The Grace of God

DT: God’s grace is demonstrated throughout the Epistle of Jude. Jude warns and challenges his readers to accept the Grace of God.

Aim: We will acknowledge the grace God affords us and demonstrate grace among our brothers and sisters daily.

Introduction:

The Letter of Jude opens with an introduction of its author as Jude the brother of James and servant of Jesus Christ. Most scholars believe Jude to be the brother of both Jesus and James.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly whom this letter was written. The letter of Jude leaves very few clues to address the matter of whom Jude is speaking other than his references his audience as beloved in vv. 3,17and 20. This gives some indication that they must have been believers and of the faith.

Jude mentions in verse 3 his initial intentions of writing regarding the common salvation of the believer. He decides, however, to address the need for those whom he writes to remain faithful and reject the influence of false teachers.

For the purpose of this sermon I wish to address one of the theologies of Jude, the Grace of God. God’s grace is evident in the letter, as Jude directly mentions the grace of God in verse 4. Jude warns against those who have taken God’s grace for granted and polluted it.

God’s grace is evident in the letter, as Jude directly mentions the grace of God in verse 4. Jude warns against those who have taken God’s grace for granted and polluted it.

I really like J.B Green’s definition of God’s Grace, “From a biblical-theological perspective, ‘grace’ is fundamentally a word about God: his uncoerced initiative and pervasive, extravagant demonstrations of care and favour for all.”

From a biblical-theological perspective, ‘grace’ is fundamentally a word about God: his uncoerced initiative and pervasive, extravagant demonstrations of care and favour for all.

Illustration: The image of God’s grace can be pictured as a scale with weight on both sides, man’s side and God’s side but God tips the scale in man’s favor.

Transition: There are a few things we can learn regarding God’s Grace the first of which is the acknowledgment of God’s Grace.

J. B. Green, “Grace,” ed. T. Desmond Alexander and Brian S. Rosner, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 527.

Aim: We will acknowledge the grace God affords us and demonstrate grace among our brothers and sisters daily.

Acknowledgement of God’s Grace (Withholds Immediate Judgment) vv. 5-16

Even with respect to the thought of the punishment for disobedience and negligence of God’s law, one must acknowledge the display of God’s grace towards men. God’s punishment is not always immediate. He allows certain opportunities before His judgement is exacted.

a. the opportunity of warning

b. the opportunity of reflection

b. the opportunity of repentance

Illustration: I recieved a notice which reminded me of my failure to pay a bill. I was quite disturbed with my negligence and call the company because I knew the penalty for my mistake was pretty high. When I spoke with the representative, she advised me that though I was late I would not incur the late penalty because of the companies grace period policy. The letter was only sent to give me an opportunity to send in the payment before the penalty is applied.

Transition: I think God’s Grace works like that.

Application: The Word of God should continually illuminate God’s expectations for our lives. We should be ever grateful for this illumination and heed to it with sincere repentance of those things we’ve neglected and failed to comply.

Transition: We must acknowledge the Grace of God through the warnings of His divine Word, reflection upon our offences and repentance. We should also note the accessibility to God’s Grace.

Accessibility to God’s Grace (Comes Through Christ for the Believer) vv. 24-25

I like to refer to this as God’s grace through His son or the Grace of Salvation. Why is this important? It is important because of it’s accessibility not to just some but to all who receive one. none are too far removed from the Grace of God. God’s grace requires no payment, His grace is the payment. God’s grace is not hidden and not reserved for good people. God’s Grace is accessible to all.

a. Through death of Christ our Lord

b. For sinners who would receive Christ as Lord

Illustration: My wife and I vacationed at a resort in Florida. My wife told me that the only way I could get into the pool area was if I brought with me the badge we recieved at the front desk upon check-in. I went to the pool area, I had my towel, I was dressed to swim, and I had my room key. As i attempted to enter the pool area I could not enter. I explained to the security personnel that I had a room key and I felt it was obvious i was there to swim. The security guard responded, “Sir you can only gain access into the pool with the badge you recieved at the front desk, that’s the only way in.”

Transition: God’s Grace of salvation is afforded to us through Christ, not because we look the part of a Christian or have Christian vernacular

Application: Make Christ as your Savior. There is no good work or deed which can bring you salvation. We have access through Jesus Christ. Will you choose Him and make him Lord today?

Transition: God’s Grace is accessible. He will not make us choose it yet we are afforded the choice. whit the choice of God’s Grace we have there is the responsiblity of the application of God’s Grace.

Application of God’s Grace (Should Be Emulated) vv. 22-23

We live in a time where so many are ready to condemn and destroy others for their offenses. We often give no latitude or opportunity to allow change. Many of us are quick to judge and implement punishment without thinking about the grace God has afforded each of us.

a. Have mercy on others

b. Resist our human judgement

Illustration: The story has been told of Napoleon Bonaparte as he was about to execute a young man for an offense the young man committed, the young mans mother ran and threw herself at the feet of Napoleon and begged him to extend grace to her son. Napoleon, retorted to the woman, “with what he has done he doesn’t deserve grace” the woman calmly responded, “Sir, if he deserved it, it would not be called grace.” Napoleon released the young man.

Transition: We can each learn from this. Grace is not about who deserves it, it is about who gives it.

Application: Look beyond pain and circumstances and extend to grace to others. On our jobs where we are leaders do we penalize every flaw and error or do we extend grace? In our homes are judgmental of our spouses or other family members? When people hurt us, do we look for moments to retaliate and make them feel our pain or do we extend grace?

Transition: This is probably the more difficult of this sermon to absorb and practice. We must be intentional and determined about applying grace.

Conclusion:

We each have access to the Grace of God and we can extend this grace daily in our lives as believers. I began with the words of J.B. Green allow me to end with his words,

New Dictionary of Biblical Theology Conclusion

God’s grace is given freely, but it also enables and invites human response, so that people are called to behave towards God with worship, gratitude and obedience; and towards one another in ways that reflect and broadcast the graciousness of God.

New Dictionary of Biblical Theology Conclusion

God’s grace is given freely, but it also enables and invites human response, so that people are called to behave towards God with worship, gratitude and obedience; and towards one another in ways that reflect and broadcast the graciousness of God.

New Dictionary of Biblical Theology Conclusion

God’s grace is given freely, but it also enables and invites human response, so that people are called to behave towards God with worship, gratitude and obedience; and towards one another in ways that reflect and broadcast the graciousness of God.