GRACE

There are over 100 specific references to the “grace” of God in the New Testament. In addition, the concept is alluded to several other times. It is a major theme in the Bible. Short definition: Grace is the gift of Christ from God: getting what we need and not what we deserve. God’s riches at Christ’s expense.

I. Need For Grace Romans 3:9-12, 21-26

A. Everyone is a sinner. (vs 9-12 and 23)

B. Righteousness comes from God, through faith in Jesus’ blood, not by works.

C. Justified freely by God’s grace.

D. Illus: swimming to Hawaii. (cannot make it alone, even the best swimmer)

II. Saved By Grace Romans 5:1-11

A. The only way to make peace with God is through faith.

B. While we were still sinners (powerless and enemies), Christ died for us.

C. Reconciliation to God, our Maker, comes only through Christ.

III. The Gift of Grace Ephesians 2:1-10

A. Our sinful nature makes us objects of God’s righteous wrath.

B. God’s great love for us made us alive with Christ.

C. By grace we are saved: totally undeserved and unmerited, a gift from God.

D. We work for God because of gratitude and not to earn salvation.

IV. Motivated By Grace Titus 2:11-14

A. The grace of God brings salvation and is available to all men.

B. Grace teaches us to say “no” to sin. (share a personal illustration)

C. Grace is the key to leading a self-controlled, upright and godly life.

D. Grace makes us eager to do what is good.

V. Example of Grace Luke 15:11-32

A. The parable of the lost son shows us the heart of God.

B. No matter how much we have blown it, God will have us back.

C. Our response should be one of total repentance, just like the younger son.

D. The older son was critical because he did not understand the heart of God.

VI. Ongoing Grace 1 John 1:5-7

A. Grace is not “cheap” or a license to sin, but we are obligated to walk in the light.

B. When we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from sin. (chalkboard illustration: Satan is trying to pin the guilt of sin on us, but the chalkboard stays erased)

C. If we claim to know God, and yet deliberately walk in sin, we are liars.

D. God’s love is made complete in us when we walk in the light.