Grace Alone: Embracing God's Unmerited Favor

I. Introduction

A. Opening Prayer

B. Welcome and Greeting

Today, we embark on a journey through the Scriptures to explore the profound theme of God's grace. Our focus will be on Ephesians 2:8-9, where the Apostle Paul reminds us of the transformative power of grace. So, let us open our hearts to receive God's Word with anticipation and gratitude.

C. Overview of the Importance of Grace

Grace is a fundamental concept in Christianity, and the reformers captured its essence with the Latin phrase "Sola Gratia," meaning "grace alone." Today, we'll unpack the beauty and significance of grace, understanding that it is the unmerited favor of God toward us, and it is through grace that we are saved.

D. Definition of Sola Gratia

Sola Gratia emphasizes that our salvation is entirely by God's grace, not by our own efforts or merit. It declares that God's favor is freely given, not earned. Let us now turn to Ephesians 2:8-9 to anchor our reflections on this profound truth.

II. Understanding Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)pg 1242

A. Explanation of Ephesians 2:8–9 “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.”

1. Emphasizing the key elements: grace, faith, and salvation

In these verses, Paul highlights the core elements of our salvation: grace, faith, and the gift of God. Our salvation is a gracious gift from God, and it is received through faith. Importantly, Paul emphasizes that it is not a result of our works, preventing any grounds for boasting. Let's take a moment to reflect on the richness of God's unmerited favor.

2. Highlighting the contrast between grace and works

B. Personal Reflection: Recognizing our need for God's unmerited favor

III. The Depravity of Man Romans 3:23 pg 1197 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

A. Acknowledging our sinful nature

To appreciate the magnitude of God's grace, we must first acknowledge our sinful nature. Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Our separation from God is the result of our disobedience and rebellion.

B. Exploring the universality of sin

Sin is not a selective trait; it is universal. It affects every aspect of our lives, and it separates us from the holiness of God. Yet, in the midst of our brokenness, God extends His grace.

C. Connecting our need for grace to our fallen state

Our recognition of sin underscores our desperate need for God's unmerited favor. It is in acknowledging our brokenness that we come to fully appreciate the depth of His grace. Let us now turn to Ephesians 1:4–5 “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,” to explore how God, in His sovereignty, initiated our salvation.

IV. God's Initiative in Salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5)pg 1241

Ephesians 1:4–5 “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,”

A. God's sovereign choice in adopting us as His children

In these verses, Paul unveils the mystery of God's sovereign choice in adopting us as His children. Before the world was formed, God chose us in Christ, not because of our merit, but according to His will and purpose.

B. Emphasizing God's grace as the initiator of salvation

God's grace is the initiator of our salvation. It is not a response to our goodness; rather, it is an expression of His love and mercy. We were chosen, not because of who we are, but because of who God is.

C. Encouraging gratitude for God's intentional and unmerited favor

Take a moment to reflect on the truth that God intentionally chose you. Let gratitude well up within your heart as you recognize the depth of His love and the intentional nature of His grace.

V. The Role of Faith

pg 1198 Romans 4:16 “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,”

A. Defining faith as a response to God's grace

Now, as we transition, we must understand the role of faith in receiving God's grace. Romans 4:16 (ESV) affirms, "That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all."

Our faith is the means by which we receive God's grace. It is not a human achievement but a humble response to the promises of God.

B. Exploring how faith is the means through which we receive grace

Faith is the bridge that connects us to the grace of God. It is a surrendering trust in the promises of God, acknowledging our inability to save ourselves and relying completely on His provision.

C. Encouraging a deepening trust in God's promises

In your journey of faith, how has your trust in God's promises deepened? Take a moment to reflect on the times when your faith was tested and strengthened, recognizing that it is through faith that we receive God's unmerited favor.

VI. The Exclusivity of Grace

pg 1272 Titus 3:5 “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”

A. Emphasizing that salvation is not based on our works

Titus 3:5 (ESV) reinforces the exclusivity of grace: "he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

Salvation is not a reward for our good deeds. It is a result of God's mercy and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.

B. Contrasting grace with human effort

Consider the contrast between God's grace and human effort. Our works, no matter how righteous, cannot earn us salvation. It is solely by God's mercy and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.

C. Encouraging humility in receiving God's grace

As we reflect on the exclusivity of grace, let humility permeate our hearts. We are recipients of a gift we could never earn. Let this truth humble us and deepen our gratitude for God's unmerited favor.

VII. Responding to Grace

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

A. Highlighting the purpose of God's grace in our lives

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) unveils the purpose of God's grace: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

God's grace is not only a means of salvation but also the catalyst for a transformed life. We are His workmanship, created for good works that He prepared in advance for us to walk in.

B. Encouraging a transformed life as a response to God's favor

Our response to God's grace is a transformed life marked by love, obedience, and good works. As we embrace His unmerited favor, let it propel us into a life that reflects the character of our gracious God.

C. Exploring practical ways to live out our faith in gratitude

Consider practical ways to live out your faith in gratitude. How can you extend the grace you have received to others? Let the overflow of God's grace in your life touch those around you.

VIII. Closing Thoughts

A. Summarizing the key points

As we have journeyed through Ephesians 2:8–9 “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.”, we see the richness of God's grace. We've acknowledged our fallen state, marveled at God's sovereign choice in salvation, and understood the pivotal role of faith. We've emphasized the exclusivity of grace and the transformative impact it should have on our lives.

B. Affirming the centrality of God's grace in our salvation

As we conclude, let us affirm together the centrality of God's grace in our salvation. It is not about us; it is all about Him. His grace is the foundation, the source, and the sustainer of our faith.

C. Closing Prayer