Embracing Grace: A Celebration of God's Gifts

Devotional

Day 1: God's Grace Is Free—Be Thankful and Pay It Forward

God’s grace is a gift, freely given and undeserved, and recognizing this truth should fill our hearts with gratitude and move us to extend grace to others. Just as we would never try to pay someone back for a true gift, God desires that we simply receive His grace with thankfulness and then “pay it forward” by blessing those around us. When we let go of our sense of entitlement and acknowledge that every good thing we have is by God’s grace, our natural response becomes one of humility and generosity. Instead of trying to earn or repay God’s favor, we are called to reflect His kindness in our daily interactions, showing grace even when it is not deserved, just as it was shown to us. [15:50]

Ephesians 2:7-9 (NKJV)
"that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show unexpected kindness or grace to today, simply because God has freely given you His grace?

Day 2: God’s Grace Is Satisfying—Don’t Compare and Complain

When we truly grasp the richness of God’s grace, we find deep satisfaction in what He has given us, freeing us from the endless cycle of comparison and complaint. The world constantly tempts us to measure our worth by what others have or achieve, but God’s grace levels the playing field—no one can boast, and no one is left out who trusts in Christ. Instead of focusing on what we lack or what others possess, we are invited to rest in the completeness we have in Jesus, knowing that our greatest need has already been met. Complaining and comparing only rob us of joy, but gratitude for God’s grace brings contentment and peace. [25:44]

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV)
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you tend to compare yourself to others? How can you shift your focus to gratitude for God’s unique grace in your life today?

Day 3: God’s Grace Is Unending—Live Out God’s Will for Your Life

God’s grace does not stop at salvation; it continues to overflow into every day and will carry on for all eternity, motivating us to live for His greater purpose. Knowing that God’s kindness and blessings are not just for this life but will be poured out forever, we are freed from striving for earthly rewards and can instead pursue God’s will with joy and hope. The promise of unending grace means we do not have to fight for scraps in this world, but can live with confidence, peace, and a sense of mission, loving God and others and sharing the good news of Jesus. [39:59]

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'"

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to align your life more closely with God’s purpose, knowing His grace for you is unending?

Day 4: God’s Grace Pushes Back Against Entitlement and Boasting

Understanding that salvation is entirely a gift from God, not earned by our works or status, humbles us and removes any grounds for pride or entitlement. No matter our background, achievements, or failures, we all stand on equal ground before God, recipients of His mercy through Christ. This truth calls us to lay down our boasting and entitled attitudes, replacing them with humility and a deep appreciation for what God has done. When we remember that we contribute nothing to our salvation, we are set free from the pressure to prove ourselves and can rest in God’s love. [19:26]

Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: In what ways have you felt entitled to God’s blessings or compared your spiritual standing to others? How can you practice humility and gratitude for God’s gift of salvation today?

Day 5: Remembering God’s Grace Fuels a Life of Worship and Purpose

When we continually remember the depth of God’s grace—how He has given us what we could never earn or deserve—it leads us to a life of ongoing worship, thankfulness, and purposeful living. Even in eternity, we will recall our past and marvel at the kindness of God, never tiring of praising Him for His amazing grace. This remembrance keeps our hearts soft, our gratitude fresh, and our motivation strong to love God and others, not out of obligation, but out of awe for all He has done. [33:24]

Psalm 103:2 (NKJV)
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

Reflection: Take a few moments today to recall specific ways God has shown you grace—how can you turn that remembrance into praise and renewed commitment to live for Him?

Sermon Summary

Seventy-five years of God’s faithfulness is a milestone worth celebrating, and it’s a powerful reminder of how much in life is truly a gift. Reflecting on a recent experience at a school anniversary gala, I was reminded how easy it is to feel entitled to blessings—whether it’s a raffle prize or something more significant. Yet, the truth is, none of us are entitled to the good things we receive. Everything we have is by the grace of God, not by our own merit or effort. This is especially true of the greatest gift: salvation through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:7-9 makes it clear that salvation is a gift, not a reward for our works, so that no one can boast.

Grace, by definition, is unmerited favor. It is free, with no strings attached. Just as we are quick to accept free things in daily life, we should be even more eager to accept the free gift of salvation. Yet, we often forget to be thankful, taking God’s grace for granted and slipping into an attitude of entitlement. True gratitude for grace should overflow into our daily lives, shaping our attitudes and actions. We are called not to pay God back for His gift, but to pay it forward—extending grace and kindness to others as we have received.

Grace also levels the playing field. No one can claim superiority or boastfulness before God, because salvation is not earned. This truth should free us from the endless cycle of comparison and competition. In a world obsessed with status, possessions, and achievements, God’s grace is the great equalizer. It satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts, reminding us that in Christ, we are complete. There is no need to compare or complain, for what we have received is infinitely more than we deserve.

Finally, God’s grace is not just a one-time event; it is unending. The riches of His kindness will be poured out on us for all eternity. This future hope should motivate us to live with purpose, pursuing God’s will rather than chasing after the fleeting rewards of this world. When we remember the magnitude and continuity of God’s grace, we are freed from bitterness, envy, and dissatisfaction. Instead, we are empowered to live lives marked by gratitude, generosity, and a passion for God’s purposes.

Key Takeaways

1. Grace is a free gift, not a reward for effort. The moment we begin to think we deserve God’s blessings, we lose sight of the true nature of grace. Our response should be deep gratitude, not entitlement, and a willingness to extend that same grace to others, paying it forward in our relationships and daily interactions. [05:42]
2. Grace destroys the foundation of pride and boasting. Since salvation cannot be earned or bought, no one can claim spiritual superiority. This truth humbles us and reminds us that all are equally in need of God’s mercy, regardless of background, status, or achievements. [18:29]
3. Grace is deeply satisfying and liberating. When we truly grasp that we have received what we do not deserve, we are freed from the endless cycle of comparison and complaint. Contentment grows as we focus on God’s generosity rather than what we lack, and we learn to celebrate the unique ways God blesses each of us. [22:29]
4. Grace is unending, both now and for eternity. God’s kindness is not limited to a single moment of salvation but continues to overflow into our lives and will do so forever. This assurance gives us hope and motivation to live for God’s greater purposes, knowing that the best is yet to come. [30:02]
5. Remembering grace transforms how we live. When we keep God’s grace at the forefront of our minds, we are less likely to live self-centered, complaining, or competitive lives. Instead, we are moved to gratitude, generosity, and a desire to fulfill God’s will, reflecting His love and kindness to the world. [41:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - The Raffle Story: Expectation and Disappointment
[02:49] - Entitlement vs. Grace
[04:28] - Salvation: The Gift of God
[05:42] - Grace Is Free: Why We Should Be Thankful
[07:47] - The Danger of Entitlement
[08:36] - The Cost of Sin and the Gift of Jesus
[10:43] - The Laundromat Lesson: Receiving and Paying Forward Grace
[13:30] - Breaking Down Bias and Experiencing Kindness
[15:50] - Principle 1: Grace Is Free—Be Thankful and Pay It Forward
[17:31] - Principle 2: Grace Prevents Boasting
[18:29] - The Level Playing Field of Grace
[21:30] - Grace Satisfies: Stop Comparing and Complaining
[25:44] - Learning Contentment in God’s Grace
[30:02] - Principle 3: Grace Is Unending—Live Out God’s Will
[32:40] - Will We Remember Our Past in Heaven?
[36:28] - The Hope of Future Grace
[39:59] - Living for God’s Purpose
[41:06] - Responding to God’s Amazing Grace
[41:57] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:7-9 (NKJV) — > "that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 2:8-9, what is the basis of our salvation? Is it something we earn or something we receive?
In the sermon, what real-life example did the pastor use to illustrate the difference between feeling entitled and receiving a gift by grace? [[01:01]]
What does the pastor say is the proper response to receiving a gift, especially one as great as salvation? [[06:38]]
How does the sermon describe the ongoing nature of God’s grace—does it end at salvation or continue into eternity? [[30:02]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast”? What does this reveal about God’s intention for how we view ourselves and others? [[17:31]]
The pastor shares a story about trying to pay back a man for laundry detergent, but the man insists it’s free and to “pay it forward.” How does this story help us understand the right way to respond to God’s grace? [[15:50]]
The sermon mentions that grace “levels the playing field.” What does this mean for how we relate to people of different backgrounds, achievements, or social status? [[19:26]]
According to the sermon, how should remembering the unending nature of God’s grace affect our motivation and purpose in life? [[30:02]]

Application Questions

The pastor talks about how easy it is to feel entitled to blessings, even in small things like raffle prizes. Can you think of a recent time when you felt entitled to something? How did that affect your attitude toward God or others? [[01:01]]
When was the last time you truly thanked God for the gift of salvation? What are some practical ways you can cultivate a habit of gratitude for God’s grace in your daily life? [[06:38]]
The sermon challenges us not to try to “pay God back” for His grace, but to “pay it forward” by showing grace to others. Who is someone in your life right now who needs to experience grace from you? What is one specific thing you can do for them this week? [[15:50]]
The pastor warns against comparing ourselves to others and complaining about what we lack. Is there an area in your life where you struggle with comparison or discontentment? How can focusing on God’s grace help you find contentment? [[22:29]]
The message says that grace destroys pride and boasting. Are there ways you have felt spiritually superior to others, or looked down on someone because of their background or achievements? How can you remind yourself that “all are equally in need of God’s mercy”? [[19:26]]
God’s grace is described as unending, both now and for eternity. How does this truth give you hope for the future, especially when you face disappointment or feel like you’re missing out in life? [[30:02]]
The sermon ends by saying that remembering grace should transform how we live—moving us from self-centeredness to gratitude and generosity. What is one area of your life where you want to see this transformation? What step can you take this week to live out God’s grace? [[41:06]]

Sermon Clips

When we remember that God's grace is his gift to us and we are thankful what then should we do we don't need to pay him back for the gift it is a gift no giver would want to receive payment for their gift because then it is no longer a gift just like when i received when i was young christmas presents from my parents and i would ask them what they wanted in return they would tell me just enjoy the gift be kind to your siblings be kind to others they wanted me to pay it forward this is what the bible also tells us to do in response to god's grace in our lives we are to show forth thankfulness and appreciation to god by blessing and helping others [00:10:41] (46 seconds) #graceinspiresgiving

My friends, since grace is free, pay it forward in thankfulness and show grace to others. I've already stated before that when it comes to others, we want justice. But when it comes to how we are treated, we want to be the recipients of grace. But you know, others want to receive grace as well. So extend to them as you have been extended grace by God and even by others. [00:16:17] (28 seconds) #gracewithjustice

How is it that God's grace pushes back against boastfulness and bragging rights, especially as seen through salvation? Simply put, it's because eternal salvation from hell could not be bought through any monetary means or through any human efforts. Because the Bible is clear, there is no amount of good works, good deeds, money given that can buy your way and my way out of hell and into heaven. [00:17:59] (30 seconds) #equalgraceforall

No one can say they're better than someone else and therefore deserving of salvation from God. It has been freely offered to all by God to show that God loves all people equally. In this way, grace is very satisfying to know that it equals the playing field and prevents people from saying or thinking they're somehow better than someone else. Grace pushes back at entitled thinking for no one really has the right to boast. [00:19:37] (33 seconds) #savedbygracealone

God's grace in our lives through Jesus should fully satisfy us. Colossians chapter 2 verse 10 tells us, in Christ, we are complete. And so, in Christ, we are complete. we don't need to compare. We don't need to feel unsatisfied because we have graciously received that which cannot be bought or earned. It is a free gift, the gift of salvation, so that no one can boast. [00:21:12] (33 seconds) #gracebeyondcomparison

``Because if we do, then we remember that God's grace is free. So be thankful and pay it forward. God's grace is satisfying, so don't compare and complain. God's grace is unending, so live out God's will for your life. My friends, may we remember God's grace in our lives. And may the lives we live reflect and respond to God's amazing grace. God's grace is for you. [00:41:31] (37 seconds)

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