Grace, Grace and More Grace!
Notes
Transcript
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Introduction
Introduction
We are in week three of our "Foundations" series, where we're building our faith on the solid rock of Biblical truth.
Today, we delve into a cornerstone of Christian faith: grace.
A great example of grace in action is the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32.
This story illustrates grace vividly: a father's unconditional embrace of his returning son, despite his past mistakes.
Here, grace is portrayed as unearned, filled with compassion, and brimming with love.
But what is grace?
How does it transform our relationship with God and affect our interactions with others?"
These fundamental questions guide us as we explore Ephesians 2:8-9, a critical scripture on the nature of grace.
Transition: Let's dive into the teachings of Paul in Ephesians, where he reveals the profound nature of grace.
The Meaning of Grace
The Meaning of Grace
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
In these verses, Paul emphasizes a significant shift from alienation to communion with God, a transition enabled by Christ's sacrifice.
Isaiah 59:2 reminds us that we are by nature alienated from God.
but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Even so, our passage in Ephesians reminds us that God didn’t leave it at that.
God loves us enough to forgice us our sins.
Not because we are so good, but because He is so loving.
The question arises: Why can't this grace be earned by human efforts?
Romans 3:23 explains our inherent sinfulness, highlighting our incapacity to meet God's holiness standards.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
The essence of grace lies in its unearned nature. Ephesians 2:9 makes it clear that grace is not a result of human works but a gift from God.
Think about the people who are meaningful to you.
When you give them a gift is it because they’ve “earned” it or is it because you feel compelled to give them the gift in a spirit of love?
If this is true for us, how much more true is for God?
As such, Ephesians 2:8-9 is not just theological doctrine but a celebration of new life in Christ that is given as a gift.
This grace invites us to embrace others with humility and gratitude, and to live freely in God's love while extending this grace to others.
Transition: Having grasped the overarching concept of grace, let's delve into how grace unfolds in various stages throughout our spiritual journey.
The Three Experiences of Grace
The Three Experiences of Grace
It needs to be noted that God’s grace is one.
He doesn’t have different categories of grace within Himself.
That said, because we are dead to sin and trespass apart from God, our EXPERIENCE of His grace feels like stages.
In Wesleyan terms, we have viewed these stages as three unique experiences:
Prevenient
Justifying
Sanctifying grace
each playing a unique role in our spiritual growth.
Prevenient Grace
Prevenient Grace
Before we are even aware, God's grace is at work in our lives.
This grace, like the first rays of dawn, gently awakens our spiritual awareness.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Justifying Grace
Justifying Grace
This is the moment of salvation, where faith in Christ brings about our justification. Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
Sanctifying Grace
Sanctifying Grace
Following our justification, sanctifying grace begins its transformative work, molding us into the likeness of Christ.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Transition: Understanding these stages of grace, let's reflect on how this grace can be abused.
The Responsibility of Grace
The Responsibility of Grace
It must be noted that grace, a divine gift, is often abused.
Grace is not a rationale to continue in sin but rather a sacred space granted by God for us to collaborate with Him in overcoming sin.
The grace of God is not an excuse for sin; instead, it's the transformative power that enables us to grow beyond our sinful nature.
Imagine a person who runs up tons of debt, relies on a generous benefactor to cover all his bills.
This person misses the opportunity for growth and learning. There’s no blessing in sinful irresponsibility.
Similarly, treating grace as a license to sin is a profound misunderstanding of its purpose.
Romans 6:1-2 challenges this misuse:
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
This passage highlights that grace is not an endorsement of sin but an empowerment to overcome it.
Indeed, grace, while not as harsh as the law, actually sets a higher standard than the law.
The law dictates behavior, but grace transforms the heart.
It's a call to a deeper, more genuine righteousness that flows from love and gratitude rather than obligation.
Matthew 5:17-20 reflects this, where Jesus speaks about fulfilling the law through a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.
Transition: So, what does all this mean for us, and for the world?
What Grace Means for Us and the World
What Grace Means for Us and the World
Grace profoundly shapes our personal, relational, and social experiences, transforming us from within and influencing our outward actions.
Personal Impact: Grace provides peace with God and nurtures spiritual growth. Romans 5:1-2 highlights this peace and access to God's grace: "Therefore, since we have been justified...we have peace with God,.
2 Peter 3:18 encourages continual growth in grace: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Relational Impact: In relationships, grace teaches us forgiveness and love, guiding us to mirror Christ's forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:32 calls us to kindness and forgiveness: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 emphasizes patience and forgiveness: "Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Social Impact: Grace moves us to take action within our communities, inspiring us to live out our faith through deeds.
James 2:14-17 challenges us to demonstrate our faith: "What good is it... if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?"
Micah 6:8 outlines what the Lord requires of us: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
These scriptures illustrate how grace transforms and empowers us to live out our faith in practical, impactful ways.
Application: Living in Grace
Application: Living in Grace
Understanding the true nature of grace calls us to a life of intentional application.
It's about living each day as a reflection of the grace we've received.
Start with gratitude.
Recognize daily the grace bestowed upon you and let this thankfulness permeate your actions and attitudes.
Extend grace to others.
As recipients of forgiveness, we're called to forgive.
Show patience, love, and forgiveness in your relationships, reflecting the grace given to you.
Be a steward of grace.
Use your words, actions, and resources to manifest grace in others' lives.
This could be through acts of kindness, sharing your faith journey, or supporting those in need.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, grace is the heartbeat of our faith, not merely a concept but a dynamic, life-altering gift.
t's a treasure to cherish, a responsibility to uphold, and a blessing to share.
Let's commit to living out this grace, not as a cover for sin, but as a means to transcend it, guided by a standard that surpasses the law, rooted in love and transformation.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless grace, guiding us at every stage of our spiritual journey. Strengthen us to live out this grace daily, reflecting Your love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Hymn of Response
Hymn of Response
As we stand in awe of God's grace, let's sing Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, celebrating His endless grace in our lives.