Introduction

·        Please turn to 1 Peter

·        Names of God: Elohim – His power as creator; Yahweh/Jehovah – covenant, salvation; Shepherd; Maker; Rock; King; Father; The God who sees; the Lord our Healer, the Only Wise God; in 1 Peter…

·        Rd. 1 Peter 5:8-11

·        Grace/thanks – come from same root word; cf. “say grace” in English

·        What is grace? When you’ve worked hard and earn a paycheck; that’s not grace – that something you’ve earned; what we might call merit or payment. But if you receive a $100 Christmas bonus – that’s grace. Or perhaps an even better picture of grace would be an employee who consistently shows up late, makes careless mistakes, is rude to customers, if that person receives a Christmas bonus, that’s grace!

·        You see, grace is showing “favor toward those who deserve no favor, but only punishment; God’s goodness toward those who don’t deserve it.”

·        Apart from Him, there is NO GRACE!

·        Grace is part of God’s very nature

·        Ps. 119:132 “Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name”

·        What a comfort in this context of suffering!

Types of grace

·        He is the God of common grace (3:7) – Context is marriage. Everyone benefits from God’s grace; restrains sin, order in society, blessings like sun, rain, food, marriage, children; delay of judgment

·        He is the God of saving grace (1:10) – Context is prophets. Though dead in sin, He graciously elects us then draws to Himself. Eph. 2:8-9. Have you experienced this grace?

·        He is the God of strengthening grace (3:10). Context of suffering and spiritual attack. Like a ship out to sea, beaten and battered by the storms, He will bring you back safely into the harbor, repair any sails, fix and reinforce any leaks. God will heal  your wounds, He will reinforce your weaknesses; will protect you; producing character; won’t let you crumble under the pressure of life.

·        He is the God of gifting grace (4:10). Context of church fellowship, spiritual gifts; everyone has a gift. ‘manifold’ – marked by variety or diversity.

Conclusion

·        Review: common grace, saving grace, strengthening grace, gifting grace.

·        With Thanksgiving this week, there will be many opportunities to share the gospel and reflect on God’s grace. Let us remember these truths.

·        Prayer

·        Would you sing with me just this chorus…

Grace, grace, God’s grace

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within

Grace, grace, God’s grace

Grace that is greater than all our sin