Introduction
Several Years ago our church gave our high school graduates a book entitled T-SHIRT WISDOM FOR GRADS. The book consisted of brief devotions based on slogans that could fit on a T-Shirt. One of the most insightful devotions challenged grads to continue education with the slogan, "School is for kids; education is for life." In this text, the apostle Paul challenges believers to continue their education by learning additional truth about grace. Verse twelve says that grace teaches or instructs. We are familiar with "saving grace," but this passage reveals that grace, like education, is an ongoing learning experience.
I. Grace teaches equality
Grace teaches us that God loves "all men." The historical context of this passage is the missionary expansion of the gospel to Gentiles. As an island community on a major trade route, Crete enjoyed a diverse population that one of their own prophets described as, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons" (Titus 1:12). Grace teaches us that no matter how deep we have sunk in sin, no matter how far one drifts from God, no matter how dark the night, God's grace can reach all men. Grace does not respond on the basis of age, wealth, race, gender, political preference, or social standing. Grace is God's loving response to our greatest need.
The second chapter of James contains an exhortation for the saints of God to demonstrate grace without showing favoritism. James used strong language to warn the saints against "evil practices" of judging others by their clothes or economic standards. James writes that we "dishonor God" when we treat one group more favorably than another. Grace is one of the most amazing gifts that God shares with us. His willingness to give His best for the world's worst should motivate us to reach out to "all men" not with pity but with the precious life-changing grace of the Lord Jesus.
II. Grace teaches purity
The first lesson to learn from grace is equality. The second lesion is purity. Verse twelve says that grace teaches us to "say no!" (NIV), or "deny godlessness and worldly lusts" (HCSB). Grace inspires us to reach out to others and to reach up to God. Grace motivates us to reject the destructive force of sin and embrace a life of purity described as "sensible, righteous and godly."
The contrast of the godless life of worldly passion and the God-filled life of righteousness is often mistakenly identified as the opposite of passion. Unbelievers and many Christians develop a false understanding of Christianity where faith is viewed as the opposite of fun. The Bible acknowledges that sin is pleasurable for a season, but that does not mean that godly faith is void of pleasure or passion. The psalmist said, "In God's presence we find fullness of joy and eternal pleasure" (Ps 16:11). We are not called to lead passionless lives; we are called to live with God-honoring passion. We are called to be Christ-like. We often forget that the last week of Christ life is called Passion Week, which describes the intensity of His suffering and the magnitude of His atoning sacrifice. Purity is not the absence of passion; it is the transformation of ungodly lust into honorable expressions of intense emotion.
Grace is the key, for understanding that God is not a "cosmic kill-joy" who is monitoring your life like a strict school principal wanting to hit you with detention for failing to abide by all the rules. When we understand that God gave His best gift while we were at our worst (see Rom. 5:8), then we will seek to honor His gift with expressions of gratitude. His grace also motivates obedience by imagining what God may choose to bestow upon us as obedient children, instead of being "children of wrath," which is what we were before salvation. Paul expressed that concept in Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things." Can you imagine more grace? If God gives amazing grace to sinners, what will He pour out on His children who honor Him with purity?
Does it make sense that God would save you from sin and hell, so you would live a miserable, passionless life? NO, because grace is good! Grace enriches our life. Through grace we learn that God is protecting our life from the destructive and corrosive sin that deceives and destroys. Saying no is easier when we understand that God's grace reveals a divine and wonderful plan for our life. One of the best definitions of God's will is, "God's will is what you would choose for yourself if you had all wisdom." God's grace teaches us to say no to harmful things and yes to the best that God has to offer.
III. Grace teaches expectancy
Through grace we also learn expectancy, "While we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (2:13). Waiting is never easy, especially in our fast-paced society. We live in a culture that strives to get desired results faster and faster. From microwaves to computer processors, we want it now. We have even combined shampoo and conditioner in one bottle because it takes too long to rinse two times! But grace teaches us to wait expectantly, not demandingly.
Grace acknowledges that God is in control. He operates on His schedule not mine. When "grace appeared" (v. 11), it was according to the divine plan of God. The delay we now experience is a "blessed hope" because we should be preparing for His return. We do not have to worry about being ashamed at Christ's return as described in 1 John 2:28. Grace allows us to look forward to Christ's return. Grace reminds us that Jesus is not returning as vengeful King to punish us for our disobedience. He is returning to bring us into His glorious home. The unredeemed must suffer His wrath, but His children enjoy His grace.
Because His return is a glorious visit to the earth, we anticipate and prepare as if we are preparing our home for a special guest. Many of you have cleaned your home in expectation of visitors. If you genuinely desire to see the guests, you willingly do extra work - not because you have to but because you desire to accommodate your guest with your best gifts. You prepare clean sheets and towels. You scrub the bathroom, vacuum the carpet, and dust the shelves. Fine china, which normally remains locked in a cabinet, is beautifully arranged for dinner. Why? Because the guest is worth the extra effort. Your friends, family, or special guest may ask you not to go to any extra trouble, but you do the extra work as an expression of appreciation, not obligation. Grace teaches to look forward with anticipation and work with appreciation because we know that our efforts don't accomplish or purchase God's love. Grace is unmerited favor, so we are free to look and to work for the glorious return of Christ.
Conclusion
In 1986, Bob Wieland ran the slowest New York Marathon in history when it took him 4 days, 2 hours, 48 minutes, 17 seconds to finish the race. He was the last to finish but the first to run the race using his arms instead of his legs! When he finished, Wieland shouted, "I love New York!" and repeatedly pumped his arms in the air. He claimed his finisher's medal and explained why he did it: "For the same reason as 20,000 other people. It's the greatest marathon in the country." He also cited three specific reasons: 1) to show his born-again Christian faith, 2) to test his conditioning and 3) to promote the President's Council on Physical Fitness, of which he is a member. He said, "Success is not based on where you start, it's where you finish, and I finished. Wieland runs in a sitting position, using his muscular arms like crutches to lift his torso and swing it forward. He sits on a 15 pound saddle and covers his clenched fists with pads he calls "size 1 running shoes."
We need that same kind of attitude when we approach our spiritual training. Grace reminds us that we run for Christ. Our labor is not motivated by winning trinkets of human recognition. Wieland's last place finish was more remarkable than the winner because he ran for a higher purpose. We are saved by the grace of God. We share with others by the grace of God, and we strive toward the finish line with blessed hope by the grace of God. There are no diplomas of grace because class is always in session. School is for kids; grace is for life.