Man, Salvation, and God's Purpose of Grace

Main Idea: Humanity is created in God’s image but fallen in sin; salvation is God’s gracious work through Christ.

I. Introduction (5 Minutes) – The Problem of Sin

Some might say intelligence, emotions, or relationships define humanity.

Begin with a question: “What does it mean to be human?”

The Bible teaches that we are created in God’s image, yet marred by sin.

Genesis 1:26-27 – Humanity was made in God’s image to reflect His glory.

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Quote: "The glory of God is indeed man's ultimate end; but sin consists in falling short of it, in refusing to reflect that glory." – John Stott

Sin is not just “bad behavior”; it is rebellion against a holy God.

Illustration: Imagine a broken mirror—though it still reflects light, the image is distorted. Similarly, sin distorts God’s image in us.

II. The Need for Salvation (10 Minutes) – Humanity’s Hopeless Condition

1. The Consequences of Sin

Ephesians 2:1-3 – We were dead in our sins, enslaved to the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death, both physical and spiritual.

Quote: "You are not simply in danger of condemnation; you are condemned already. You are not merely in danger of death; you are dead already." – Charles Spurgeon

Sin separates us from God, and we are powerless to save ourselves.

2. God’s Grace in Salvation

Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”

John 3:16 – God’s love is demonstrated in sending Christ.

Illustration: A drowning person cannot save themselves. They need rescue from the outside. Likewise, salvation is entirely God’s work.

III. God’s Purpose of Grace (10 Minutes) – The Security of Salvation

1. Salvation by Grace Alone

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.”

Salvation is not about human effort but about God’s mercy.

Quote: "A man is not saved against his will, but he is made willing by the operation of the Holy Spirit." – Charles Spurgeon

2. The Assurance of Salvation

Romans 8:29-30 – Those whom God predestined, He also called, justified, and glorified.

John 10:27-29 – No one can snatch believers from God’s hand.

Illustration: A father holding his child’s hand: The security does not depend on the child’s grip but on the father’s strength. Likewise, our security is in God’s grip, not ours.

IV. Conclusion & Discussion (5 Minutes)

Recap Key Points:

Man’s fallen condition – Sin separates us from God.

God’s grace in salvation – Christ died to save sinners.

The security of salvation – God holds us fast.

Discussion Questions:

How does understanding sin deepen our appreciation for salvation?

Why is salvation by grace alone and not by works?

What comfort does the assurance of salvation bring?

Closing Challenge:

Encourage personal reflection: Have you trusted fully in God’s grace, or are you still trying to earn His favor?

End with Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”