Session Four: “Our Blessed Hope”
Titus 2: 11-14
Listening Guide
1. It is a “blessed hope” because Jesus has conquered ___________.
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On the cross and by His bodily resurrection, He destroyed _________ who has the power of
death. Hebrews 2:14-15
He will one day bring death to an ________. 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26
He grants ___________ to all who believe in Him. Matthew 25: 31-46, John 3:16
2. It is a “blessed hope” because _________ is the eternal home of those who believe in Christ.
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It is a place prepared by Jesus where believers will live with Him __________. John 14:1-3
It is a _______________ because it reflects the glory of God. Revelation 21, 22
(1) Its walls and gates suggest complete ________________.
(2) The foundation stones suggest it is the place for the ___________.
(3) Its measurement shows the _______________ of God as He sits on His throne.
(4) Its adornment of jewels reflects God’s endless _________; the gold its infinite ________.
(5) Its availability reminds us that each person has _______________ to God.
(6) It is filled with the _____________ of the truth and glory of God.
(7) It is a place where mourning, _________, _________ and death will be no more.
(8) It is a place where all things are ____________.
Those who reject Christ will be cast into a literal place called _____ for all eternity, along
with Satan and his demons; it is the “__________________.” Revelation 20: 11-15; 21:8
3. It is a “blessed hope” because Jesus will _________ a second time, to take us home with Him.
(sometimes called His Appearing, His Coming, the Second Coming, the Day of the Lord.)
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Christ will return to the earth one day in a literal, physical event, in just the same way
as the disciples had seen him _______________. Acts 1:11
No one knows the exact ____________ of His return. Matt. 25:1-13
Because this is true and during His absence, the believer is to be:
(1) a faithful _______________. Matt. 24:45-51
(2) self-controlled, godly, and __________. Titus 2: 14, 2 Peter 3:11, 1 John 3:3
The first event of Christ’s second coming will be the ____________________
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18; and 1 Corinthians 15: 12-58
(1) Christ will descend from heaven and appear in the sky and issue the __________
___________, and the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God will be heard.
(2) Those believers who have previously died will _____________. Their spirits
(2 Cor. 5:8) will receive their bodies back from the grave, which will then be
wondrously transformed and glorified, taking on immortality.
(3) Then, those believers who are alive and on the earth will be gathered up to Jesus
with them; their mortal bodies will also be _______, taking on immortality.1 John 3:2
(4) A great feast, called the “_____________________ of the Lamb,” will be enjoyed
by all. Revelation 19: 6-10
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(5) After this, believers will appear before the ________ (Judgment) ____________.
Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3: 9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Luke 19:11-27
 It is a judgment of ____________________, not to determine eternal destiny.
 It is the place of ______________.
 Your _____________ will be judged (lasting or worthless?),
your _____________ will be evaluated (faithful or faithless?), and
your ____________ will be examined (for God’s glory or your own?).
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Then, 7 years of _________________________ will come upon the earth. Revelation 5-19
(1) It will be a time of awesome ___________ upon the earth and those who remain.
(7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls of wrath)
(2) It will be an epic _____________ against Satan and Anti-Christ.
(3) It will also be a time of __________ for the _____________.
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Christ will come to the earth as the great ___________________. He will ride upon His
white horse and bring His army with Him. He will defeat Satan and his cohorts
completely, locking him up in the abyss for 1,000 years. Revelation 19:11-21

Christ will reign over the earth for a ________________________. He will establish His
kingdom in a perfect environment of peace, prosperity, health and righteousness.
Believers will reign with Him over the earth. Revelation 20: 1-6

After this, Satan will be released from his “lock-up” and will __________ the nations.
A final great battle will occur as Jesus secures Satan’s ultimate defeat. Rev. 20:7-10

Then, the final judgment will occur at the _______________________________ of God.
Rev. 20: 11-15
(1) The records of all unbelievers will be examined from _________ opened by God.
(2) This will occur in the _______________ of God Himself.
(3) All the unbelieving dead will be pronounced _________ for their names were not
found in the Book of Life and they were unworthy for eternal life due to the record of
their deeds. They will be cast into the lake of fear along with Death and Hades.
(4) This is called the “_________________________.”
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Finally, the new heaven (or the New Jerusalem) will descend to the earth and
_____________, we (those who are saved) will be with the Lord.
Revelation 21 “Maranatha!”
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’
And let the one who is thirsty come;
let the one who desires take the water of life without price…
He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.
Amen.”
Revelation 22: 17, 20-21
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Week Four:
What to Do While You Wait!
(Titus 2:11- 3:2)
These verses will remind us that Christ will return
and appear again! While we wait for that
“blessed hope,” how should we live? Paul will tell
us we must live in the grace of God.
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Week Four:
What to Do While You Wait!
I admit it. I do not like to wait. Do you know that “itchy” feeling you get when you are sitting at a
traffic light waiting for the red light to become green? Oh, yes! Of course, having to sit in a doctor’s
office while you await your appointment can be quite unnerving as well. In days past, I would sit and
fidget and pick up one wrinkled magazine after another. I finally decided not to waste that waiting
time by bringing my Bible, other good books, or little projects I could fit into my purse and work on
them while I waited. I determined to make that time in the waiting room profitable and fruitful,
instead.
There are certainly times in my life that I have been put in God’s “waiting room.” But, it is also true:
waiting on God’s timing is always the best thing to do. The events I share with you today are part of
my “life story,” and many of you know them already. But for the sake of those who do not, bear with
me as I testify again.
Before Hayes and I married, I had already been diagnosed with a medical condition which would
make it difficult for me to have children. I was honest with him about it, and he still believed it was
God’s will for us to be together. We were amazed when God gave us our first child, Kristin Joy, after
only three years of marriage and after one year of medical treatments. In a short time, we knew that
we wanted to have more children, but this time, we did not conceive so quickly. I really wanted to
have all of my children before I was 35 years of age, thinking I would be too old to have children
after that point. After many tearful disappointments and countless prayer sessions and after going to
many doctors over a six year span, we rejoiced to learn that I was finally pregnant with our second
child. But we were heartbroken to learn that in the fourth month of development, our baby had died.
It was a moment I will never forget.
God was not finished with us as, amazingly, I conceived our son Evan Hayes just months after this
heartbreak and had a very healthy pregnancy and delivery. He arrived seven years after the birth of
his big sister, when I was 34 years of age. Much was learned to increase my faith and deepen my trust
in God by going through these experiences! It was a waiting time that brought great reward. From
that moment on, we rejoiced in God’s answered prayer in the form of these two children.
Four years later, we learned that my mother had advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I flew from
Texas to be with her in Georgia as she went through her first treatments, and I was overwhelmed by
the gravity of the situation. After returning to my family, I felt somewhat ill and within a week, I
learned that something unbelievable had happened. I was pregnant with another child, and was
already entering my second trimester of pregnancy! I was almost 38 years of age when I learned
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this, and was shocked by the news! Allyson Marie was born while my mother was fighting for her
life in an ICU half a country away. But, she survived and for five precious months, that little baby
girl brought great joy and hope to her. At five weeks of age, she met her “Granny” even though she
was too tiny to know it. In that special time, my mother enjoyed holding her in her arms at home or
in her hospital bed. She could not stop smiling when she looked at her and at the other two
grandchildren, for my three children were her only “grands.” My mother went home to Jesus and we
grieved, but not as those “who have no hope.” (1 Thess. 4:13)
Soon after this, we learned that my father’s chronic leukemia had become active and acute and ten
months to the day of my mother’s home-going, he was called home to the Father, too. It was a
stunning blow for me, but in my arms I held a little child whose arrival was planned and arranged by
the Lord Jesus. She had ministered to my parents in a way no one else could, and now she ministered
to me. Holding her in my arms reminded me of God’s promises and His steadfast love.
I thought I had a great plan and timetable for my life. I wanted to marry in my 20’s, have all my
children by my 30’s, and enjoy watching them grow up in the company of loving grandparents. But,
God showed me the truth of Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV).
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my
thoughts than your thoughts.”
Everything was “on schedule” (my schedule, that is) through marriage (age 23) and the birth of our
first child (age 26). But, I would never have anticipated a 6 year waiting span to become pregnant
again, the loss of one child and the birth of another 7 years after the first. I also never thought I
would have a child after the age of 35. But, God certainly knows best! You see, I learned a most
valuable lesson--that God has the preeminent timetable and “timing” is more important to Him than
“time.”
Kristin came at the right time early in our marriage. Evan came after the 6 year wait and the loss of a
much desired baby. Then, Allyson, who was described as a “physical impossibility” (my doctor’s
words), came at a time when our family needed this reminder from our Heavenly Father that He is
indeed LORD over all—over birth and over death. I will say it again. God’s timing is best and
waiting time is valuable time! That is what we will talk about this week. Even as I know this
personally, Paul will remind us that God’s greater plan for all mankind is “right on schedule.” Let’s
get to it!
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Day One: Grace appeared!
Titus 2:11
After giving Titus very practical instructions for godly living of every believer in every life stage,
Paul turned to the most beautiful and theologically deep passage about the redeeming work of God.
You will recall that Paul had already encouraged the people to live godly so that their lives would
“adorn” the Gospel. The outcome of this would be to attract even more people to personal salvation.
Notice that he began these thoughts by using the coordinating conjunctive word “for.” That is a
grammatical tool that joins other words, phrases, clauses or sentences (for example: and, because,
but, until, or, for). Its function is to introduce the reason for the preceding words. In other words,
Paul has signaled that he will give the reason for his previous challenge to live godly in Christ by
turning to the joyful recognition of salvation in the LORD Jesus. It is as if Paul’s pen began to soar
with his thoughts about the grace of God for redemption in these verses.
Please come to this study today with great expectations, and ask God to reveal to you in a fresh and
wondrous way the beauty and depth of His grace. Read the entire section of Titus 2:11-14, and focus
particularly on verse 11. Then, please answer the following questions. Notice how we are answering
the “Who, what, when, where, why, and how” questions of investigation.
Studying the Word
1. What has appeared? (v. 11) ____________________________________
2. What does this bring? (v. 11)___________________________________
3. To whom is it brought? (v. 11) _________________________________
4. What does it train us to do? (v. 12) ______________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. What kind of lives should we live? (v. 12) ________________________
__________________________________________________________
6. For what are we waiting? (v. 13a) _______________________________
7. What is this hope specifically? (v. 13b) ___________________________
___________________________________________________________
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8. For what two reasons did our Savior give Himself for us? (v. 14)
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“to _______________ us from all ___________________ and
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“to _____________ for Himself a __________ for His own _________________.”
9. For what are these people zealous? (v. 14c) ____________________________
Digging a Little Deeper
“The grace of God has appeared!” The word translated “grace” comes from the Greek word “charis.”
It means “favor, kindness, a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ.” “It refers to God freely
extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless
(be near) them.” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database, c. 2011 by Biblesoft, Inc.) It
pictures the kindness of a master toward his servants and always refers to bestowing favor upon
someone who does not deserve it. It is most supremely seen in God’s favor toward wicked, rebellious
sinners as He seeks them and saves them from certain death and eternal condemnation through the
sacrifice of His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ.
However, Paul uses the term very personally. Grace is more than an adjective or description of who
God is. Jesus is Grace, personified. Jesus, who is God Himself in the flesh, embodied and
expressed the very grace of God. At a certain point in time past, Grace (Jesus) appeared in the form
of a little baby born to a poor but devout Jewish virgin in a stable in Bethlehem and He came to bring
salvation for all people who believe.
Read these passages to gain further insight.
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Luke 2:25-30
 How is Simeon described? (v. 25)_________________________
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What had been promised to him? (v. 26)____________________
____________________________________________________
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What did he do when he saw the child Jesus in the temple?(v. 27-28)
____________________________________________________
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What did he say his eyes had seen? (v. 30)__________________
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Week Four
John 1:14-18
 What did the Word do? (v. 14a) __________________________
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What did John say he had seen? (v. 14b) ___________________
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What filled this glory? (v. 14c)___________________________
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What have we received from His fullness? (v. 16) ____________
____________________________________________________
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While the Law came through Moses, what came from Jesus
Christ? (v. 17_________________________________________
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2 Timothy 1:8-10
 What two things has God done for us? (v. 9a) _______________
____________________________________________________
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What reason was not why He did this? (v. 9b) _______________
____________________________________________________
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For what reason did He do this? (v. 9c) ____________________
____________________________________________________
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How did He give us this grace? (v. 9d) ____________________
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When did He do this? (v. 9e) ____________________________
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How has this grace been made manifest (clear, brought into the
light)? (v. 10a) _______________________________________
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What did Jesus accomplish? (v. 10b) ______________________
____________________________________________________
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Through what did He do this? (v. 10c) _____________________
Titus 3:4-5
 Further in the letter, Paul spoke of this appearance. What did he say appeared? ( v. 4)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

What did this appearance accomplish? (v. 5)
_____________________________________________________________________
The words translated “has appeared” come from the Greek “epiphaino” which means “has shown
forth, has come to light.” We get our word “epiphany” from this word. When you say, “I had an
epiphany,” you are really saying: “I get it! I understand it now. It is clear to me.” Some people call
it the “Aha!” moment. It is an experience of sudden enlightenment that brings deeper understanding.
When Jesus appeared, we suddenly understand what grace is all about! What Adam, Noah, Abraham,
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Jacob, Moses, David, Isaiah, Daniel, and all the Old Testaments saints had been awaiting appeared at
just the right moment in time on God’s kingdom calendar!
As Hebrews said,
“
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and
greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the
earth.” (Hebrews 11:13 ESV)
Paul stated that “grace has appeared, bringing salvation…” What is this salvation? When God sent
His Son into the world at a specific time, He came for the purpose of saving us. But, from what is He
saving us? Let us listen to His own words from that famous passage found in John 3:16-18.

How did God show His love for the world?(16a)__________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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What will not happen to those who believe in Him? (16b) ___________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Instead what will they receive? (v. 16c) __________________________________

What was not the reason God sent His Son into the world?(v. 17a)
___________________________________________________________________
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What was the reason God sent His Son? (v. 17b) ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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Who is condemned already and why? (v. 18b) ______________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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Who is not condemned? (v. 18a) ________________________________________
Paul expressed a “trustworthy word” in 1Timothy 1:15 about his own salvation:
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
Paul went on to say that “grace has appeared, bringing salvation for all people…”. Some have
argued that Paul was teaching universalism, or that all people will be saved. In light of all the
Scriptures and Paul’s writings particularly, nothing could be further from the truth. John even stated
that “He is the propitiation (satisfaction of the debt) for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for
the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 ESV) Paul and John are both simply stating that the offer of
salvation is extended to all people. When Christ died on the cross, He provided the means whereby
all who believe could be saved. Christ died for sinners!
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As you read the following verses, record what you find in common there.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV)
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be
saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,
not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Living the Word
I just counted the number of words in this one verse. There are 12. Wow, they pack amazing truth!
Right now, it is time to get on our knees to thank God for His amazing grace, as it has appeared in the
form of the LORD Jesus Christ in time past when He came to this earth in bodily form. In the next
verses, we will understand how grace works today, and how grace will appear again one day in the
future. I am thrilled!
I asked the question earlier and now I want you to think specifically of what Christ has saved you
from. We have learned that He saved you from eternal death and condemnation to hell! By
sacrificing Himself on the cross and shedding His blood, Jesus paid the debt we had incurred due to
our sin and rebellion against God. The old chorus says it like this:
He paid a debt He did not owe;
I owed a debt I could not pay;
I needed someone to wash my sins away.
And, now, I sing a brand new song,
“Amazing Grace.”
Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay. (Ellis J. Crum)
Rejoice in the grace that has appeared bringing salvation to YOU!
Day Two: Grace trains us!
Titus 2:12
Some of my fondest memories as a parent are of those times Hayes and I taught our three children to
ride their bicycles. It was always such a special Christmas when we would park their first bikes under
the Christmas tree. We could hardly wait for them to wake up and see the shining new bicycles,
outfitted with baskets, little chiming bells or horns on the handles, and, of course, training wheels.
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Before we could get out of our pajamas, we would be outside holding them on their bikes as they
would “get the feel” of this new vehicle of motion! After a few wobbly and insecure tries, they
would soon get the hang of riding the bike with training wheels.
But, they soon discovered that those training wheels were holding them back. Without them, they
would have more freedom and could ride faster. At the same time, it would mean they could also fall
easily as well. When the time was right, Hayes would get his wrench and take the bolts off the
training wheels and remove them completely. Then, with a lot of courage, the children would take
their places on their seats and start to peddle. As I recorded the momentous occasions with our
camera, Hayes would run beside them for those first unstable moments. He would steady the bike and
shout encouraging words. Then, they were off! With the sound of our cheers, they would peddle
down the street and back, so happy that they had learned to ride.
Did you know that saving grace also trains us how to live victoriously as a Christ-follower? Paul
states this in our passage today. Again, let us read Titus 2: 11-14, and focus on verse 12 this time.
Studying the Word
1. What has appeared and what did it bring? (v. 11) ____________________
____________________________________________________________
2. What does this grace train us to renounce? (v. 12a) ___________________
____________________________________________________________
3. Positively, how does this grace train us to live? (v. 12b) _______________
____________________________________________________________
4. In what time frame does this living take place? (v. 12b) _______________
5. For what do we wait? (v. 13) _____________________________________
____________________________________________________________
6. For what purposes did Christ give Himself for us? (v. 14) ______________
____________________________________________________________
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Digging a Little Deeper
Yesterday, we learned that “grace has appeared,” and that refers to a past event in time. While
salvation was planned by God before time began and before anything was created, grace appeared in
human form when Christ came to the earth. That grace has brought us salvation.
Today, we learn that “grace trains us.” This is the present work of salvation by the grace of God
through Jesus Christ. The concept of training comes from the Greek word “paideuo” which means
specifically to discipline, educate, train, and chastise. It really speaks of the training of a child
(pais—a child under development with strict training) so he or she will grow into healthy and strong
maturity. This would require necessary discipline which might also include chastening or
punishment. From this word, we get the English term “pedagogy,” which is the science and art of
education. As believers, we have been given the Word of God as our “textbook” and the Holy Spirit
as our “Teacher.” (John 14:26)
Paul reminded Titus that grace would train us both negatively and positively. Let us consider the
first. Grace trains us to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions…” The idea of “renouncing”
(“arneomai”) from the Greek speaks of denying something, saying “No!” to something. Thayer’s
Greek Lexicon states that it means also to “forsake it, by act to show estrangement from a thing, not to
accept, to reject, refuse, something offered.”
What are the two things we are to refuse, to deny, or to forsake? To what are we to say “No?” Titus
lists two things. Listed below are scriptures that expound upon them. Look them up and record one
thing you learn about each word from other verses which contain them.

Ungodliness: (“asebeia”) irreverence, wickedness.
Romans 1:18_________________________________________________
Jude 1:14-19__________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Worldly passions: (“kosmikos” and “epithumia”): pertaining to the world; desire,
passionate longing, lust.
Romans 13:12-14 _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Galatians 5:16 _______________________________________________
Grace also trains us positively “to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
These are the things to which we are to say “Yes!”
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


Self-controlled lives: (“sophronos”) being “safe-minded,” of true moderation, being
prudent and sensible. The root of this word is used in Titus 1:8; 2:2, 2:5.
To live upright lives: (“dikaiós”) righteously, justly, approved by God). This refers to a
life that has a good reputation among other people and with God.
(Also found in 1 Thessalonians 2:10)
Godly lives: (eusebós) piously, devoutly. This is a life that reflects the likeness or image
of Christ. (Also found in 2 Timothy 3:12)
What do these three things have in common? All three are evidences of someone whose life has been
transformed by the LORD Jesus Christ. Whatever this person does is done for the purpose of
bringing glory to God.
The training by grace here really describes the process of sanctification, where I am being made more
and more like Jesus as I live right now. How can this happen? How can I say “No!” to the wrong
things and “Yes!” to the things that are right? Turn to Romans 6: 1-14 and read. Answer the specific
questions that follow:
(1) As a follower of Christ, redeemed by His grace, do I continue to sin so that I can get more grace?
Why or why not? (v. 1-2) ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
(2) What kind of life does Christ intend for us to live in Him? (v. 4) _________
_____________________________________________________________
(3) How can we stop acting the way we did before we were saved? (v. 6-7)
_____________________________________________________________
(4) How should we now consider who we are? (v. 11) _____________________
_____________________________________________________________
(5) To what should I no longer present myself (“your members”—your body)?
(v. 13)________________________________________________________
(6) For what purpose should I present myself to God? (v. 13) _______________
_____________________________________________________________
(7) Since I am under grace, what can no longer dominate me? (v. 14) ________
_____________________________________________________________
This is what Paul is ‘getting at!’ I think that deserves a happy “Hallelujah!”
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Living the Word
As a beginning student in music during college, I took a course called “organ pedagogy.” This was a
basic instructional course that familiarized me with the different keyboards, the pedals, the stops and
pistons that controlled the sounds, and particularly taught me how to place my fingers on the keys or
my feet on the pedals. Over and over and over again I would practice mundane keyboard exercises to
learn how to do this. I would meet with my instructor once a week to play those exercises and very
basic organ compositions by Bach that were designed to lay the foundation for playing the pipe organ.
He would watch and listen and make one correction after another. I left there many times thinking I
never would accomplish the task, until one day he said: “Very good! Now, we can move on.” Then,
I advanced to more difficult compositions requiring even greater skill. Under his watchful eyes and
ears, he continued to correct, encourage, and teach me the proper techniques.
When you have been redeemed by grace, you are immediately forgiven of all sin, past, present, and
future. Your eternal destiny has been determined and heaven awaits you one day! But, as you live
day to day in this present world, grace begins to change you and to empower you to live like Jesus.
Grace, in its present work, is teaching you the basics, going over and over it again and again until you
get it! You begin to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks in your conscience and tells
you to walk away from something, to put it down, to stop it, and to give it up. You also recognize His
voice when He leads you to do something that expresses the life of Christ within you.

To what things is God’s grace training you to say “No!”?________________
______________________________________________________________

To what things is God’s grace training you to say “Yes!”? _______________
______________________________________________________________
As you consider what we have learned, ask yourself where you are in your training session by grace.
Are you a new believer with “training wheels” or the beginning student with the “practice exercises?”
Or, are you advancing in your Christian life as you learn how to run faster and harder and further than
ever before? No matter where you are, keep the faith! Trust your Teacher. Lean into Him and
continue to grow!
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Day Three: Grace Receives Us!
Titus 2: 13-14
Today we will add the third aspect of God’s saving grace. Remember:
(1) His grace has appeared in the past to pay the penalty of sin against us.
(2) His grace is training us now in the present to conquer the power of sin over us.
(3) Today, we will learn that God’s grace will appear again in the future to remove us from the
very presence of sin.
Turn once again to Titus 2: 11-14 and focus your attention on the last two verses.
Studying the Word
1. What did the “grace of God” bring when it appeared in time past? (v. 11)
_____________________________________________________________
2. What is the work of grace now, in the present age? (v. 12) ______________
_____________________________________________________________
3. As we live in the present age, for what are we waiting? (v. 13a) __________
_____________________________________________________________
4. What is this hope? (v. 13b) _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
5. Christ gave himself to redeem us from something. What is it? (v. 14a)
____________________________________________________________
6. Who are the ones for whom Christ gave Himself? (v. 14b) ______________
_____________________________________________________________
7. What did He do for those people? (v. 14b) ___________________________
8. For what are these people zealous to accomplish? (v. 14b) ______________
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Digging a Little Deeper
This past week we discussed in class the wonderful, blessed hope of the second appearing of the
LORD Jesus Christ on this earth. It is a hope for a certain future event.
What is biblical hope? Hope is so important to Paul that it is mentioned in three verses of this small
letter to Titus. (Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7). In Greek, it is the word “elpis” which speaks of hope,
expectation, trust, and confidence. The word comes from the root word “elpo” meaning “to
anticipate, welcome” and points out that biblical hope is an expectation of what is sure and certain.
(Strong’s Concordance and HELP’s Word Studies; biblehub.com)
Let us affirm again that it is not a “wishing” or “crossing our fingers” kind of hope. It is a confident
and earnest expectation that what God has said WILL come to pass. Paul described those who are
separated from Christ as those who have “no hope and are without God in this world.”
(Ephesians 2:12 ESV). But hope for the believer in Christ is a “sure and steadfast anchor for the
soul.” (Hebrews 6:19)
How can we have this hope? The following scriptures will give us valuable insight.
 Romans 15:4. Through two things, we can have hope. What are they?
_____________________________________________________________

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. How does Jesus give us hope? _______________
______________________________________________________________

1 Peter 1:3. How does Peter describe this hope? _______________________
How is it received? ______________________________________________
Hope cannot be “worked up” for it is received from God as a gift of the new birth, as a result of
Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. By reading the Scriptures- especially as I hear what God did with
women and men of the Bible- and by enduring faithfully through trials and pain as they did, I receive
God’s hope!




It is a blessed hope (Titus 2:13), a “happy, enviable” hope.
It is a living hope (1 Peter 1:3), because the resurrection of Christ means I have life.
It is a better hope (Hebrews 7:19), for nothing else is as secure nor can anything else produce
such glorious results.
Jesus Himself is my Hope! (1Timothy 1:1).
Notice the two appearances in this section.
In Titus 2:11, GOD’S GRACE (Jesus Christ) has appeared (past).
In Titus 2:13, GOD’S GLORY (Jesus Christ) will appear (future).
In His first appearance, Jesus came as a baby in a manger and came to be our Savior.
In His second appearance, He will come as Warrior and Judge.
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What amazing words of promise and hope. I must worship my God right now in spirit and in truth!
As Jesus was Grace personified when He appeared the first time, He will be Glory personified when
He comes again the second time. This “glory” is translated from the Greek word “doxa,” which
reflects the splendor, honor, and intrinsic worth of God. I have heard it described as “the out-shining
of all the attributes of God.” It was glimpsed by Peter, James and John in Matthew 17:1-8.
Read this and answer the questions below:
(1) Where were Jesus and these men? (v. 1) ____________________________
(2) How did Jesus appear when He was transfigured before them? (v. 2) ______
_____________________________________________________________
(3) Who appeared there to talk with Jesus? (v. 3) ________________________
(4) What overshadowed them? (v. 5) __________________________________
(5) What message was spoken by the voice that was heard by all? (v. 5)_______
_____________________________________________________________
(6) What was the response of the disciples? (v. 6) ________________________
_____________________________________________________________
This “glory” comes from “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” This is a wonderful statement that
affirms the deity of Jesus. In this title, Paul reminds us that:



Jesus is God. When you see Him, you see the Father. He is part of the Tri-unity of God.
Jesus is our Savior. He came to redeem us from our sins.
Jesus is Christ. He is the Anointed One and the Messiah whose coming was foretold, and He
fulfills all prophecy.
Finally, we should be reminded when this glory will appear. Jesus spoke to His disciples in a private
teaching session on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24. He told them several things about the signs
of His second coming.
(1) He told them that before the end came, false messiahs will appear and lead people astray. Wars,
famines, and earthquakes will occur as the
beginning of birth pains. (v.3-8)
(2) True believers will be persecuted and killed and hated by all nations. As many fall away, false
prophets will arise. Lawlessness will increase and love will be dead. The gospel will be
preached to all the nations and then the end will come. (v. 9-14)
(3) The “Abomination of Desolation,” prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:27), will herald an increase in
the difficulties as a “Great Tribulation” will take place. (v. 15-28)
(4) After these days, the sun, moon, and stars will be darkened and the universe shaken. Then the
sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven and He will send his angels to gather His elect from
every part of the earth (v. 29-31).
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(5) The fig tree gives us a lesson in understanding the end times. By the tender branch and the leaves
that grow, you know summer is near. So, when you see these things, you know that Christ is
“very near, even at the gate.” (v.32-35)
(6) But, we must be clear that “no one knows the day and hour,” not even the angels of heaven nor
Jesus. The Father alone knows this. Jesus will come again at “an hour you do not expect.”
(v.36-44)
How do we get ready? What do we do while we wait? Paul has told us that Jesus 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.” (Titus 2:14) Are we supposed to sell all our possessions and move to a
campground on top of the highest mountain and gaze at the sky from one day to another? No, we are
to allow the “training grace” of God to purify our lives from all sin. We are to be actively and
passionately involved in “good works.” We are God’s true people and should reflect that to this
world. As the Puritans said, we should live in the “power of new affections.”
Peter also said that in light of the fact that the earth is hastening to an end, we should be people whose
lives reflect peace and lives that are pure (2 Peter 3:11-12). In verse 14, he said:
“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without
spot or blemish, and at peace.”
Notice that the writer of Hebrews also speaks of these two “appearances” of Christ in
Hebrews 9: 26b-28 (ESV).
“But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the
sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes
judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a
second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
Once again, we are reminded that Christ appeared once to sacrifice Himself so that sin could be
forgiven. But, we are encouraged to know that He will appear a second time to save forever those
who are waiting expectantly for Him. Maranatha! “Even so, come LORD Jesus!”
Living the Word
Many people approach the study of the end times with a sense of fear and dread. But, the strong
follower of Christ will approach this with a sense of hope and joy in the knowledge that Jesus will
come back for His own. Believing this is certain should inspire us to persevere. It should also
encourage each one of us to live a holy and pure life.
If someone told you that Jesus was going to return to the earth in bodily form on a certain date (and
remember, no one can do this!), how differently would you live? What changes would you make?
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Paul knew that his time on the earth was short when he wrote his second letter to Timothy. But, he
looked forward to his “departure” knowing that to be “absent from the body” meant to be “present
with the LORD.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) He also spoke of a special reward—a distinct crown awaiting
the one who loved the appearing of the Lord.
“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have
loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8 ESV)
Do you love the “appearing” of Christ? Are you ready for His return? His timing will be perfect, and
He will be right on schedule. Let us be people who are looking, loving, and living in holiness and
godliness until He appears. If you do, a special crown of righteousness will one day be placed upon
your head by the LORD Jesus Christ.
Day 4: Grace encourages!
Titus 2:15
Do you ever feel that no one is listening to you? Have you tried to get a word in the conversation but
there does not seem to be someone who values what you have to say? It has happened to all of us at
some time or another. But, a baby quickly learns how to get attention. If she is unhappy because she
is wet or hungry or sleepy, she simply howls loudly until everyone moves into action. I was stunned
to see how many able-bodied adults would jump into action to take care of little Kristin Joy (all 7 lbs,
11 oz of her) when she would split the quiet with that shrill cry. She made sure no one disregarded
her!
Titus needed to be reminded of this. We come to the end of this section of Scripture in Titus 2 where
it began. In verse 1, Paul told Titus: “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.”
Then, line upon line, Paul described what that meant. Now, after coming to this wonderful teaching
about the grace of God, he gave another direct challenge to the young preacher Titus. “Declare these
things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15 ESV)
For the fourth time, read Titus 2: 11-14 and add verse 15 to the section. Then, answer the questions
that follow.
Studying the Word
(1) For whom did the grace of God appear and what did it bring? (v. 11)
_____________________________________________________________
(2) What does God’s grace train us to renounce? (v. 12) ___________________
_____________________________________________________________
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(3) What kind of lives does God’s grace train us to live? (v. 12) _____________
_____________________________________________________________
(4) For what are we waiting and how is it described? (v. 13) ________________
_____________________________________________________________
(5) What did Christ come to do with our lawlessness? (v. 13-14) ____________
_____________________________________________________________
(6) What kind of people does He purify? (v. 14) _________________________
_____________________________________________________________
(7) What is Titus told to do with these teachings? (v. 15a) __________________
(8) What two things is he to do with all authority? (v. 15b) __________________
_______________________________________________________________
(9) What should Titus let no one do? (v. 15c) _____________________________
Digging a Little Deeper
Imagine getting this letter from Paul. Can you sense the urgency in his words? Like bookends, Paul
has given Titus the constant challenge to teach the truth, to declare it, to exhort and rebuke with
authority, and to make sure the believers heard it! He also said the same thing to his other son in the
ministry, the young Timothy. Read these passages and record insight you gain from them.
(1) 1 Timothy 1:18-19. What should Timothy wage and what should he hold while doing so?
__________________________________________________________________
(2) 1 Timothy 4: 11-16. What was Timothy to do with the things he had received from Paul as the
teaching of truth? (v. 11) _____________________________________________
Even though he was young, what was Timothy to be for those who heard him teach?(v. 12)
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What was he not to neglect? (v. 14) _____________________________________
How could people see his progress as a leader? (v. 15) ______________________
__________________________________________________________________
On what was he to keep a close watch? (v. 16) _____________________________
If he persisted in this, what would be the outcome? (v. 16) ___________________
__________________________________________________________________
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(3) 1 Timothy 6: 12, 20. What fight was Timothy to continue? (v. 12) _______________
_____________________________________________________________________
What is he to guard? (v. 20) ______________________________________________
(4) 2 Timothy 2: 1-2. What did Paul tell Timothy to do with what he had learned from him?
______________________________________________________________________
What would they do, in turn? (v. 2) __________________________________________
(5) 2 Timothy 4: 1-5. What was Timothy to do with the Word? (v. 2)
______________________________________________________________________
When was he to be ready to do this? (v. 2) ____________________________________
What was he to do with patience and teaching? (v. 2) ___________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What kind of work was Timothy to do? (v. 5) _________________________________
How was he to do it? (v. 5)________________________________________________
These are powerful words from Paul to these young men he was mentoring. He meant for them to
speak up and to speak in a way that would make others listen. Paul specifically told Titus to “declare
these things.” That word literally meant to “speak forth, proclaim, to make a sound that is heard.”
Then, Paul also told him to do two specific things in his teaching:
(1) Exhort with all authority. The word “exhort” is translated from the Greek word
“parakaleo,” which means “to summon, beseech, entreat, comfort, encourage, console.”
The root of this word is also found in the name of the Holy Spirit, who is called the
“Comforter.”
(2) Rebuke with all authority. The word “rebuke” is translated from the Greek word “elegcho”
which means “to reprove, discipline, expose and show to be guilty, to convince with solid,
compelling evidence.”
Paul told Timothy that his task in declaring the truth would have a positive and a negative side to it.
He was told to exhort continually the people who heard his message of truth. The words would be
used by God, as he spoke in the authority of God and of the church, to bring comfort and
encouragement to those who heard it. But, those words would also be used by God to rebuke
continually those who needed to be corrected, to be disciplined, and to be convicted of the truth.
Observe the amazing and profitable things accomplished by the Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:1617(ESV). Underline each one. Circle the purpose of such work of the Scripture.
“16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete,
equipped for every good work.”
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Paul told Titus to teach “with all authority.” This meant that his words were to be understood as
direct commands from God, and they were not to be disregarded. It was important to Paul that Titus
made sure the believers were paying close attention to the teaching!
Living the Word
As we consider these words today, I am deeply convicted about my issue with “hearing.” I don’t hear
as well as I did as a young woman and that is a physical fact of life. I find myself having to ask my
husband or my children to repeat themselves to me because I can hear them speaking but sometimes
don’t always catch every word. At other times, it has nothing to do with my physical ears. You see,
when they were speaking to me, I was not paying close attention to what they were saying. This has
caused me to ask them to repeat themselves. Hayes knows me so well that he can look at me and
know if I am really listening to what he is saying. I can pretend I am listening by inserting the proper
“Uh-huh” or “Hmmm!” But, he knows and sometimes, he will just stop and ask: “Are you listening
to me?” I have had to say: “No, I am sorry. Will you say it again? I promise to listen this time.”
How careless are you about listening to God’s Word, as you read it, as it is preached or as it is taught?
Are you really listening? This causes me to recall how amazed the people were with the teaching of
Jesus. (Matthew 7: 28-29) They said He didn’t teach like their local scribes, but as “one who had
authority!” They knew the difference, and so do we!
It is time to rid ourselves of all the distractions and really listen to what God is saying. Sometimes
His words will bring conviction to our hearts, and correct us when we are heading in a wrong
direction. At other times, His words will encourage, heal, and comfort. Many times after teaching,
Jesus would say: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:8)
What has He said to you today? Don’t disregard it. Receive it and let it change your life!
Day Five: Grace reminds us!
Titus 3: 1-2
As someone who has “a lot on my plate,” I have found that I must keep a small appointment calendar
with me at all times. It has a cute pink print on the front and 12 tabs for each month of the year,
beginning in June. I record my appointments, family birthdays, trips and destinations in this little
book and keep it in my purse. I panic when I cannot find it because I am always afraid of forgetting
to be somewhere or to do something. If that is not enough to remind me, I have found that “sticky
notes” are a great benefit as well. I write my reminders on these little colorful notes (I have them in
neon colors and cute shapes) then I stick them on my mirror so I will see them first thing in the
morning. Finally, my children have taught me that my I-phone can also help. They taught me how to
set an alarm that would ring and show me that something important is going to take place. It is true; I
need reminders of all kinds!
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Paul also knew that we have a tendency to forget some things, so he instructed Titus to “remind” us
of them. Let’s read just two verses and learn what it is. Open your Bible on this last day of week four
and read Titus 3:1-2, asking the LORD Jesus to speak to your heart.
Studying the Word
(1) What kind of attitude should we have toward our rulers and authorities? (v. 1a)
___________________________________________________________
(2) How should we behave as citizens? (v. 1b) ________________________
(3) What should we be ready to do? (v. 1c) ___________________________
(4) How are we to not speak? (v. 2a) ________________________________
(5) What are we to avoid? (v. 2b) ___________________________________
(6) How are we to behave? (v. 2c) __________________________________
(7) What are we to show toward all people? (v. 2d) _____________________
Digging a Little Deeper
There are seven duties that Paul quickly lists for Titus to bring to our remembrance. Let us look at
other references that clarify what is meant.
(1) “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities…”:
Read Romans 13:1-5 and answer these questions.
 How do authorities exist? (v. 1) ________________________________

If you resist them, what do you incur? (v. 2) ______________________

How can you live without fear of the authorities? (v. 3) _____________
__________________________________________________________

How are ruling authorities “God’s servants?” (v. 4-5) _______________
__________________________________________________________

For what two reason should one be in subjection to governing authorities?
(v. 5) ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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Read 1 Peter 2:13-17 and answer these questions.
 What is the reason we should be subject to the rulers over us? (v. 13-15a)
__________________________________________________________

What will my doing good in this way accomplish? (v. 15b) ___________
__________________________________________________________

How do we live free? (v. 16) __________________________________

How are we to treat the “emperor?” (v. 17) _______________________
Finally, read 1 Timothy 2: 1-3 and record your insights.
 What should we make on behalf of all people? (v. 1) ________________
___________________________________________________________

Why should we pray for “kings and all who are in high positions?” (v. 2)
___________________________________________________________

How does God see this? (v. 3) ___________________________________
(2) “…to be obedient…” :
Jesus encountered this question of obedience to Roman taxation in Matthew 22: 15-21.
Answer the following questions.
 What were the Pharisees plotting? (v. 15) _______________________

What was the question they brought to Jesus? (v. 17) ______________
_________________________________________________________

What did Jesus ask them to bring to Him? (v. 19) _________________

What did He ask them? (v. 20) ________________________________

How did He answer their question? (v. 21) _______________________
__________________________________________________________
There is an exception recorded in Acts 5: 27-29.
 How had the leaders of the Sanhedrin and the high priest instructed Peter and the
apostles? (v. 28) ______________________________

What had they done in response to their command? (v. 28b) __________
__________________________________________________________

What reason did Peter and the apostles give for disobeying them? (v. 29)
__________________________________________________________
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(3) “…to be ready for every good work...”
We have already studied the necessity of “good works,” but here Paul is referring to a
readiness and an eagerness to do it. No one has to force you, it is a willing work.
Read Galatians 6:9-10 to answer these.
 What should not make us weary? (v. 9) _______________________

If we persevere, what will happen? (v. 9) ______________________

When should we do good? (v. 10) ____________________________

To whom should we do this good? (v. 10) ______________________
(4) “…to speak evil of no one…”
Even when we are dealing with evil people who do evil things, our response should not be to
malign them or to slander them.
Read an encounter Paul had with the chief priest when brought before him in Acts 23: 1-5.
 What did Paul declare to the Sanhedrin (religious ruling body of the Jews) when
brought in judgment before them? (v. 1) _____________________
______________________________________________________

What did the high priest Ananias command? (v. 2) _____________
______________________________________________________

How did Paul respond and what did he call him? (v. 3a) _________
______________________________________________________

Of what did Paul accuse him? (v. 3b) ________________________
______________________________________________________

What did those nearby Paul say to him? (v. 4) _________________
______________________________________________________

What was Paul’s response? (v. 5) ___________________________
______________________________________________________
(5) “…to avoid quarreling…”

Proverbs 20:3. Who quarrels? ______________________________

Proverbs 26: 20. What causes quarrels to cease? ________________
_______________________________________________________
(6) “…to be gentle…”
This speaks of being reasonable and fair.
 Philippians 4: 4-5.
What should I let all know? _________________________________

James 3: 17-18. How is godly wisdom described? _______________
________________________________________________________
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(7) “…to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
The word used here is the same word used for “meekness” which denotes “strength under
control.” It is showing humility in our relationships with others.
James 1: 19-21.
 What should I be quick to do? (v. 19)________________________
 What should I be slow to do? (v. 19) ________________________
 What does the anger of man not produce? (v. 20)_______________
 What should I put away? (v. 21) ____________________________
 How should I receive the word of God? (v. 21) _________________
Again, please remember that this is not a “To Do List.” This is the list that pictures our relationship
with outsiders, and I can only behave this way by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within me.
Living the Word
I love my country and I thank God that I was born in the USA. This has become more precious to me
as I have had the privilege of experiencing life in India, Nigeria, and most recently in Ukraine. Many
of you know at the time of this writing, that Russia has invaded part of Ukraine and the freedom of
the country is truly at stake. I am praying much for them. In Nigeria and in India, government is not
very strong and the people do not live in a settled peace. While there are many things happening that
disturb me in my country, I am very grateful that right now I am living in peace and still have the
freedom to teach the truth of the Gospel to all who would hear.
But, let’s be honest. I have not prayed for my leaders as I should. I get angry sometimes about the
things they say, at decisions they make, about freedoms that are being usurped. That energy needs to
be focused into prayer. Also, as a believer, I can disagree with policies and even the politicians, but I
must do it with a courteous or meek and humble spirit and a reasonable defense.
While you might be looking for every reason not to obey these commands from Paul, I think you
should remember that he spoke to people who lived under the harsh, cruel, and evil rule of Rome.
Through outside sources, we learn that Paul himself was the prisoner of Rome and would one day be
executed by order of the Roman governing authorities, perhaps even being beheaded. It is interesting
to note that Titus was also the name of the future Roman emperor who as a general captured and
destroyed the temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. These admonitions from Paul would not be easy in the
climate in which Titus, Paul, and the Cretans lived. More and more, it will not be easy in our
environment either.
But, let us suffer for doing good and not for disobedience (1 Peter 3:17). Today, I ask you to make a
prayer list of those who are in civil authority over you and begin interceding for them. Also, ask God
to bring into your path unsaved people to whom you could show kindness, good works, gentle
speech, and courteous behavior. Ask for His power to respond in such a way and watch the Gospel
spread as you do!
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