Embracing Grace: Our Foundation in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate and worship our living God, Jesus Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and upholds the universe by His word. This morning, I want to talk about grace, a foundational element in our Christian lives. Grace is not just a concept; it is the very essence of our relationship with God. It saves us, keeps us, and will always sustain us. Jesus, who walked through Jericho and stopped to heal a blind man, is the same Jesus who calls us to come to Him, regardless of our circumstances.
Grace is like the foundation of a house. Just as a builder checks the foundation before adding another floor, we must understand that grace is the foundation of our spiritual lives. It is not about our performance or achievements; it is about God's unmerited favor. Jesus died on the cross, bearing our sins, and rose again, defeating sin and death. This act of grace invites us into a relationship with Him, not based on our merits but on His love and sacrifice.
Paul, in Romans 5:17, speaks about reigning in life through the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness. This means that as followers of Jesus, we are called to live victorious lives, not by our own strength but through His grace. However, life often brings challenges that make us question God's love. We may feel crushed, disheartened, and burdened by shame and guilt. But it is crucial to remember that our relationship with God is not based on our circumstances but on His grace.
Paul uses the illustration of marriage to explain our relationship with the law and grace. We were once bound to the law, an overbearing husband who always pointed out our faults. But through Jesus' death, we have died to the law and are now married to a new husband, Jesus, who is full of grace. This new relationship frees us from the condemnation of the law and empowers us to live victorious lives.
Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a life that bears fruit for God. We are new creations in Christ, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Him. Today, let us step away from our old lives and embrace the grace of our new husband, Jesus. Let us live in the freedom and power that His grace provides, knowing that we are loved and accepted by the living God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Grace as the Foundation: Grace is the cornerstone of our Christian life. It is not about our performance or achievements but about God's unmerited favor. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection invite us into a relationship with Him based on grace, not merit. This foundational understanding transforms how we live and relate to God. [20:18]
2. Reigning in Life Through Grace: Paul teaches that through the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness, we can reign in life. This means living victoriously, not by our own strength but through the grace of Jesus. Despite life's challenges, grace empowers us to overcome and live triumphantly. [26:07]
3. Freedom from the Law: Paul uses the illustration of marriage to explain our transition from being bound to the law to being united with Jesus. The law, like an overbearing husband, constantly points out our faults. But through Jesus' death, we have died to the law and are now married to a new husband, Jesus, who is full of grace. This new relationship frees us from condemnation and empowers us to live victorious lives. [39:35]
4. Living in Response to Grace: Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a life that bears fruit for God. As new creations in Christ, we are called to live in the freedom and power that His grace provides. This means stepping away from our old lives and embracing the new life that Jesus offers. [45:28]
5. Embracing Our New Identity: Our new identity in Christ means that we are no longer bound by the condemnation of our old lives. Jesus, our new husband, offers us freedom, dignity, and a new sense of purpose. By embracing this new identity, we can live in the liberty and joy that comes from being loved and accepted by the living God. [56:17]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [18:20] - The Radiance of God's Glory
3. [19:25] - Jesus Calls Us to Come to Him
4. [20:18] - The Foundation of Grace
5. [21:26] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Resurrection
6. [22:25] - Understanding Grace
7. [23:21] - Performance-Driven Faith
8. [24:05] - Life-Changing Revelation
9. [24:43] - Reigning in Life Through Grace
10. [26:07] - Triumphal Procession and Conquerors
11. [28:15] - Spiritual Crises and Challenges
12. [29:34] - Misinterpreting God's Love
13. [30:16] - Imposing New Rules on Ourselves
14. [32:00] - Receiving the Abundance of Grace
15. [33:47] - Relationship with Jesus and the Law
16. [35:18] - The Law Leads Us to Jesus
17. [36:49] - Illustration from Marriage
18. [39:35] - Freed from the Law
19. [40:11] - Embracing Our New Husband
20. [45:28] - Living in Response to Grace
21. [47:10] - Illustration of the Soldier
22. [48:32] - Freedom from Condemnation
23. [50:12] - Story of Wimbledon
24. [52:52] - Access by Faith into Grace
25. [54:46] - Transforming Lives Through Grace
26. [56:17] - Stepping Away from the Old Life
27. [57:13] - Living in Response to Grace
28. [58:39] - Prayer and Closing
29. [01:02:00] - Amen and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 5:17 (ESV) - "For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."
2. Romans 7:4 (ESV) - "Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God."
3. Romans 8:1 (ESV) - "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 5:17, what are the two things that believers receive through Jesus Christ? How do these enable them to "reign in life"? [24:43]
2. In Romans 7:4, Paul uses the illustration of marriage to explain our relationship with the law and Jesus. What does it mean to be "married" to Jesus instead of the law? [39:35]
3. Romans 8:1 states that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. How does this verse relate to the concept of grace discussed in the sermon? [45:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding grace as the foundation of our Christian life change the way we view our relationship with God? [20:18]
2. What does it mean to "reign in life" through the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness? How does this concept challenge or affirm your current understanding of living a victorious Christian life? [26:07]
3. How does the illustration of being freed from an overbearing husband (the law) to being united with a new husband (Jesus) help us understand our new identity in Christ? [39:35]
4. In what ways does the assurance of "no condemnation" for those in Christ Jesus empower us to live differently? How does this assurance impact our daily struggles with sin and guilt? [45:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are still trying to earn God's favor through your performance? How can you shift your focus to living in response to God's grace instead? [22:25]
2. When faced with life's challenges, do you find yourself questioning God's love based on your circumstances? How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging grace during difficult times? [28:15]
3. The sermon mentioned that grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a life that bears fruit for God. What specific steps can you take this week to bear fruit in your life? [45:28]
4. Think about a time when you felt condemned by your past actions. How does the truth of "no condemnation" in Christ change your perspective on that situation? How can you live out this truth in your daily life? [45:28]
5. The sermon used the illustration of a soldier who is no longer under the command of his old sergeant. Are there "old commands" or voices of condemnation that you need to let go of? How can you embrace your new identity in Christ more fully? [48:32]
6. How can you practically demonstrate the grace you have received from Jesus to others in your community this week? Think of one specific person or situation where you can extend grace. [42:15]
7. The sermon emphasized stepping away from our old lives and embracing the new life in Jesus. What is one specific area of your old life that you need to let go of? How can you take a tangible step towards embracing your new life in Christ this week? [56:17]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon on grace, encouraging both reflection and practical application in your daily lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Grace as the Cornerstone of Our Faith
Description: Grace is the cornerstone of our Christian life. It is not about our performance or achievements but about God's unmerited favor. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection invite us into a relationship with Him based on grace, not merit. This foundational understanding transforms how we live and relate to God. Grace is like the foundation of a house. Just as a builder checks the foundation before adding another floor, we must understand that grace is the foundation of our spiritual lives. It is not about our performance or achievements; it is about God's unmerited favor. Jesus died on the cross, bearing our sins, and rose again, defeating sin and death. This act of grace invites us into a relationship with Him, not based on our merits but on His love and sacrifice. [20:18]
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 about an area in your life where you have been striving to earn God's favor. How can you shift your mindset to rest in His grace instead of your own efforts?
Day 2: Reigning in Life Through Grace
Description: Paul teaches that through the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness, we can reign in life. This means living victoriously, not by our own strength but through the grace of Jesus. Despite life's challenges, grace empowers us to overcome and live triumphantly. Paul, in Romans 5:17, speaks about reigning in life through the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness. This means that as followers of Jesus, we are called to live victorious lives, not by our own strength but through His grace. However, life often brings challenges that make us question God's love. We may feel crushed, disheartened, and burdened by shame and guilt. But it is crucial to remember that our relationship with God is not based on our circumstances but on His grace. [26:07]
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: Identify a recent challenge you faced. How can you rely on God's grace to find strength and victory in this situation?
Day 3: Freedom from the Law
Description: Paul uses the illustration of marriage to explain our transition from being bound to the law to being united with Jesus. The law, like an overbearing husband, constantly points out our faults. But through Jesus' death, we have died to the law and are now married to a new husband, Jesus, who is full of grace. This new relationship frees us from condemnation and empowers us to live victorious lives. We were once bound to the law, an overbearing husband who always pointed out our faults. But through Jesus' death, we have died to the law and are now married to a new husband, Jesus, who is full of grace. This new relationship frees us from the condemnation of the law and empowers us to live victorious lives. [39:35]
Romans 7:4 (ESV): "Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt condemned by your own standards or the expectations of others. How can you embrace the freedom that comes from being united with Jesus?
Day 4: Living in Response to Grace
Description: Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a life that bears fruit for God. As new creations in Christ, we are called to live in the freedom and power that His grace provides. This means stepping away from our old lives and embracing the new life that Jesus offers. Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a life that bears fruit for God. We are new creations in Christ, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Him. Today, let us step away from our old lives and embrace the grace of our new husband, Jesus. Let us live in the freedom and power that His grace provides, knowing that we are loved and accepted by the living God. [45:28]
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: What is one habit or behavior from your old life that you need to let go of? How can you replace it with a practice that reflects your new life in Christ?
Day 5: Embracing Our New Identity
Description: Our new identity in Christ means that we are no longer bound by the condemnation of our old lives. Jesus, our new husband, offers us freedom, dignity, and a new sense of purpose. By embracing this new identity, we can live in the liberty and joy that comes from being loved and accepted by the living God. Our new identity in Christ means that we are no longer bound by the condemnation of our old lives. Jesus, our new husband, offers us freedom, dignity, and a new sense of purpose. By embracing this new identity, we can live in the liberty and joy that comes from being loved and accepted by the living God. [56:17]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How does knowing your new identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your purpose? What steps can you take today to live out this new identity?
Quotes
1. "Grace is the foundation of the church. And grace is the foundation of your life as a follower of Jesus. And if you're here this morning and you're not yet a follower of Jesus, then grace is what God wants to invite you into. His grace is calling you to come to know him." [20:18] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Grace doesn't just save us, grace keeps us. Grace saves us and grace keeps us and grace will always keep us. Because we have a God of grace who knows that we don't measure up, but he's prepared to do everything necessary to know us. And he did it." [21:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you become a follower of Jesus, God doesn't interview you to see how good you are. He doesn't interview you to see how good you are. He calls you to come and belong to him. And you say, wow, I don't deserve that. Well, no, there's some news this morning. No, you don't and nor do I." [22:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are you performance-driven in your relationship with God? Is it all about your performance? I want to please you, Father. Are you achievement-driven in your relationship with the living God? Are you here this morning and saying, well, God doesn't love me. And I'm not even lovable. I'm unlovable." [23:21] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. So through this grace, through the one man, through Christ, Paul is saying that those who follow Jesus will reign in life." [26:07] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Does God love me? Circumstances are challenging equals God hates me. You do that. You do that. And so do I. And then we say, does God love me? My circumstances are nice and they're great and happy equals, oh, God loves me. Oh, that's good. That's good. Oh, it's marvelous. That's good." [29:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The abundance of grace. We need to receive the abundance of grace, dear friend. The abundance of grace is a beautiful thing. The grace of God. God can't be bought by your good works. He can't be bribed by your stuff. We need to receive from him the gift of his grace to be made new, to be made whole." [32:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You have died. I want you to get the weight of this into your heart. You have died. And do you remember, we symbolize it, don't we, when we say, we get baptized. It's like, this is what's happened to me. It's like, you know, I was dead in my sins, but then I died to that, died to my old life. And you come up from the water. Wow, and I'm free and I'm at liberty and I'm living a new life." [40:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Grace gives you freedom and power to live a life responding positively responding positively to the sin and temptation that you are confronted with. That's what grace does in your life. Grace sets you free, dear friend. So then what's the hope? Well, the hope is, the hope in Jesus is Romans 7.4. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ." [42:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You don't need to come in the side door. You don't need to get a dodgy police pass to somehow get in and think, I wonder if they've spotted me. I've got into God's presence. If anyone sees me, oh, it'll be terrible. I'll get thrown out. No, no. You go right in the open doors of God's grace into the presence of the living God who dwells in you, who says, my son, my daughter, I love you and I welcome you." [52:52] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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