Embracing Grace: Living Securely in God's Love
Summary
In today's message, we celebrate the good news that the property owner has agreed to extend our contract for three more months, giving us more time to make a decision about purchasing the land. This is a testament to the power of prayer and the grace of God working in our favor. As we continue to navigate this journey, it's crucial to remember the core of our faith: the grace of God and how it should transform our lives.
Reflecting on the teachings from Galatians, we are reminded that our relationship with God is not about striving to earn His grace, as grace by definition is unearned. Many people live in insecurity, trying to earn God's favor, but the truth is that God loved us even when we were at our worst. This understanding should lead us to a place of security in His love, not fear or insecurity. Unfortunately, some religious institutions may perpetuate insecurity to control behavior, but this is not the way of Christ. True grace should lead to action, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for God's kindness.
The Bible teaches that God's kindness leads us to repentance, not fear or insecurity. This understanding of grace should motivate us to live lives of action and service, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to the love and grace we've received. Grace is not void of effort; it is void of earning. If our understanding of grace does not result in action, then we have not truly grasped its meaning.
We are called to be eager to do good works, driven by a desire to live lives that reflect God's love and grace. This eagerness should propel us to live extraordinary lives, making a difference in the world around us. As we heard from Heather Mercer's story, when we truly understand God's grace, we are motivated to step out in faith, even in the face of adversity, knowing that God is with us.
Key Takeaways:
- God's grace is unearned and should lead us to a place of security in His love, not fear or insecurity. Understanding this grace should transform our lives and motivate us to live in a way that reflects His love. [02:23]
- True grace leads to action, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for God's kindness. Our actions should be a response to the grace we've received, not a means to earn salvation. [05:53]
- The kindness of God is what leads us to repentance, not fear or insecurity. This understanding should motivate us to live lives of action and service, reflecting God's love and grace. [06:10]
- We are called to be eager to do good works, driven by a desire to live lives that reflect God's love and grace. This eagerness should propel us to live extraordinary lives, making a difference in the world around us. [18:18]
- God's grace should motivate us to step out in faith, even in the face of adversity, knowing that He is with us. We are called to live lives that are eager for good works and to make a difference in the world. [39:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Property Update
- [01:36] - Financial Preparations
- [02:08] - Understanding Grace
- [03:22] - Insecurity in Faith
- [04:57] - True Grace and Action
- [06:10] - Kindness Leads to Repentance
- [08:17] - Grace and Works
- [10:00] - Effort vs. Earning
- [12:46] - False Grace Warning
- [15:10] - Grace Teaches Us
- [17:32] - Eager for Good Works
- [20:25] - Heather Mercer's Story
- [28:01] - Encouragement for Action
- [39:44] - Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 2:20-21
2. Romans 2:4
3. Titus 2:11-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the good news shared at the beginning of the sermon regarding the property contract? How does this relate to the theme of God's grace? [00:15]
2. According to the sermon, how do some religious institutions use insecurity to control behavior? What is the contrast presented with the way of Christ? [03:22]
3. How does Romans 2:4 describe the role of God's kindness in leading us to repentance? [06:10]
4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between grace and action? How is this supported by the passage in Titus 2:11-14? [18:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of grace as unearned favor impact a believer's sense of security in God's love? [02:23]
2. In what ways might the kindness of God lead someone to repentance, as opposed to fear or insecurity? [06:10]
3. How does the sermon suggest that true grace should motivate believers to live extraordinary lives? What does this look like in practical terms? [18:18]
4. How does Heather Mercer's story illustrate the concept of stepping out in faith, even in adversity, as a response to understanding God's grace? [20:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt insecure in your relationship with God. How can the understanding of grace as unearned help you find security in His love? [02:23]
2. Consider the role of God's kindness in your life. How has it led you to repentance, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His kindness in your daily walk? [06:10]
3. What are some specific actions you can take this week to live a life that reflects God's love and grace? How can you ensure these actions are motivated by love and gratitude rather than fear? [18:18]
4. Heather Mercer spoke about being eager to do what God wants, even in challenging circumstances. What is one area in your life where you feel called to step out in faith? How can you prepare for this step? [20:25]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being eager for good works. Identify one good work you feel passionate about. How can you take a step towards it this week? [18:18]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to understand and live out the true meaning of grace? What role can you play in fostering a culture of grace-driven action? [09:44]
7. Reflect on the idea that God's grace should lead to a life worth living. What changes can you make in your life to ensure you are living with purpose and making a difference in the world around you? [40:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace as a Foundation of Security
Understanding God's grace is crucial for a secure relationship with Him. Many people mistakenly believe they must earn God's favor, leading to insecurity and fear. However, grace is unearned, and God loves us even at our worst. This realization should bring us to a place of security in His love, freeing us from the need to strive for His approval. Instead of living in fear, we are called to embrace the security that comes from knowing we are loved unconditionally. This understanding transforms our lives, allowing us to live confidently in His grace. [02:23]
"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel insecure about God's love? How can you remind yourself today that His grace is unearned and unconditional?
Day 2: Grace Leading to Action
True grace is not passive; it compels us to act out of love and gratitude. Our actions should be a response to the grace we've received, not an attempt to earn salvation. When we understand God's kindness, it naturally leads us to repentance and motivates us to live lives of service. Grace is not devoid of effort; it simply removes the need to earn. If our understanding of grace does not result in action, we have not fully grasped its meaning. We are called to live lives that reflect God's love through our actions. [05:53]
"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." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to reflect God's grace in your life? How can you ensure your actions are motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation?
Day 3: Kindness Leading to Repentance
The Bible teaches that it is God's kindness, not fear or insecurity, that leads us to repentance. This understanding of grace should inspire us to live lives of action and service, reflecting God's love. When we comprehend the depth of His kindness, it transforms our hearts and motivates us to turn away from sin. Repentance becomes a natural response to experiencing God's grace, leading us to live in a way that honors Him. [06:10]
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: How have you experienced God's kindness in your life recently? In what ways can this kindness lead you to genuine repentance and transformation today?
Day 4: Eagerness for Good Works
We are called to be eager to do good works, driven by a desire to live lives that reflect God's love and grace. This eagerness should propel us to live extraordinary lives, making a difference in the world around us. When we truly understand God's grace, we are motivated to step out in faith, even in the face of adversity, knowing that God is with us. Our lives should be marked by a passion for doing good and serving others, fueled by the grace we have received. [18:18]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one good work you feel called to pursue this week? How can you encourage others in your community to join you in this endeavor?
Day 5: Stepping Out in Faith
God's grace should motivate us to step out in faith, even in the face of adversity, knowing that He is with us. We are called to live lives that are eager for good works and to make a difference in the world. When we understand the depth of God's grace, it gives us the courage to take risks and trust Him in challenging situations. Our faith is strengthened as we rely on His presence and guidance, allowing us to impact the world around us positively. [39:44]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith? How can you trust God's presence and guidance as you take this step today?
Quotes
Reflecting on the teachings from Galatians, we are reminded that our relationship with God is not about striving to earn His grace, as grace by definition is unearned. Many people live in insecurity, trying to earn God's favor, but the truth is that God loved us even when we were at our worst. [00:02:08]
What the Bible teaches is that there's a God who loves you in spite of your actions. You're not a slave who is only loved when you do what is right. You're a Son of God who is loved even during those times you might rebel against God. He still loves you because you're his son. [00:05:02]
The Bible says it's supposed to be the kindness of God that God by loving you in spite of all that that ought to change your life, that ought to affect you. You should say, wait, God loves me in the midst of all these things in the midst of everything that I did. [00:06:33]
True Grace will actually lead to action. See, because the moment Cornerstone becomes a church that doesn't do anything, that's the moment I leave, you know, and hopefully the moment you leave if we're just about talk. We are supposed to be known by our actions, we're supposed to be known by what we do. [00:08:37]
Grace is not void of effort. Grace is absolutely void of earning. It's not that Grace because God's shown his grace on us that that means we don't put any effort into our relationship with God. Can I understand that but Grace is absolutely void of any type of earning for yourself. [00:09:49]
If you say you understand the grace of God and yet there's no result in your life, your life doesn't show it, then you don't understand the grace of God. The Bible's very clear about that. I know it may seem confusing. I mean, it totally makes sense in my head. [00:10:37]
The grace of God actually teaches us to say no to ungodliness and I love you. You see that word teaches it teaches us. It teaches us that word teaches there is the same root as that word remember a couple weeks ago I described the idea of the tutor. [00:15:29]
The grace of God doesn't lead us to laziness as some may assume it would now when you understand the grace of God what it says is that I love that last phrase um it makes you eager to do what is good. Don't you want to do what God wants you to do? [00:18:15]
I want to live such a holy life that it blows people's minds. I want you to change me completely where I live differently and I want my life to count for something. I'm eager to do good works. I talked to so many of you that get frustrated with life because you go I know there's more. [00:18:48]
When we learn God is with us then there's no place that we can't go and there's nothing that we can't do. In captivity I think that was the lesson he really drove home to me is his promise is true lo I Am With You Always even until the end of the age. [00:28:44]
The grace of God doesn't the grace of God motivate you where you go I want to do something great with my life that's what it ought to do make it eager for good works self discipline running away from sin leading you to repentance and living a life that's worth living. [00:39:44]
If you really believe that God had a son die for you specifically and he loves you as an individual how can you not believe that he wants to use your life for great things I want to give you again just some time right now because I believe this is an intimate moment between you and God. [00:41:20]
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