Embracing God's Unconditional Love and Future Grace
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound nature of God's love and grace, emphasizing the transformative power it holds for every believer. I began by addressing the common misconception that our earthly life is all there is, urging us to look forward to the future grace promised in 1 Corinthians 2:9. This scripture reminds us that what awaits us in eternity is beyond our current comprehension, crafted by God for those who love Him.
I then delved into the nature of God's unconditional love, as illustrated in Deuteronomy 7. Here, God's love for Israel is described not as a response to their actions but as a sovereign choice. This concept is crucial because it liberates us from the belief that we must earn God's love through perfection. I stressed that God's love is foundational and originates from His nature, not from our worthiness.
Further, I shared a personal reflection from a time when I felt overwhelmed by the need to achieve great things for God's approval. This led to a realization that God's love does not require us to move "a quarter inch to the left or right." Our value to God is not contingent on our achievements but is rooted in His steadfast love and the work of Christ.
I also highlighted the purpose of our salvation, which is for God to demonstrate His grace through us to all creation, as stated in Ephesians 2:6-7. This demonstration is not just for now but will continue into eternity, showcasing the inexhaustible riches of His grace.
Towards the end of the sermon, I addressed those who might feel distant from these truths due to personal struggles or doubts. I reassured them of God's unchanging love and encouraged them to embrace this truth deeply, as it has the power to transform our daily lives and our eternal perspective.
In conclusion, I invited everyone, especially non-believers and those feeling spiritually weary, to reflect on and accept the profound love that God offers through Jesus Christ. This acceptance is the first step towards experiencing the fullness of life and joy that God intends for each of us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Future Grace Awaits - The promise of what awaits believers is gloriously beyond our current understanding. This future grace should motivate us to live with hope and endurance, looking beyond our present circumstances to the eternal joy set before us. This perspective is essential for sustaining us through trials and enriching our daily walk with God. [00:47]
2. God's Unconditional Love - God's love for us is not based on our actions or our worthiness but is a sovereign choice He makes. This truth should free us from the burden of trying to earn His love and allow us to rest in the assurance that we are loved because He has chosen to love us. [01:33]
3. Our Worth is in God's Love - Realizing that our value comes from God's love, not our achievements, can liberate us from the pressure to perform. This understanding allows us to live in freedom, focusing on enjoying God's love and sharing it with others, rather than striving for personal perfection. [09:44]
4. Salvation's Purpose - Our salvation is not merely for our benefit but serves a higher purpose: to display God's grace to all creation. This divine showcase not only brings glory to God but also assures us that our lives have eternal significance and impact. [02:48]
5. Embracing God's Love in Trials - For those who feel storm-tossed and weary, embracing the truth of God's immutable love can be a source of great comfort and strength. It's crucial for believers to continually remind themselves of this love, especially in difficult times, to maintain their faith and joy. [11:19]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
00:47 - The Promise of Future Grace
01:33 - The Nature of God's Love
02:48 - The Eternal Purpose of Our Salvation
09:44 - Personal Reflection on God's Unconditional Love
11:19 - Invitation and Prayer for Believers and Seekers
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'"
2. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - "It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
3. Ephesians 2:6-7 - "And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 2:9, what is promised to those who love God? How does this promise affect our perspective on our current life? [00:47]
2. In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, why does God say He loves Israel? What does this reveal about the nature of God's love? [01:33]
3. What is the purpose of our salvation according to Ephesians 2:6-7? How does this purpose extend beyond our personal benefit? [02:48]
4. How did the pastor describe his personal struggle with trying to earn God's love through achievements? What realization did he come to? [09:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of future grace in 1 Corinthians 2:9 encourage believers to endure present trials? What does this say about the nature of hope in the Christian life? [00:47]
2. What does it mean that God's love is a sovereign choice, as described in Deuteronomy 7:7-8? How does this understanding change the way we view our relationship with God? [01:33]
3. In Ephesians 2:6-7, what does it mean for God to show the "immeasurable riches of his grace"? How does this impact our understanding of God's purpose for our lives? [02:48]
4. Reflecting on the pastor's personal story, how can the realization that our worth is rooted in God's love, not our achievements, transform our daily lives and spiritual walk? [09:44]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the promise of future grace. How can you remind yourself of this promise during difficult times? What practical steps can you take to keep this hope alive in your daily life? [00:47]
2. Understanding that God's love is unconditional and not based on our actions can be liberating. How can you apply this truth to areas of your life where you feel the need to earn approval or love? [01:33]
3. The pastor shared a personal story about feeling the need to achieve great things for God's approval. Have you ever felt a similar pressure? How can you shift your focus from achievements to resting in God's love? [09:44]
4. Ephesians 2:6-7 speaks about our salvation showcasing God's grace. How can you live in a way that reflects God's grace to those around you? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate this grace? [02:48]
5. For those feeling distant from God's love due to personal struggles, what steps can you take to embrace and remind yourself of God's unchanging love? How can you support others in your small group who might be feeling this way? [11:19]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of continually reminding ourselves of God's love, especially in trials. What are some practical ways you can incorporate this reminder into your daily routine? [11:19]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the need to perform or achieve. How did that affect your relationship with God? What changes can you make to focus more on God's love and less on your own efforts? [09:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Anticipating the Unseen Glory
The promise of future grace is a profound motivator for believers, urging them to look beyond the temporal struggles and discomforts of this life. This grace, which is gloriously beyond our current understanding, offers a perspective that is essential for enduring trials and enhancing our daily walk with God. It reminds us that our present circumstances are not the end but a preparation for the eternal joy that awaits us. This hope should not only sustain us but also invigorate our faith and actions in the present. [00:47]
Romans 8:24-25: "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Reflection: How can maintaining a focus on future grace change your approach to current challenges?
Day 2: The Sovereignty of Divine Love
Understanding that God’s love for us is not contingent on our actions but is a sovereign choice He makes can liberate us from the burden of trying to earn His love. This truth allows believers to rest in the assurance that they are loved unconditionally. It is crucial to grasp that our worthiness does not influence God’s love; rather, His love is an unchanging attribute of His divine nature. This realization invites us to live freely, embracing a life of gratitude rather than one of earning approval. [01:33]
Deuteronomy 7:7-8: "It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers."
Reflection: In what ways might you be trying to earn God's love, and how can you begin to accept His love as a free gift?
Day 3: Valued by Divine Affection
Realizing that our value is rooted in God’s love and not in our achievements can profoundly change how we view ourselves and our interactions with others. This understanding frees us from the pressure to perform to earn approval, either divine or human. It encourages a life focused on enjoying and sharing God’s love rather than proving our worth through accomplishments. This shift in perspective is essential for experiencing true freedom and joy in our Christian walk. [09:44]
Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Reflection: How does understanding your value in God's love change your daily interactions and personal goals?
Day 4: The Eternal Purpose of Our Salvation
Our salvation serves a higher purpose beyond personal redemption; it is meant to display God’s grace to all creation. This divine showcase not only brings glory to God but also assures us that our lives have eternal significance. Understanding this can transform how we live, prompting us to act as conduits of His grace, knowing that our lives contribute to a larger, divine narrative that spans eternity. [02:48]
Ephesians 3:10: "So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What are some ways you can more actively demonstrate God's grace through your life to others?
Day 5: Embracing Love in the Midst of Storms
For those feeling storm-tossed and weary, embracing the truth of God’s immutable love can be a source of great comfort and strength. It is crucial for believers to continually remind themselves of this love, especially in difficult times. This steadfast love is not just a concept but a reality that sustains and empowers us to maintain our faith and joy amidst trials. [11:19]
Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you actively remind yourself of God's steadfast love during times of doubt or struggle?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If I could give you one gift, it would be that you would comprehend something of His love for you. Really, I'm tired of seeing you tired. If you could just grasp that one thing, He loves me, immutably." [07:02]
2. "Imagine if someone was getting bad press. A billionaire was getting bad press that he wasn't charitable. And so he just picks you and says, I'm going to use you for a special purpose. I'm going to lavish all my wealth upon you so that every time someone looks at you, they understand how charitable, how good, how loving and kind I am." [04:05]
3. "What's waiting for you is so wonderful. The one way. His name is wonderful. But please, saints, please, I'm begging you, don't live this life just continuing on without grasping this truth." [06:14]
4. "God really, really, really does love you. Immutably so. Perfectly so. And it is all founded upon Him. His person. His decrees. His work through Christ on your behalf. All of it. It's done. You've got to walk in that." [10:46]
5. "Come to Christ. And some of you who are so storm-tossed believers, you're so storm-tossed and afflicted, just, oh, that God would use what's said here today to prove to your heart and your mind that you are deeply and dearly loved." [11:19]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and which have not entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. And don't you dare, because I will come down there and I will whip you, don't you say, ah, there's the key for those who love Him. And I don't love Him perfectly. Will you just stop it?" [00:47]
2. "Israel, why do I love you? Okay, I'll give you the answer. Israel, I love you because I love you. And what he's saying, it came from me. It was my decision. I elected it. I decided it. I set my love on you. There it is. My love did not begin with you. It doesn't stand with you. It won't end with you. It began with me, stands with me, ends with me. I love you." [01:33]
3. "And raised us up with him and seated us with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus so that in the ages to come, he might show the surpassing riches of his grace and kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. God has saved you in order to demonstrate to all creation, including principalities, powers, mights, and dominions, how good he is." [02:48]
4. "That's why he saved you. And that's why he chose you. Not many noble. Not many wise. Not the big ones. Not the smart ones. Why did Paul say, why did he choose the base ones? The weak ones. The ones that are not. Why? So that he could show how good he is." [03:27]
5. "I recognized God. He loved me. Loved me. That I didn't have to move to the left or the right. That was the thing I thought that day. I was sitting on the steps. I was looking at myself. And I realized, I don't have to move a quarter of an inch to the left or a quarter inch to the right. I don't have to be a great missionary. I don't have to die as a martyr. I don't have to be a great preacher. I don't have to do anything, because it is all in... It's God. It's in God. He did it all." [09:44]
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