Embracing Grace: Our Journey Toward God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of grace and its significance in our relationship with God. We began by reflecting on Hebrews 12:28, which reminds us that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. This calls us to serve God with reverence and godly fear. Grace, as a characteristic of God, is His undeserved, continual favor toward us. It is through grace that we understand who God is and how deeply He loves us. Grace is not just a theological concept but a transformative power that changes us into His glorious image.
We delved into the creation story to understand the concepts of free will and community. God created us with the freedom to choose and the responsibility to live in community, reflecting His triune nature. Our choices affect our relationship with God and our community. God desires us to choose Him, not out of necessity but out of love and reverence. This choice is fundamental to our existence and our relationship with Him.
The fall of man introduced the experiential knowledge of good and evil, highlighting our need for grace. We cannot meet God's perfect standards on our own; we need His grace to bridge the gap created by our rebellion. Grace is essential because it restores us to a right relationship with God. Through Jesus, who fulfilled the law and took our punishment, we are reconciled with God. This reconciliation is not based on our achievements but on the grace given through Jesus Christ.
Grace also equips us to live the life God intended for us. We are created anew in Christ to do the good works He planned for us. God's grace is eternal, unchanging, and sufficient for all our needs. Our response to this grace should be one of reverence, worship, and a commitment to live in community, serving God and each other.
In conclusion, we are called to get closer to God through the experience of seeking Him and living a life that glorifies Him. This journey is marked by grace, which transforms, restores, and sustains us in our walk with God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Grace as a Characteristic of God: Grace is God's undeserved, continual favor toward us. It helps us understand His unchanging character and deep love for us. Recognizing that we are God's favorite, we see that all good things in our lives are gifts from Him. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation and worship of God. [03:01]
2. The Importance of Free Will and Community: God created us with the freedom to choose and the responsibility to live in community. Our choices affect our relationship with God and those around us. We were created in the image of a triune God, reflecting His nature in our communal life. This calls us to support and serve each other, fostering unity and accountability. [05:24]
3. The Need for Grace: Our fallen state and experiential knowledge of good and evil highlight our need for grace. We cannot meet God's perfect standards on our own. Grace is essential for our reconciliation with God, as it bridges the gap created by our rebellion. This grace is a gift from God, not something we can earn or demand. [11:50]
4. Grace Restores and Equips: Through Jesus, we are restored to a right relationship with God. We are created anew in Christ to do the good works He planned for us. God's grace equips us with spiritual gifts to serve Him and each other, promoting unity and community. This abundant life is a testament to God's unchanging and eternal grace. [18:49]
5. Our Response to Grace: We must willingly choose to opt into God's unshakable kingdom, giving Him the right place in our lives. This involves worshiping Him with reverence, remembering His deeds, and living a life that serves Him and others. Avoiding pitfalls like demanding grace or returning to old ways, we should mature in our faith, continually seeking to get closer to God. [21:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - Opening Prayer
[03:01] - Understanding Grace
[04:31] - Free Will and Community
[05:24] - Reflecting the Triune God
[06:28] - God's Delight in Us
[07:24] - The Fall and Free Will
[08:20] - Experiential Knowledge of Good and Evil
[09:09] - The Need for Grace
[11:00] - Death and Separation from God
[12:51] - Reverence and Godly Fear
[14:57] - Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Law
[16:25] - Purpose of the Law
[18:03] - Reconciliation through Jesus
[18:49] - Grace Restores
[20:23] - Grace is Eternal
[21:46] - Our Response to Grace
[23:14] - How Not to Receive Grace
[24:55] - Maturing in Christ
[25:44] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:28 - "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."
2. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 - "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
3. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 12:28, what are we receiving, and how should we respond to it?
2. In 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, what happens when someone turns to the Lord, and how does it affect their transformation?
3. What does Ephesians 2:10 say about our identity in Christ and the purpose for which we were created?
4. How does the sermon describe grace as a characteristic of God? ([03:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding grace help us understand who God is and His character? ([03:01])
2. What is the significance of free will and community in our relationship with God and others, as discussed in the sermon? ([05:24])
3. Why is grace essential for our reconciliation with God, and how does it bridge the gap created by our rebellion? ([11:50])
4. How does the concept of being created anew in Christ (Ephesians 2:10) relate to the idea of grace restoring and equipping us for good works? ([18:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace in your life. How did it change your understanding of His character and love for you? ([03:01])
2. In what ways can you exercise your free will to choose God and live in community with others this week? ([05:24])
3. How can you remind yourself daily of your need for God's grace, especially when facing challenges or temptations? ([11:50])
4. What specific good works do you feel God has prepared for you to do, and how can you rely on His grace to accomplish them? ([18:49])
5. How can you cultivate a sense of reverence and godly fear in your worship and daily life, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28? ([12:51])
6. Think of a person in your community who might need support or encouragement. How can you extend grace to them this week?
7. Are there any areas in your life where you have been demanding grace or taking it for granted? How can you shift your perspective to one of gratitude and humility? ([23:14])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon on grace, encouraging both personal reflection and communal growth.
Devotional
Day 1: Grace as God's Undeserved Favor
Grace is God's continual, undeserved favor toward us, revealing His deep love.
Grace is a fundamental characteristic of God, representing His unmerited favor and love toward humanity. It is through grace that we come to understand the depth of God's love and His unchanging nature. Grace is not something we can earn or demand; it is a gift freely given by God. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation and worship of God, recognizing that all good things in our lives are gifts from Him. Grace transforms us, helping us to see ourselves as God's beloved children, favored and cherished by Him. [03:01]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt undeserving of God's favor. How can you acknowledge and appreciate His grace in that moment today?
Day 2: The Gift of Free Will and Community
God created us with free will and the responsibility to live in community.
God's creation of humanity with free will and the responsibility to live in community reflects His triune nature. We are made in the image of a relational God, and our choices impact our relationship with Him and with others. Living in community means supporting and serving each other, fostering unity and accountability. Our freedom to choose is a gift that allows us to love God and others genuinely. This choice is fundamental to our existence and our relationship with God, calling us to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. [05:24]
Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent choice you made that affected your community. How can you use your freedom to serve and support others today?
Day 3: Our Need for Grace
Our fallen state highlights our need for God's grace to bridge the gap.
The fall of man introduced the experiential knowledge of good and evil, making it clear that we cannot meet God's perfect standards on our own. Our rebellion created a gap between us and God, a gap that only His grace can bridge. Grace is essential for our reconciliation with God, as it restores us to a right relationship with Him. This grace is a gift from God, given through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and took our punishment. Understanding our need for grace helps us to rely on God and His provision rather than our own efforts. [11:50]
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: Identify an area in your life where you have been trying to meet God's standards on your own. How can you surrender this area to His grace today?
Day 4: Grace Restores and Equips Us
Through Jesus, we are restored and equipped to do good works.
God's grace not only restores us to a right relationship with Him but also equips us to live the life He intended for us. We are created anew in Christ to do the good works He planned for us. This grace equips us with spiritual gifts to serve Him and each other, promoting unity and community. Living an abundant life is a testament to God's unchanging and eternal grace. As we embrace His grace, we are empowered to fulfill our purpose and serve others in love. [18:49]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Consider a spiritual gift or talent you have. How can you use it to serve God and others in your community today?
Day 5: Our Response to God's Grace
We must choose to live in God's unshakable kingdom with reverence and service.
Our response to God's grace should be one of reverence, worship, and a commitment to live in community, serving God and each other. We are called to willingly opt into God's unshakable kingdom, giving Him the right place in our lives. This involves worshiping Him with reverence, remembering His deeds, and living a life that serves Him and others. Avoiding pitfalls like demanding grace or returning to old ways, we should mature in our faith, continually seeking to get closer to God. [21:46]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can show reverence and worship to God in your daily life today? How can you serve others as a response to His grace?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "You are God's favourite. There's no one else in this world that God loves more than you. Amen. James 1.17 tells us, Whatever is good and perfect is a gift. A gift coming down to us from God our Father. He is good and he loves to give us good gifts. All things we have that are good, all the good things we've done, is through the grace of God. He has gifted us good things. He has gifted us the ability to do good things." [03:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need grace. Grace is from God. We need God. God can't just be the cherry on your cake, the topping on your pizza, the umbrella on your cocktail. We can't just sprinkle a little bit of Sunday God on our lives expect it all to be okay. He's the alpha, the start of our life, the foundation. We need an about-turn. We need to base our life on Jesus." [11:50] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We can be reconciled with God through Jesus, not through our own achievements. He died our death so we could live the life he demonstrated. Hebrews 12, verse 24, You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and the people. We are restored back into community with God through Jesus." [18:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. We are created anew. We were created once, now we are created anew in Christ. So we can do the good things he planned for us from the start." [18:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are to get closer to God. Through the experience of seeking him and living his life all for God's glory. We are to get closer to God through the experience of seeking him and living his life all for God's glory. Amen." [25:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "God gives us agency, choice, freedom to choose our actions, priorities, and goals. And in community, we are accountable to God. We also have a responsibility toward our community. Our choices affect those around us. In fact, not only were we created for community, we were created in community. If we read through Genesis, Genesis 1, we see God commanding let there be light, let lights appear in the sky, let the water swarm with fish, let the earth produce every sort of animal. But then in verse 26, he doesn't say let there be man. He says let us, let us make human beings in our image to be like us." [04:31] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our choices affect our relationship with God. We were made for community with God. God wants to be with us. But he wants us to choose to be with him. Not because he needs us. Or because he's insecure. Simply because he takes pleasure in being with us. There's a little verse in Zephaniah chapter 3 verse 17 which reminds us. The Lord, your God, is living among you. He will take delight in you with gladness. His love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. He's amongst us. He takes delight in being with us. He rejoices and sings over us. That's the almighty God. But he wants us to choose to be with him." [06:28] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We must always give him his right place, recognize his majesty, authority, and power, accept his correction. Our outlook on life should be through the context of who he is. So God is awesome. God is to be feared. But we're still in trouble. We're still in the fallen state. So, through his grace, God sends Jesus, who came to change it all. Not quite. If we look at Matthew 5, verse 48, Jesus says, You are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. So Jesus is in agreement. The law remains. God cannot accept us in our rebellion. The law has to have a consequence, a price to be paid." [14:57] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to give him the right place. We need to put him first, understand who he is, come with reverence or worship him for who he is. Three, we need to remember what he has done. It points us to who he is and it gives us thankful hearts. And four, we need to live the life. We need to serve him. We need to live in the community he created us for. He's worthy of our all. We should support, we should serve each other and it's in our best interest to live for him. Our best lives are what he plans for us." [22:31] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We can't be a yo-yo Christian. We can't return to God for forgiveness and then head straight back out to our old lives. Some people think they even get more grace if there's more to be forgiven for. But they're actually getting less. Christ's sacrifice is sufficient. It's given once to cover all. We should be maturing through Christ, getting closer to God. We should be moving past square one. If we keep going back to our old lives we're not getting the gifts that God gives us in order to live the life he intended. We are missing out." [24:55] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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