Discipleship

The Grace That Teaches Us

In what are we to be disciplined or held accountable? "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, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you" (Titus 2:11-15).

How has the grace of God appeared to us? Is it only in our prayer closets or when we are reading the Scriptures? These are important, but we are told that grace has been given to every member (Romans 12). Some have been given more grace, and that grace is given that they might serve every other member with Christ. The grace is given to teach us. We need this grace, to come to maturity. This grace gives some members the ability to see beyond the place we can see. They in turn will serve us so we can see for ourselves. A word of wisdom, a word of knowledge, and a word of faith are all important in giving us the ability to move, and most of the time it will come through other members in our time of need. God's purpose is to bind us together as one, and this is part of the way He is working that purpose.

If we read the Scripture above, we can see the areas in which we should expect that grace to teach us. When another member points out an area in our lives that is not according to godliness, if we are lovers of truth we will take the encouragement very carefully before God. Another member may make a mistake in the way he or she comes to us, or the manner of expression may be immature, but we should never reject something immediately. We need to receive one another and prayerfully consider what is being said to us, even if it is not said in just the way we think it should be.

Notice the strong words in verse 15: "rebuke with all authority." This is not the greatest part of the outworking, but it may come like this from time to time. Even if we are rebuked, can we see the love of God behind that rebuke? Can we see the care? Remember, the grace given to men is for our teaching. Paul told the Corinthians that the grace given to him was for their good, and his desire was that it would not be in vain. It could be in vain if they allowed themselves to remain closed to him. His admonition was that they be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:20). Then they would be able to hear God through Paul and the grace would profit them.

Next: The Presence of God