Hope & Grace
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
Titus 2:11-15 (ESV)
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.
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Sermon Outline
Jesus invites us to walk a path of grace as the only way to live in our “present age” (v12).
1. Grace as “Gift”
v11 “the grace of God has appeared”
vv13-14 “our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us…”
2. Grace as “Teacher”
v12 “training us to renounce… and to live…”
v14 “…from all lawlessness… and to purify for himself a people… zealous for good works”
3. Grace as “Encourager”
v13 “waiting for our blessed hope”
Questions for Reflection
What are some connections between grace and hope? How does grace make us more hopeful?
Why is grace the right way to understand the salvation of God? What does it mean that Jesus gave himself to redeem and purify us? How is grace received as a gift?
Which seems to have a more profound impact on you: positive or negative experiences? Are they equal, or does one have greater influence?
How do negative experiences shape a person? What are some examples? What options are available to a person who wants to be free of the influences that negative experiences have had?
Where do our evil impulses come from? Why do we have such desires or inclinations?
Can an experience of God’s grace really bring renewal and change? What is that experience like? How can you have it?
How does grace train you to renounce or say “no” to sinful impulses or influences? How does grace train you to be zealous for good works?
What happens if you only focus your life on avoiding or resisting what is bad? What happens if you only focus on trying to do good? How does grace help you do both (say no to evil, eagerly seek what is good)?
How do you continue to be a person of grace in a world that sometimes resists and opposes good? What motivates you to stay the course and be consistent in living by grace?
How can looking ahead to the “blessed hope” of the revelation of God’s glory help you continue to walk by grace right now?
Prayer of Confession
Our gracious and merciful God, we have walked a path marked by ungodliness and worldly passions. We have acted according to our selfish desires, and treated others in the same ways we have been mistreated. We have not been people of grace. Forgive us. Grant us your salvation. May the grace that appeared redeem and purify us so that we are zealous for good works. Make us people of grace, as we await the appearing of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, amen.