"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; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Titus 2:11-14
Part 3
Yesterday:
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,”
The believer’s life is disciplined, learning lessons of God’s grace.
“We should live soberly, righteously, and godly,”
We live for God and others. Our testimony matters.
“In this present world;”
We live each day for the Lord and others.
Today:
“Looking for that blessed hope,”
We, believers, have one “constant expectation.” This is what we are “looking for.” We never stop looking for the return of our Savior. He has promised us that He will come again for us and take us to be with Him.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).
“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11).
As you understand, “our blessed hope,” is not a “thing,” but a Person. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Messiah.
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).
As our faith must have a focal point, even so, must our “hope.” Our faith and hope are focused upon the Lord. He is our Hope.
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).
Jesus is our Hope who brings blessings!
“And the glorious appearing.”
His first coming was as a helpless, humble little baby. His next appearing will be in the clouds as the mighty King, in great power and glory!
“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26).
His first coming was as the “Suffering Savior,” His return will be as the “Conquering King!”
“Of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.”
Note the two persons spoken of here. 1. “the great God.” And 2. “the Savior Jesus Christ.” With the Holy Spirit, these are the “three in one” – God! If you ever questioned whether Jesus Christ is God or not, this verse should convince you of His Deity.
He is coming back for us! What does it mean to be “redeemed?” Let’s look at that tomorrow. See you then!