The Face of Grace
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Introduction: The Story of Grace
Introduction: The Story of Grace
Key Quotes
A Definition of Grace: “Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace.”
Hebrew is חנן chanan which means to stoop down. To seek grace is to go low to give grace is to stoop down.
Greek is χάρις (charis)which means to do something for someone that they can’t do for themselves.
It is an internal attitude that shows up externally.
And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.
I could see it in her eyes that she would say “yes.”
A Personal Struggle: “When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing to us but disgusting to those who see us receive it. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing to give away but healing to those we give it away to.”
A Personal Struggle: “When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing.”
A Personal Struggle: “When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing to us but disgusting to those who see us receive it. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing to give but refreshing to give it away.”
Out of His fullness, we have all received grace on top of grace.
John 1
The Phillips version (1964) translates as follows, “Indeed, every one of us has shared in his riches - there is a grace in our lives because of his grace.”
A refreshing but disturbing grace in a hilarious chapter about those who stoop down and those who do not.
The Crooked Judge Who Stoops ()
The Crooked Tax-Collector Who Stoops ()
A Messiah Who Stoops Down ()
A Teacher Who Stands Tall ()
Being loved more is the key to loving more
We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
The Disciples Who Misunderstand Stooping ()
Two Definitions of Giving Up
I give something to get something in return .
I give up my claim to something completely.
Yeshua means the latter not the former.
He will give up everything in exchange for nothing.
And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Requiring Humility: “Grace cannot be recognized or received until we are aware of precisely how undeserving we really are.”
Requiring Humility: “Grace cannot be recognized or received until we are aware of precisely how undeserving we really are.”
In Relationships: “It is only within the mystery and complexity of relationships that grace is experienced.”
The Phillips version (1964) translates as follows, “Indeed, every one of us has shared in his riches - there is a grace in our lives because of his grace.” - John 1:16
In Relationships: “It is only within the mystery and complexity of relationships that grace is experienced.”
Questions for Reflection
Questions for Reflection
The “struggle for grace” refers to our desire for undeserved favor, but our reluctance to give it to others. Do you ever find yourself struggling with grace? Describe a time when you were either unable to accept it or reluctant to give it.
The “struggle for grace” (p. xiii) refers to our desire for undeserved favor, but our reluctance to give it to others. Do you ever find yourself struggling with grace? Describe a time when you were either unable to accept it or reluctant to give it.
Grace is often an early casualty in the world of organized religion. Why do you think people tend to drift toward legalism and away from grace? How does this affect their feelings about themselves? Or, about their spouse? Or, about their children? Or, about friendships and the role a leader?
“Grace is often an early casualty in the world of organized religion” (p. xiv). Why do you think churches tend to drift toward legalism and away from grace? How does this affect their ability to minister to people?
What do you think makes grace so difficult to handle—for individuals (question #1) and for institutions (question #2)?
What do you think makes grace so difficult to handle—for individuals (question #1) and for institutions (question #2)?
“The only thing Yeshua stood against consistently was graceless religion.” People often think it’s more important to do better than to admit sin and inability. How does Yeshua’s own ministry contradict this perception?
Some people think that if they can just do better keeping the rules, keeping laws, keeping tradition then they will have nothing to fear when they stand before God. What does says gives us confidence before God?
“The only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion.” People often think it’s more important to do good than to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. How does Christ’s own ministry contradict this perception?
Many people have a perception that if they just do more then they will better be God’s people. 1 says we need to be more open to being loved by God so we can love people more. On a scale of 1 to 10 how much do you rely on God’s love to grow you? How do you use God’s grace to fight against legalism in your life and/or condemnation?
Which of the following encounters between Yeshua and a person who needed grace best represents you right now? Take time to read over the story that connects with you. Practice reading yourself into the story. Talk to someone this week about why this encounter in the Bible feels like your encounter today.
The Blacklisted Woman -
The Rabid Rabbi Acts 9:1-31
The No Good Sister
The Irresponsible Brother
The Wretched Wife
Your favorite?
For Further Growth:
What do we learn about Yeshua the Messiah (“the Word”) in John 1:16-17?
2. Can we give or accept grace apart from Yeshua?
The Phillips version (1964) translates as follows, “Indeed, every one of us has shared in his riches - there is a grace in our lives because of his grace.” If you have experienced God’s grace this week there should be at least one person who would say of you, “there is a grace in my life because of her/his grace.” Spend time before your heavenly Father and ask him to refresh you with his grace. You will not have to try to be gracious, you will love because you were first loved.
Is there any person in your life that you are unwilling to show grace to or struggle to show grace to?
What does it mean to you that, in Messiah, there is “no condemnation” ()? What does it mean to have a “standing in grace” ()? Which of your thoughts suggest you are standing in grace or under condemnation? Be specific.