Embracing Grace and Peace in Christian Life

 

Summary

Grace and peace are two profound gifts offered to us as Christians, and they encapsulate the essence of our faith. In Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, he begins with a salutation that is not merely a formality but a deep expression of the Christian life. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, a condescending love that reaches down to us despite our unworthiness. It is the fountain from which all blessings flow, the source of our faith, and the beginning of our journey with God. Peace, on the other hand, is the culmination of our faith, the end goal that grace leads us to. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound union and reconciliation with God, ourselves, and others.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that these gifts are not to be taken lightly. They are the profound riches found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Grace and peace are not just words to be tripped off the tongue; they are the very foundation and culmination of the Christian experience. Grace is the beginning, the source, and peace is the end, the purpose for which we are designed. As Christians, we are called to live in the fullness of these gifts, understanding their depth and significance.

The peace that comes from God is a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, a peace that remains even amidst life's trials and tribulations. This peace is made possible through the grace of God, which reconciles us to Him and transforms our relationships with ourselves and others. It is a peace that leads to a new perspective, where former enemies become subjects of prayer and love.

Ultimately, the grace and peace we receive from God are rooted in our relationship with Him as our Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ. This relationship is not based on our merit but on the grace of God, who, in His love, sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself. Through Christ, we are not only forgiven but also adopted as children of God, destined to spend eternity in His presence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Grace as Unmerited Favor: Grace is the unmerited favor of God, a condescending love that reaches us despite our unworthiness. It is the source of all blessings in the Christian life, the beginning of our faith journey. Understanding grace requires acknowledging the depth of our sin and the magnitude of God's love. [10:44]

2. Peace as Reconciliation: Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound union and reconciliation with God, ourselves, and others. It is the culmination of our faith, the end goal that grace leads us to. This peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. [12:19]

3. The Transformative Power of Grace and Peace: Grace and peace transform our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. Through grace, we are reconciled to God, leading to peace within ourselves and with others. This transformation changes our perspective, allowing us to love and pray for our enemies. [30:51]

4. The Role of Jesus Christ: The grace and peace we receive are rooted in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He is the Lord, Jehovah, and Jesus, the man who lived among us. Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and adopted as His children. [37:31]

5. Living in the Fullness of Grace and Peace: As Christians, we are called to live in the fullness of grace and peace, understanding their depth and significance. These gifts are not to be taken lightly but are the foundation and culmination of the Christian experience. [33:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians
- [01:05] - The Christian Identity
- [03:19] - Benefits of Being a Christian
- [05:06] - Profound Riches in the Gospel
- [06:25] - The Overture of Ephesians
- [08:13] - Grace and Peace Defined
- [10:44] - The Source and End of Faith
- [12:19] - The True Meaning of Peace
- [14:29] - Union and Reconciliation
- [16:02] - The Need for Grace and Peace
- [18:10] - Man's Enmity with God
- [20:29] - Internal Conflict and Sin
- [22:36] - Man's Rejection of God
- [26:23] - The Marvelous Message of Grace
- [29:42] - Peace with God and Others
- [33:07] - The Free Gift of Grace
- [37:31] - The Role of Jesus Christ
- [42:20] - The Savior and Messiah
- [43:12] - Adoption as Children of God

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:2: "Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul emphasize in his salutation to the Ephesians, and why is it significant? [00:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between grace and peace in the Christian life? [09:13]
3. According to the sermon, what is the root meaning of the word "peace," and how does it differ from common perceptions? [13:48]
4. What role does Jesus Christ play in the relationship between grace and peace, as discussed in the sermon? [37:31]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of grace as "unmerited favor" challenge common human perceptions of earning and deserving? [10:58]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that peace is more than just the absence of conflict? How does this understanding impact one's faith journey? [12:36]
3. How does the sermon explain the transformative power of grace and peace in reconciling us to God and others? [30:51]
4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of being adopted as children of God through Jesus Christ? [43:12]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced grace in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? [10:58]
2. Consider a current conflict or tension in your life. How might the peace that surpasses all understanding change your approach to this situation? [32:15]
3. How can you actively live in the fullness of grace and peace in your daily interactions with others? [33:07]
4. Identify a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. What steps can you take to bring about peace in that relationship? [14:29]
5. How does understanding your identity as a child of God influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [43:12]
6. Think of someone who might be considered an "enemy" in your life. How can you begin to pray for and love this person as the sermon suggests? [31:31]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God, acknowledging Him as your Father through Jesus Christ? [34:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Grace as the Fountain of Blessings
Grace is the unmerited favor of God, a love that reaches us despite our unworthiness. It is the source of all blessings in the Christian life and the beginning of our faith journey. Understanding grace requires acknowledging the depth of our sin and the magnitude of God's love. This grace is not something we earn or deserve; it is a gift freely given by God. It is the starting point of our relationship with Him, the foundation upon which our faith is built. As we grow in our understanding of grace, we begin to see how it transforms our lives, leading us to a deeper relationship with God and a greater capacity to love others. [10:44]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unworthy of God's love. How can you embrace His grace today, knowing it is a gift and not something you have to earn?


Day 2: Peace as the Goal of Faith
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound union and reconciliation with God, ourselves, and others. It is the culmination of our faith, the end goal that grace leads us to. This peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It is a peace that remains even amidst life's trials and tribulations, offering us a sense of stability and hope. Through the grace of God, we are reconciled to Him, which transforms our relationships with ourselves and others. This peace changes our perspective, allowing us to see others through the lens of God's love and to extend forgiveness and compassion. [12:19]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need God's peace to rule? How can you invite His peace into that situation today?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Grace and Peace
Grace and peace transform our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. Through grace, we are reconciled to God, leading to peace within ourselves and with others. This transformation changes our perspective, allowing us to love and pray for our enemies. As we experience God's grace, we are empowered to extend that same grace to those around us, breaking down barriers and fostering reconciliation. This transformation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process as we grow in our faith and understanding of God's love. [30:51]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: Who in your life do you need to reconcile with? How can you take a step towards reconciliation today, empowered by God's grace?


Day 4: The Role of Jesus Christ in Grace and Peace
The grace and peace we receive are rooted in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He is the Lord, Jehovah, and Jesus, the man who lived among us. Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and adopted as His children. This relationship is not based on our merit but on the grace of God, who, in His love, sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself. Through Christ, we are not only forgiven but also adopted as children of God, destined to spend eternity in His presence. [37:31]

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV): "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted as God's child through Christ change the way you view your relationship with Him? What step can you take today to deepen that relationship?


Day 5: Living in the Fullness of Grace and Peace
As Christians, we are called to live in the fullness of grace and peace, understanding their depth and significance. These gifts are not to be taken lightly but are the foundation and culmination of the Christian experience. Living in the fullness of grace and peace means allowing these gifts to permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our thoughts, actions, and relationships. It means embracing the transformative power of God's love and allowing it to guide us in our daily walk with Him. [33:07]

2 Peter 1:2-3 (ESV): "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience the fullness of God's grace and peace? How can you invite Him into that area today?

Quotes



Grace is the beginning of our faith, peace is the end of our faith. Grace is the fountain, it's the spring, it's the source, it's that particular place in the mountain from which that mighty river that you see there rolling into the sea starts and begins. Without that, there'd be nothing. [09:15]

Grace essentially means unmerited favor, unmerited favor, favor that you don't deserve, a favor received which you have no right or title to in any shape or form and of which you are entirely unworthy and entirely undeserving. Grace, that's it. Or if you prefer it, you can call it condescending love. [10:54]

Peace does not merely mean cessation of war. It does mean that, but it means much more than that. Peace doesn't merely mean rest and quiet. It does mean rest and quiet, but it means very much more than that. I say the danger always with peace is to think of it negatively. [12:30]

The root meaning of the word that is translated peace is union, union after separation. Now that isn't my theory, that isn't my idea, that is simply an actual fact. The root meaning of the word is union, bringing together, reconciliation after a contest and a quarrel. That is what peace really means. [13:48]

Man in sin, you see, is at enmity with God. Man by nature, as he's born into this world, is a hater of God. He's not only separated from God, but he fights God. He hates God. He is an enemy and an alien in his mind from God. The law of God is hateful to him. [18:19]

The moment a man becomes a Christian, nothing remains the same, and nobody else remains the same. The person he formerly hated, he now sees as just a victim of sin and of Satan, even as he himself was, and he begins to feel sorry for him. He says that man doesn't know why he's like that. [31:10]

The grace and the peace, you see, come equally from the Lord Jesus Christ as from the Father. Now, this is absolutely vital doctrine. There is no such thing as Christianity apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no blessing from God to men in a Christian sense except in and through and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [37:31]

Grace is the second person in the Blessed Holy Trinity coming down in condescending love to reconcile us to God. It's the Lord Jehovah becoming Jesus, taking upon him our nature, taking upon him our problem, standing with us, submitting to baptism, though in a sense he didn't need it because he was righteous. [41:40]

The Son of God became the son of men that the sons of men might be made the sons of God. And you see, it means this, that not only we have with this peace with God and within and with others and so on, but we enjoy the favor of God. That's the grace of God. [43:12]

Grace be to you and peace from God. You see, we deserve nothing. We didn't even desire it. We could never achieve it, but God gives it all. Oh, I'll have to come back to that. This first chapter is full of that kind of thing, but it's all by grace, my friends. It's entirely the free gift of God. [33:07]

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, and it keeps your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. He's not only given you peace, he's provided for the preservation of peace. You are garrisoned by a power and by a person that will keep you at peace. Other things are constantly coming in to try to upset this peace. [32:00]

The Apostle is not simply describing God in general terms of fatherhood in terms of creation. Well, what does he mean then? How is he putting it? Well, the answer is here again in the next word. Listen, Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [36:49]

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Transcript
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