Tough Grace

In this message centering on Titus 2:11–15, Chuck Swindoll explores the multifaceted nature of God's grace, challenging the misconception that grace is a license to sin. He begins by comparing grace to freedom and love: just as true freedom has restrictions (one cannot shout "fire" in a crowded theater) and true love requires boundaries (a wife exercising "tough love" against an unfaithful husband), true grace is "tough." It does not free believers to sin; it frees them to obey [6–8, 10]. Swindoll structures the message around four theological pillars found in the text. First, Grace and Salvation: Grace has "appeared" like a rescue ladder dropped from a helicopter, offering salvation to all who will take it. Second, Grace and Sanctification: Grace acts as an instructor or "pedagogue," teaching believers to deny ungodliness and live sensibly in the present age. Third, Grace and Glorification: Believers live on "tiptoe," looking for the "Blessed Hope" of Christ’s return, which offers a perspective that transcends current suffering [11–12, 15–17]. Finally, Swindoll addresses Grace and Redemption. He explains that Christ gave Himself to purchase believers off the "slave block" of sin, not so they could live however they please, but so they would be a people "zealous for good deeds." He concludes with the powerful illustration of the "expulsive power of a new affection," arguing that just as new life in a tree pushes off dead leaves, a genuine experience of grace pushes out old sinful habits through love and respect for the Savior, rather than through fear of the law [21, 23–24, 27].

Message Key Facts:

• The Abuse of Grace: Swindoll references Romans 6 to address the age-old question: "Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?" He clarifies that the "Apostle of Grace" (Paul) never taught cheap grace. Grace provides the power to say "yes" to God, which the believer never possessed before [9–10].
• Universal Opportunity vs. Universalism: Commenting on the phrase "bringing salvation to all men" (Titus 2:11), Swindoll distinguishes between universalism (the false belief that everyone will be saved regardless of faith) and universal opportunity. He uses the analogy of a rescue ladder dropped from a helicopter: the ladder is available to all, but one must choose to grab it to be saved [12–13].
• Grace as a Pedagogue: Swindoll notes that in verse 12, grace changes roles from a rescuer to a teacher (pedagogue). This "tough grace" instructs believers to "straighten up," demanding that they renounce their old way of life [15–16].
• The Three Tenses of the Christian Life:
  • Salvation: Looks back to the cross (Past).
  • Sanctification: Looks at how we live in the present age (Present).
  • Glorification: Looks forward to the return of Christ (Future).
• Hymn Theology: Swindoll analyzes the hymn by Thomas Kelly, "Praise the Savior, Ye Who Know Him," to illustrate the progression of grace: "All we are and have" (Salvation), "He for conflict fits and arms us" (Sanctification), and "Then we shall be where we would be" (Glorification) [18–19].
• The Live Oak Illustration: Drawing on Puritan theology regarding the "expulsive power of a new affection," Swindoll uses a branch from a live oak tree to demonstrate how to stop sinning. Dead leaves (sins) cling to the branch until "new life surges up" from within and forces them off. Similarly, an overwhelming love for Christ pushes out the desire for sin [23–24].
• The Driving Lesson: Swindoll shares a personal story of learning to drive with his father. When he finally got his license, he obeyed the speed limit not because his father was in the car, but out of deep respect and love for his father. This illustrates how grace motivates obedience better than legalism [27–28].

Message References:

• Titus 2:11–15: The primary text outlining the appearance, instruction, hope, and redemption of grace.
• Romans 6:1–2, 15: Paul’s refutation of the idea that grace allows for continued sin: "May it never be!".
• 1 Corinthians 13: Referenced regarding the abuse of love within relationships.
• John 1:14: Jesus described as "full of grace and truth".
• John 14:6: Jesus as the only way to the Father, countering universalism.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll