for those who respond to His love.
1. What does the grace of God make available to all people? Titus 2:11.
NOTE: ‘By disobeying the commands of God, man fell under the condemnation of His law. This fall called for the grace of God to appear on behalf of sinners. We should never have learned the meaning of this word “grace” had we not fallen. God loves the sinless angels, who do His service, and are obedient to all His commands; but He does not give them grace. These heavenly beings know naught of grace; they have never needed it; for they have never sinned. Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow this grace upon everyone who hungers for it. To everyone He presents terms of mercy, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our need is the qualification which gives us the assurance that we shall receive this gift.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 10
2. Why did God make His grace available to all people? John 3:16.
NOTE: ‘The Lord wants every one of us to be saved, and that with the very fulness of salvation. And therefore He has given to every one of us the very fulness of grace, because it is grace that brings the salvation. For it is written, “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11. Thus the Lord wants all to be saved, and therefore He gave all of His grace, bringing salvation to all. The marginal reading of this text tells it that way, and it is just as true as the reading in the verse itself. Here it is: “The grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared.” All the grace of God is given freely to everyone, bringing salvation to all. Whether all or anyone will receive it, that is another question. What we are studying now is the truth and the fact that God has given it. having given it all, He is clear, even though men may reject it.’ A. T. Jones: Review & Herald, April 17, 1894.