Embracing Grace and Mercy in Our Faith
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we delved into the profound concepts of grace and mercy, two pivotal elements in our Christian walk that are often misunderstood. We explored their biblical significance and how they transform our relationship with God from a performance-based one to a loving, grace-filled connection. Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve, while mercy is God withholding the punishment we do deserve. These concepts were illustrated through the book of Habakkuk, where the prophet dialogues with God about the fairness of His judgments and ultimately learns to trust in God's mercy and grace.
We also examined the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, particularly the Day of Atonement, where the high priest would sprinkle blood on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of the people. This act foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became our mercy seat, offering His blood for our atonement. This incredible exchange—Jesus' righteousness for our sin—highlights the outrageous and scandalous nature of God's grace and mercy.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of living a life that honors God's grace. Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live holier lives, recognizing that we are saved not by our works but by God's unmerited favor. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of our relationship with God and a commitment to live in a way that reflects His holiness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Grace and Mercy: Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve, while mercy is God withholding the punishment we do deserve. These concepts shift our relationship with God from performance-based to one rooted in love and grace. This understanding can transform our spiritual lives, freeing us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. [35:16]
2. The Sacrificial System and Jesus: The Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Day of Atonement, foreshadowed Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. The high priest's act of sprinkling blood on the mercy seat symbolized the atonement of sins, which Jesus fulfilled by becoming our mercy seat. This act of grace and mercy is the foundation of our salvation. [49:03]
3. Living in Grace: Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live holier lives. Understanding that we are saved by grace, not by works, should lead us to a deeper appreciation of our relationship with God and a commitment to live in a way that reflects His holiness. This perspective helps us avoid the trap of trying to earn God's favor through our actions. [55:26]
4. The Outrageous Nature of God's Grace: God's grace and mercy are almost scandalous in their generosity. Jesus' sacrifice for our sins is the greatest exchange ever, highlighting the depth of God's love for us. This understanding should fill us with gratitude and inspire us to live lives that honor Him. [47:29]
5. Grace in Daily Life: Grace is not just for salvation but for daily living. We need God's grace continually, not just at the moment of salvation but also in our ongoing journey of sanctification. Recognizing this helps us rely on God more fully and live lives that reflect His grace and mercy. [59:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:38] - Introduction: Grace and Mercy
[35:16] - Defining Grace and Mercy
[36:28] - Mercy: Withholding Punishment
[36:59] - Grace: Giving What We Don't Deserve
[37:24] - Habakkuk's Dialogue with God
[38:40] - God's Tough Words to Habakkuk
[39:27] - Personal Anecdote: Grace and Mercy in Parenting
[41:01] - Habakkuk's Lesson in Chapter 3
[42:42] - David's Cry for Mercy in Psalm 51
[45:49] - Tim Chalise on God's Mercy
[46:53] - The Greatest Exchange: Jesus for Us
[49:03] - The Mercy Seat and Day of Atonement
[51:11] - Jesus as Our Mercy Seat
[55:26] - Living in Grace, Not by Works
[59:33] - Grace in Daily Life
[01:03:12] - Paul's Teaching on Grace in Romans
[01:04:06] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Habakkuk 3:2 - "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
2. Romans 3:25 - "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished."
3. Psalm 51:1-2 - "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the difference between grace and mercy as explained in the sermon? ([36:28])
2. How does the book of Habakkuk illustrate the concepts of grace and mercy? ([37:24])
3. What was the significance of the high priest sprinkling blood on the mercy seat during the Day of Atonement? ([49:03])
4. How does Psalm 51 reflect David's understanding of God's mercy? ([44:22])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the difference between grace and mercy change our relationship with God? ([35:58])
2. In what ways does the sacrificial system of the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? ([49:03])
3. Why is it important to recognize that grace is not a license to sin but a call to live holier lives? ([55:26])
4. How does the concept of the "greatest exchange"—Jesus' righteousness for our sin—highlight the depth of God's love for us? ([47:29])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy. How did it change your perspective or actions? ([36:28])
2. How can you live a life that honors God's grace, recognizing that you are saved by grace and not by works? ([55:26])
3. In what ways can you show gratitude for the "outrageous" nature of God's grace in your daily life? ([47:29])
4. How can you rely more on God's grace in your ongoing journey of sanctification? ([59:33])
5. Think of a situation where you might be tempted to take God's grace for granted. How can you remind yourself that grace is a call to live a holier life? ([01:00:45])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to extend grace or mercy to someone else. What steps can you take this week to do so? ([45:49])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation of your relationship with God through understanding His grace and mercy? ([35:58])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Grace and Mercy
Grace and mercy are two foundational concepts in the Christian faith that can radically transform our relationship with God. Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve, while mercy is God withholding the punishment we do deserve. These concepts shift our relationship with God from a performance-based one to one rooted in love and grace. Understanding this can free us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allow us to rest in His unconditional love. This understanding can transform our spiritual lives, freeing us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. [35:16]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt you had to earn someone's approval. How does understanding God's grace and mercy change the way you approach your relationship with Him?
Day 2: The Ultimate Sacrifice and the Mercy Seat
The Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Day of Atonement, foreshadowed Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. The high priest's act of sprinkling blood on the mercy seat symbolized the atonement of sins, which Jesus fulfilled by becoming our mercy seat. This act of grace and mercy is the foundation of our salvation. Jesus' sacrifice for our sins is the greatest exchange ever, highlighting the depth of God's love for us. This understanding should fill us with gratitude and inspire us to live lives that honor Him. [49:03]
Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV): "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus being our mercy seat. How does this understanding deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice and influence the way you live your life?
Day 3: Living in Grace, Not by Works
Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live holier lives. Understanding that we are saved by grace, not by works, should lead us to a deeper appreciation of our relationship with God and a commitment to live in a way that reflects His holiness. This perspective helps us avoid the trap of trying to earn God's favor through our actions. Instead, it encourages us to live out our faith authentically, motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation. [55:26]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself trying to earn God's favor? How can you shift your focus to living out of gratitude for His grace instead?
Day 4: The Outrageous Nature of God's Grace
God's grace and mercy are almost scandalous in their generosity. Jesus' sacrifice for our sins is the greatest exchange ever, highlighting the depth of God's love for us. This understanding should fill us with gratitude and inspire us to live lives that honor Him. The outrageous nature of God's grace challenges us to extend the same grace and mercy to others, reflecting His love in our interactions and relationships. [47:29]
Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience God's grace through you. How can you extend grace and mercy to them in a tangible way this week?
Day 5: Grace in Daily Life
Grace is not just for salvation but for daily living. We need God's grace continually, not just at the moment of salvation but also in our ongoing journey of sanctification. Recognizing this helps us rely on God more fully and live lives that reflect His grace and mercy. This daily dependence on God's grace empowers us to face challenges, grow in our faith, and become more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. [59:33]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what areas of your daily life do you need to rely more on God's grace? How can you make a conscious effort to depend on His grace in those areas today?
Quotes
1. "I honestly believe that many people are sitting in churches and all across the world and we're following Jesus and we're bound in this performance-based religion. It's like if I'll do this God will do this and if I just if I love him enough if I pray enough if I do enough somehow I'll earn God's love and then I'll be in good standing with him. But if we truly understood what grace and mercy was we would go from this performance-based relationship to an absolutely loving relationship with our Heavenly Father." [35:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Mercy is God giving us what we do not deserve and grace is God giving us something we do not deserve. So mercy is God saying listen, here's what you do deserve because of your sin and because of your disobedience and because of your lack of faith you honestly deserve this. Here's what you deserve but mercy stepped in. The cross is all about mercy. It's about mercy. But then we have grace. Grace is God. It's on the opposite end of this. It's giving you what you flat out. It's the opposite." [36:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes what we see as judgment can be God actually teaching us an incredible lesson and God allowing us to go through some things just to teach us. Actually I look at my life and some of the things that I would say was a terrible time was actually a lesson that I needed to learn. Sometimes the heart God's wrath can still show incredible mercy. And aren't you thankful that even though when we're going through hard times God still doesn't give because you know we deserve. We deserve death. The wages of sin is death." [43:12] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Mercy is not something God owes to us. By definition mercy cannot be owed but it's something that God extends in kindness and grace to those who do not deserve it. Mercy is not something that God owes us. God did not owe us the cross. Jesus did not need to come down and do this. But mercy stepped in the way of God and mercy had another plan for your life. Mercy stepped in when your sin cried out for blood. Jesus said I'll step in and give mine in your place." [46:13] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Grace is God giving us something that we do not deserve. Right. So it's like God saying hey let me just step in and just give you some grace. Right. Amazing grace right. And it's a beautiful thing. In the New Testament think about this the word grace is used over 156 times in the New Testament. Grace is a major point of the new covenant. It takes on a special redemptive sense in which God makes available his favor on behalf of sinners who actually do not deserve it." [52:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When we misunderstand and we misappropriate grace and we don't understand what mercy is we begin to take credit for things that only God can do. This is a dangerous place to be. And I don't know about you I need God's grace. It's this continual thing. I needed it at salvation but I also needed to walk into sanctification. Like I need God's grace. I need God's grace. I need God's grace. Grace. How many times have you just been going through life and something happens and you're like it was like a wink from heaven. Like I gotcha. I gotcha. I got you." [59:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Grace is not a get out of jail free card either. And sloppy grace is taught in many churches where it's like oh we're all good. Like don't worry about it. Like don't worry about it. Like you and God are homies right? He's your bro. Right like we sing Jesus. Jesus it's all about love man. It's all good. No no no no no stop. Don't ever confuse God's kindness for weakness either. And there is grace actually makes me want to live holier because I realize that God has extended something to me that I didn't deserve and he also didn't give me what I do deserve by showing me mercy." [01:00:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we don't understand grace we will always be trying to earn it. But truly when we understand that grace is not about merit you do not earn grace. You don't work for grace. You work from grace. Big difference. Delvin James says faith without works is dead. He wasn't saying you gain faith by your works. He's saying because of your faith you want to do works. I don't work so that God will love me. Love me more. I work because I love him more. There's a big difference here. You're not going to earn God's grace. You're never good enough. I promise you. You're never good enough. But God gives it to us anyway." [55:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "But how do we become his handiwork when we realize he prepared you before the foundation of the earth to live a life that is holy and blameless before him. And God put in you the desire to please him. Why does it feel so good when you are in right relationship with Jesus? Because who you are aren't takes a back seat to who he made you to be. I know when I am struggling with sin it is when I really begin to doubt who Jesus is. I begin to doubt myself and then it turns into this like this like just pity party I've only invited myself." [57:08] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "But where sin increased and sin reigned in death so that grace might reign through the righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ. It goes on to say in Romans 6 in the same way count yourself dead to sin but alive. Right count yourself dead to sin but alive in Christ Jesus. And it goes on to say therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that it will obey its evil desires. And do not offer part of yourself as a sin instrument of wickedness but rather offer yourself to God and those who have been brought to death to life and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." [01:03:12] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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