What does Grace Have to do with it?
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"GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN"
INTRODUCTION
1. There is a word that conveys wonderful hope and comfort to the Christian...
a. The word is "grace" b. It is a word that Paul loved to use
1) Every epistle that he wrote (with the possible exception of Hebrews), begins and ends with mention of this word
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
What Does Grace Actually mean? How is it interpreted in the NT scriptures? What are the important things we should keep in mind concerning Grace? How can one experience Grace and exhibit Grace?
This morning we will take some time to answer those very important questions
Let's begin by noticing..] I. THE DEFINITION OF "GRACE"
2. What does this word actually mean? a. How is it used in the N. T. scriptures? b. What important things should we keep in mind concerning "grace"? [In this study, we shall spend a few moments focusing our attention on this wonderful word, and its relationship to the Christian. Let's begin by noticing..] I. THE DEFINITION OF "GRACE" A. THAT WHICH GIVES JOY, PLEASURE, DELIGHT... 1. This is the original idea of the Greek word "charis" 2. It is used in the N.T. in this way in reference to SPEECH... a. The words of Jesus were spoken with grace - . The words of the Christian are to impart grace to the hearers - ; B. GOOD-WILL, LOVINGKINDNESS, FAVOR... 1. In this way, it is used ... a. Of the kindness of a master towards his inferiors or servants b. And especially of God towards men 2. THAYER points out that: a. "CHARIS contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved." b. "The NT writers use CHARIS preeminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offenses, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ." - e.g., 3. It is this particular definition of grace that prompts us to think of it most often as "unmerited favor" C. A SPIRITUAL STATE OR CONDITION IN WHICH ONE ENJOYS GOD'S FAVOR... 1. When one accepts God's grace, they are in a "state of grace" 2. Cf. ; D. AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR FAVOR BESTOWED... 1. E.g., where the English word is "thank" ("I thank Jesus Christ...") 2. This is what is meant when people ask someone to "say grace" before eating a meal [Such are the main ways the word GRACE is used in the NT. In connection with this word, there are some things that Christians should always keep in mind...] II. GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN A. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE! 1. Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace! - . God doesn't owe us anything b. What we deserve is eternal damnation, because all are sinners - ; c. Salvation is a gift, which God in lovingkindness offers to man - ; 2. No matter what God may call upon us to do in order to receive His grace, when we do those things (cf. believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized)... a. In no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation b. We are still "unworthy servants" - cf. 3. We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible! B. GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING! 1. Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish 2. Yet Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: a. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts b. Live soberly, righteously and godly c. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ - cf. 3. As he continues, Paul explain why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us... a. That He might redeem us from every lawless deed b. That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works - cf. 4. The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning! C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will - . By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
A. THAT WHICH GIVES JOY, PLEASURE, DELIGHT... 1. This is the original idea of the Greek word "charis" 2. It is used in the N.T. in this way in reference to SPEECH... a. The words of Jesus were spoken with grace -
22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
. The words of the Christian are to impart grace to the hearers - ; B. GOOD-WILL, LOVINGKINDNESS, FAVOR... 1. In this way, it is used ... a. Of the kindness of a master towards his inferiors or servants b. And especially of God towards men 2. THAYER points out that: a. "CHARIS contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved." b. "The NT writers use CHARIS preeminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offenses, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ." - e.g., 3. It is this particular definition of grace that prompts us to think of it most often as "unmerited favor" C. A SPIRITUAL STATE OR CONDITION IN WHICH ONE ENJOYS GOD'S FAVOR... 1. When one accepts God's grace, they are in a "state of grace" 2. Cf. ; D. AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR FAVOR BESTOWED... 1. E.g., where the English word is "thank" ("I thank Jesus Christ...") 2. This is what is meant when people ask someone to "say grace" before eating a meal [Such are the main ways the word GRACE is used in the NT. In connection with this word, there are some things that Christians should always keep in mind...] II. GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN A. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE! 1. Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace! - . God doesn't owe us anything b. What we deserve is eternal damnation, because all are sinners - ; c. Salvation is a gift, which God in lovingkindness offers to man - ; 2. No matter what God may call upon us to do in order to receive His grace, when we do those things (cf. believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized)... a. In no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation b. We are still "unworthy servants" - cf. 3. We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible! B. GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING! 1. Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish 2. Yet Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: a. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts b. Live soberly, righteously and godly c. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ - cf. 3. As he continues, Paul explain why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us... a. That He might redeem us from every lawless deed b. That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works - cf. 4. The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning! C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will - . By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
1. The words of the Christian are to impart grace to the hearers -
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
B. GOOD-WILL, LOVINGKINDNESS, FAVOR... 1. In this way, it is used ... a. Of the kindness of a master towards his inferiors or servants b. And especially of God towards men 2. THAYER points out that: a. "CHARIS contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved." b. "The NT writers use CHARIS preeminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offenses, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ." - e.g., 3. It is this particular definition of grace that prompts us to think of it most often as "unmerited favor" C. A SPIRITUAL STATE OR CONDITION IN WHICH ONE ENJOYS GOD'S FAVOR... 1. When one accepts God's grace, they are in a "state of grace" 2. Cf. ; D. AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR FAVOR BESTOWED... 1. E.g., where the English word is "thank" ("I thank Jesus Christ...") 2. This is what is meant when people ask someone to "say grace" before eating a meal [Such are the main ways the word GRACE is used in the NT. In connection with this word, there are some things that Christians should always keep in mind...] II. GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN A. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE! 1. Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace! - . God doesn't owe us anything b. What we deserve is eternal damnation, because all are sinners - ; c. Salvation is a gift, which God in lovingkindness offers to man - ; 2. No matter what God may call upon us to do in order to receive His grace, when we do those things (cf. believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized)... a. In no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation b. We are still "unworthy servants" - cf. 3. We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible! B. GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING! 1. Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish 2. Yet Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: a. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts b. Live soberly, righteously and godly c. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ - cf. 3. As he continues, Paul explain why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us... a. That He might redeem us from every lawless deed b. That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works - cf. 4. The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning! C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will - . By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
When We deal with people we ought to in a manner of Grace like that of Gods towards us.
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matt
2. GOOD-WILL, LOVINGKINDNESS, FAVOR...
. In this way, it is used ... a. Of the kindness of a master towards his inferiors or servants
And especially of God towards men
a. "CHARIS the Greek word for Grace contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved."
b. "The NT writers use Grace preeminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offenses, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ." - e.g.,
It is this particular definition of grace that prompts us to think of it most often as "unmerited favor"
A SPIRITUAL STATE OR CONDITION IN WHICH ONE ENJOYS GOD'S FAVOR...
When one accepts God's grace, they are in a "state of grace"
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
D. AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR FAVOR BESTOWED... 1. E.g., where the English word is "thank" ("I thank Jesus Christ...") 2. This is what is meant when people ask someone to "say grace" before eating a meal [Such are the main ways the word GRACE is used in the NT. In connection with this word, there are some things that Christians should always keep in mind...] II. GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN A. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE! 1. Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace! -
3. AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR FAVOR BESTOWED...
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
1. E.g., where the English word is "thank" ("I thank Jesus Christ...") 2. This is what is meant when people ask someone to "say grace" before eating a meal [Such are the main ways the word GRACE is used in the NT. In connection with this word, there are some things that Christians should always keep in mind...] II. GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN A. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE! 1. Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace! -
where the English word is "thank" ("I thank Jesus Christ...") 2. This is what is meant when people ask someone to "say grace" before eating a meal [Such are the main ways the word GRACE is used in the NT. In connection with this word, there are some things that Christians should always keep in mind...]
4. GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN A. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE! Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace! -
. God doesn't owe us anything b. What we deserve is eternal damnation, because all are sinners - ; c. Salvation is a gift, which God in lovingkindness offers to man - ; 2. No matter what God may call upon us to do in order to receive His grace, when we do those things (cf. believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized)... a. In no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation b. We are still "unworthy servants" - cf. 3. We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible! B. GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING! 1. Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish 2. Yet Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: a. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts b. Live soberly, righteously and godly c. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ - cf. 3. As he continues, Paul explain why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us... a. That He might redeem us from every lawless deed b. That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works - cf. 4. The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning! C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will - . By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
a. God doesn't owe you anything! b. What we deserve is eternal damnation, because all are sinners -
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
; c. Salvation is a gift, which God in lovingkindness offers to man - ; 2. No matter what God may call upon us to do in order to receive His grace, when we do those things (cf. believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized)... a. In no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation b. We are still "unworthy servants" - cf. 3. We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible! B. GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING! 1. Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish 2. Yet Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: a. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts b. Live soberly, righteously and godly c. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ - cf. 3. As he continues, Paul explain why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us... a. That He might redeem us from every lawless deed b. That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works - cf. 4. The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning! C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will - . By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
c. Salvation is a gift, which God in lovingkindness offers to man - ; 2. No matter what God may call upon us to do in order to receive His grace, when we do those things (cf. believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized)... a. In no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation b. We are still "unworthy servants" - cf. 3. We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible! B. GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING! 1. Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish 2. Yet Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: a. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts b. Live soberly, righteously and godly c. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ - cf. 3. As he continues, Paul explain why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us... a. That He might redeem us from every lawless deed b. That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works - cf. 4. The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning! C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will - . By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
c. Salvation is a gift, which God in His lovingkindness offers to you man - ; .
We are called to believe, to repent, to confess Jesus as Lord and to be baptized however in no way can we say we have earned our salvation by anythig we have done or not done. It is His grace His mercy that Saves us we are still Unworthy Servants
10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
You must remember that your Salvation is only possible through His grace
5. God’s Grace requires Holy Living
Some people think since we are saved by grace we are free to live and do whatever we please
Paul wrote that Grace of God teaches us to Deny ungodliness and worldly lust to live soberly righteously that we are to look for blessed hope and the glorious appearing of Christ.
We are to be Holy for He is Holy
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning!
His grace, when we do those things (cf. believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized)... a. In no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation b. We are still "unworthy servants" - cf. 3. We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible! B. GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING! 1. Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish 2. Yet Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: a. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts b. Live soberly, righteously and godly c. Look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ - cf. 3. As he continues, Paul explain why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us... a. That He might redeem us from every lawless deed b. That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works - cf. 4. The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning! C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will - . By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
C. HOLY LIVING REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE! 1. To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God 2. We cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! a. He works in us to do His good will
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13
b. By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us - D. WE MUST GROW IN GRACE! 1. This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives 2. Peter commands us to grow in grace - cf.
. 3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come - . This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions - cf. ; 4. We can grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer - E. WE CAN RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE IN VAIN! 1. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain - 2. Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain! a. By seeking justification for sin elsewhere - 1) In the immediate context, Paul has reference to the Law of Moses 2) But if we seek to be justified by any system of salvation by works alone, we will fall from grace! b. By using God's grace as an excuse for licentiousness - 1) Some were using grace as an excuse for shameless behavior 2) And yet we have seen that God's grace requires holy living - . By willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace - cf. 1) For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin! 2) Only a fearful expectation of judgment 3) Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one... a) Tramples the Son of God underfoot b) Counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing c) Insults the Spirit of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
3. Dear brother or sister, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins
a. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come -
4. We are grow in grace through: a. Heeding the Word of God - . Drawing near to God in prayer -
of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?
of grace CONCLUSION 1. What a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! a. To have received God's grace at one point b. But then to make it all vain (useless) 2. But it is just as terrible... a. Not to receive it all! b. Or having received it, not to grow in it! 3. So I encourage you all, in the words of the writer of Hebrews: "look(ing) diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God." - "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." - "For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." - "Grace be with you all. Amen" - Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?