Here, we see a portion of the progression of salvation laid out: justification, sanctification, and glorification. First, we see justification, as one receives the “grace of God”, which is the gift of the person of Jesus who “has appeared” to us as the ultimate, perfect sacrifice freeing us from the penalty of sin [Titus 2.11; Hebrews 9.28]. Then, we see the process of sanctification, in which the Holy Spirit continually teaches us and reminds us of the things Jesus commanded and taught [John 14.26]; convicting us as sin lures us, that if we love Him, we will obey Him [John 14.23-24], and spurring us on to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” so that we may press on in endurance until the final procession of King Jesus unto His Bride [Titus 2.12-13]. Which culminates in something known as glorification, or the final act that will remove Jesus’ Bride from a life of and the presence of sin, as the glory of God becomes fully unveiled and the mystery is fully made known to us.

This is our “blessed hope:” that we know, trust, and believe that which Jesus’ first coming represented in regards to salvation, and that we hold to that belief with hope that His person will come back for His Bride. For it is that that will bring us into the endurance, the perseverance, the diligence, and the love necessary to grow into a body that zealously pursues holiness and purity for the marriage of the Lamb [Titus 2.14].

He came once, in which we celebrate now in Christmas; but just like He promised, He is coming again, in which we anticipate and yearn for now, simultaneously. Maranatha.

[Titus 2.11-14]

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What if we see the ‘grace of God’ as the person of Jesus? What about ‘blessed hope’?

+ What does it mean that this passage says “the grace of God” is what is “training us”?

+ Does this passage teach us that it is by a simple prayer that we are saved?

+ What is the definition of zeal/zealous?

+ How does this passage point to Advent?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What is my hope? Does this affect the way I live my life, spend my money, devote my time, etc?

+ Where do I need to allow the Spirit to have power so that I can be more quick to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions”?

+ How will I know if I am living a “self-controlled, upright, godly [life]”?

+ Do I know what the 5 solas are? How do I see these intertwined together?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Is anyone in my community needing to be reminded that Christ has promised another coming? And that this should mean something to the way we currently live our lives?

+ Where are my friends and family, saved or unsaved, finding their hope?