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Question 8

Titus 2:12 is quoted to say grace “teaches” us to deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, and godly; how does this chapter’s portrayal of grace differ from the way “grace” is commonly talked about in evangelical circles, and what would it mean to treat grace as a trainer that commands and corrects you?

Another way to ask: How does this chapter describe grace differently than the way evangelicals usually talk about grace? What would change if you treated grace like a coach who trains, corrects, and tells you what to do?

Direct Answer Bercot portrays grace not only as pardon or undeserved favor, but as an active teacher that trains believers into denial of sin and a godly lifestyle. Treating grace as a trainer would mean receiving God’s help as instruction that calls for concrete moral choices—cooperating rather than assuming grace eliminates the need for effort.

Support from Transcript:

He quotes Titus 2: grace appears “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly.”
He connects grace to both beginning and continuing: “Without the grace of God, we would never get on the vine… or be able to produce fruit.”
Yet he insists grace includes human response: “Yet that same grace teaches us that we have to deny…”
He restates the principle: “Again, it is a matter of man cooperating with the power of God that works within him.”
He pairs Titus with Peter’s commands: “be sober… not conforming… be holy in all your conduct.”
He draws a conclusion: “The power comes from Him. The sacrificial response must come from us.”

Discussion Follow-ups When you hear “grace,” do you mainly think “forgiveness,” or also “training”? What would you change if you believed grace was correcting you, not just covering you?

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