Embracing the Dynamic Power of God's Grace
Summary
Grace is not a static quality of God, but His dynamic, active presence in our lives. It is the movement of God toward us, even when we are indifferent or rebellious, and it is the foundation of our salvation and transformation. To truly understand and live out our faith, we must grasp the depth and richness of grace—not just as a word, but as a reality that shapes every stage of our journey with God.
We began by acknowledging our condition before Christ: we were “children of wrath,” spiritually dead and separated from God. This honest recognition is not meant to shame us, but to magnify the beauty and necessity of grace. Without understanding who we were, we cannot fully appreciate what God has done for us. Grace is the gift that moves us from death to life, from estrangement to adoption as God’s children.
John Wesley’s understanding of grace helps us see its multifaceted work. First, prevenient grace is the grace that goes before us, awakening our hearts and restoring enough freedom for us to respond to God. It is universal—God is at work in every life, wooing us even when we are far from Him. Yet, prevenient grace does not save; it prepares us to respond to God’s invitation.
Justifying grace is the moment when, through faith in Christ, we are pardoned and declared righteous. It is not earned by our works, but received as a gift. In justification, God changes our status and gives us the assurance that we are His children. This is the turning point from guilt to grace, from being lost to being found.
Sanctifying grace is the ongoing work of God’s Spirit, transforming us into the likeness of Christ. It is not a passive process; we are called to cooperate with God through spiritual disciplines, allowing Him to shape our hearts and lives. The goal is not sinless perfection, but perfect love—a heart so full of God’s love that the power of sin is broken.
Grace is God’s relentless pursuit, His forgiveness, and His power to make us holy. It is the story of our salvation from beginning to end. The question for each of us is: Are we living in the fullness of God’s grace, or are we still trapped in sin? God’s grace is available, active, and sufficient—may we embrace it, live it, and share it with the world.
Key Takeaways
- Grace is Dynamic and Transformative
Grace is not merely a trait of God, but His active movement toward us. It is the divine initiative that confronts our indifference and rebellion, offering forgiveness and blessing. Understanding grace as dynamic compels us to see our faith as a living relationship, not a static status. [04:01]
- Prevenient Grace: God’s Pursuit Before Our Response
Before we ever turn to God, He is already at work in our lives through prevenient grace. This grace awakens our hearts, restores enough freedom for us to respond, and invites us to salvation. It reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach, and that our role is to cooperate with what He is already doing in the lives of others. [14:20]
- Justifying Grace: The Gift of New Identity
Justifying grace is the moment we are declared righteous through faith in Christ, not by our own merit. It is both a legal pardon and the beginning of a new relationship with God, giving us assurance of salvation and a new identity as His children. This grace marks the turning point from guilt and estrangement to adoption and peace. [24:38]
- Sanctifying Grace: The Journey Toward Christlikeness
Sanctifying grace is God’s ongoing work to transform us into the likeness of Jesus. It is not passive; we are called to participate through spiritual disciplines and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The goal is not sinless perfection, but a heart perfected in love, where the power of sin is broken and we live in true freedom and holiness. [31:59]
- Living in Grace vs. Living in Sin
A life marked by grace is evident in our relationship with God, our spiritual vitality, our purpose, our moral compass, and our response to conviction. Grace leads to transformation, freedom, and fruitfulness, while sin leads to spiritual decay and separation. The call is to examine our lives honestly and choose to live in the fullness of God’s grace, sharing it with others as faithful witnesses. [37:33]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Series Introduction: Vocabulary of the Faithful
[03:15] - Defining Grace: God’s Dynamic Activity
[04:01] - Ephesians 2: Our Condition Before Grace
[06:20] - Remembering Who We Were: Children of Wrath
[07:48] - The Crisis of Not Understanding Grace
[08:41] - Wesleyan Theology and the Beauty of Grace
[09:42] - Three Types of Grace: Prevenient, Justifying, Sanctifying
[10:24] - Prevenient Grace: The Grace That Goes Before
[14:20] - Free Will and the Work of Prevenient Grace
[17:22] - Prevenient Grace Awakens, But Does Not Save
[21:34] - Justifying Grace: Declared Righteous in Christ
[24:38] - Legal and Relational Aspects of Justification
[26:46] - Assurance of Salvation and New Birth
[29:17] - Sanctifying Grace: Transformation and Holiness
[31:59] - Christian Perfection: Perfect Love, Not Sinless Perfection
[33:18] - Participating in Sanctifying Grace
[35:15] - The Journey of Grace: From Sinner to Saint
[37:33] - Living in Grace or Living in Sin?
[44:52] - Spiritual Decay vs. Transformation
[46:33] - Implications for Evangelism and Witness
[49:16] - Prayer of Thanksgiving for God’s Grace
[50:17] - Closing and Worship: Amazing Grace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace
---
### Bible Reading
Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
> And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
John 3:16-17 (ESV)
> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:1-3, how does Paul describe our condition before experiencing God’s grace? What specific words or phrases does he use? ([04:01])
2. In Ephesians 2:4-7, what actions does God take on our behalf, and what motivates Him to do so? ([04:01])
3. What does the sermon say is the purpose of remembering that we were once “children of wrath”? ([05:10])
4. How does John 3:16-17 show the universal scope of God’s grace, and what does the sermon clarify about the difference between a universal message and universal salvation? ([12:13])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that grace is not just a trait of God, but His “dynamic, active presence” in our lives. What does it mean for grace to be dynamic rather than static? How might this change the way someone thinks about their relationship with God? ([04:01])
2. Why is it important, according to the sermon, to honestly recognize our condition before Christ (“children of wrath”)? How does this recognition affect our appreciation of grace? ([05:10])
3. The sermon describes prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. How do these different aspects of grace build on each other in the life of a believer? ([09:42])
4. The sermon challenges listeners to examine whether they are “living in grace or living in sin.” What are some of the practical differences between these two ways of living, as described in the message? ([37:33])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that many Christians do not fully understand grace. How would you explain God’s grace to someone who has never heard about it before? What part of grace is hardest for you to grasp or accept? ([06:20])
2. The message emphasizes that prevenient grace means God is already at work in the lives of people who don’t know Him yet. Can you think of someone in your life who seems far from God? How might it change your attitude or actions toward them if you believed God is already pursuing them? ([46:33])
3. Justifying grace is described as a gift that changes our status and gives us assurance of being God’s child. Do you struggle with assurance of your salvation? If so, what would help you grow in confidence that you belong to God? ([27:26])
4. Sanctifying grace is God’s ongoing work to make us more like Jesus, but it requires our cooperation through spiritual disciplines. Which spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, acts of mercy, etc.) do you find most challenging? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([33:18])
5. The sermon says the goal is not sinless perfection, but “perfect love”—a heart so full of God’s love that the power of sin is broken. What would it look like for you to pursue “perfect love” in a specific relationship or situation this month? ([31:59])
6. The message asks, “Are you living in grace or living in sin?” When you look at your relationship with God, your purpose, your moral compass, and your response to conviction, where do you see evidence of grace at work? Where do you see areas that need change? ([37:33])
7. The sermon calls us to share God’s grace with others as faithful witnesses. What is one practical way you can share the story of God’s grace in your life with someone this week? ([47:44])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to thank God for His grace—prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying—and to ask for help to live in the fullness of that grace and to share it with others.
Devotional
Day 1: Grace Is God’s Dynamic, Transforming Action Toward Us
Grace is not a static attribute but the active, dynamic movement of God reaching into our lives, confronting our indifference and rebellion with an inexhaustible capacity to forgive and bless. It is God’s initiative that awakens us, saves us, and continually shapes us, not because of anything we have done, but because of who He is. Grace is the dimension of divine activity that enables God to meet us in our brokenness and transform us into His children, moving us from death to life, from estrangement to adoption, and from shame to purpose. This grace is not just a theological concept but a living reality that changes everything about our relationship with God and with others. [04:01]
Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to experience God’s dynamic, transforming grace today, and how can you open yourself to His action rather than relying on your own efforts?
Day 2: Prevenient Grace—God’s Grace Goes Before Us
Before we ever turn to God, His prevenient grace is already at work, stirring our hearts, awakening our conscience, and making it possible for us to respond to His invitation. This grace is universally extended to all people, regardless of background or circumstance, and it restores enough freedom to choose or reject God’s offer of salvation. Even in our rebellion or denial, God is pursuing us, wooing us into relationship, and making a way for us to hear and respond to the gospel. Prevenient grace is not saving grace, but it is the beautiful, loving initiative of God that prepares us for salvation and reminds us that no one is beyond His reach. [11:07]
John 3:16-17 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Reflection: Who in your life seems far from God, and how might you join God in His prevenient work by praying for them or sharing your story of how God pursued you?
Day 3: Justifying Grace—God’s Gift of Forgiveness and New Birth
Justifying grace is the moment when God pardons our sins and declares us righteous through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is not something we earn, but a gift received by trusting in Christ’s atoning work. In justification, God changes our status from condemned to forgiven, from children of wrath to children of God, and gives us the assurance of salvation and a new birth. This grace removes guilt and shame, restores our relationship with God, and marks the turning point from estrangement to adoption, beginning a new life of holiness and purpose. [24:38]
Romans 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Reflection: Is there any lingering guilt or shame you are holding onto that God has already forgiven? How can you embrace the assurance of your justification and live as God’s beloved child today?
Day 4: Sanctifying Grace—God’s Ongoing Work to Make Us Holy
Sanctifying grace is the ongoing, empowering presence of God that transforms us into the likeness of Christ, not just in status but in actual life and behavior. It is the Holy Spirit’s work within us, convicting, strengthening, and purifying us, leading us to grow in love for God and neighbor, to turn away from sin, and to embody the character of Christ. This journey is not passive; it requires our cooperation through spiritual disciplines, prayer, scripture, fellowship, and acts of mercy. The goal is not sinless perfection, but perfect love—a heart so full of God’s love that the bonds of sin are broken and we are free to love and obey. [33:18]
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV)
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Reflection: What is one area where the Holy Spirit is prompting you to grow in Christlikeness, and what practical step can you take today to cooperate with God’s sanctifying grace?
Day 5: Living in Grace—From Sin to Transformation and Witness
To live in grace is to move from spiritual death and self-centeredness to awakened purpose, freedom, and fruitfulness in Christ. It means being reconciled to God, guided by scripture and the Holy Spirit, confessing and repenting when convicted, and producing the fruit of the Spirit rather than works of the flesh. Living in grace is not just about personal transformation but about joining God’s mission—sharing the gospel, loving our neighbors, and trusting that God is already at work in the lives of others. The call is to examine whether we are living in sin or in grace, and to respond by embracing God’s invitation to a life marked by love, holiness, and eternal purpose. [37:33]
Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Reflection: As you examine your life today, what evidence do you see of God’s grace transforming you, and how can you intentionally share that grace with someone else this week?
Quotes
By grace you have been saved, and raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the boundless riches of his grace and kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [00:04:01] (44 seconds)
And how do we know this? From John 3, 16 and 17, for God so loved America that it, no, didn't say that, for God so loved some, no, for God so loved the world, period, that he gave his only son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through him. This is the universal beauty of the gospel. It is given freely to every human being, no matter tribe, nation, tongue, any of that. It doesn't make a difference where you are in the world, when you are in the world, as far as terms of human history. Salvation is a gift to everyone. [00:11:18] (55 seconds)
While original sin corrupts human will, pervenient grace partially restores human freedom, allowing individuals to choose to accept or reject God's offer of salvation. Now that's really unique. I love that this is included in our theology. We often don't think about free will, but here's the thing. Sin corrupts our free will to the point that some of us either reject God's message of salvation or we deny it altogether. That's sin. That's the corruption of sin. It even impacts our free will. What pervenient grace does is it bypasses that and it says, I'm going to speak to the heart of this person right here because they need to hear it. But we still have a choice to accept or reject God's message. That's the beauty in this, right? God isn't creating robots. He doesn't want that. He doesn't want people who just say yes to everything, but he's making a way so you can hear that message of salvation. [00:14:37] (76 seconds)
Provenient grace does not save, rather it awakens the sinner, stirs conscience, enables faith, preparing the person to respond to justifying and sanctifying grace. In other words, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God is reaching out to you. Right? All of us had a salvation moment. If you're a Christian, you had a saving moment of grace, somewhere in your past, where all of a sudden you had this realization, oh, I really need Jesus. My life is a mess. It's going this way, it's going that way. Right? That's provenient grace. That's God, the power of the Holy Spirit, stirring your heart, making you recognize, oh, maybe I'm not the person I thought I was. Maybe I do need Jesus. Right? [00:17:29] (66 seconds)
If sin is inescapable as depicted in scripture, pervasively impacting both our desires and our thinking, then prevenient grace is necessary to equip us to draw near God. We simply cannot approach God on our own. We have a natural desire bent towards sinning as a result of original sin. Because God is holy, he must deal with sin rather than look the other way. Because God is loving, he does not want any to perish. Yet left to our own devices, we will perish because we do not have the capacity to approach God on our own. Are you starting to see how prevenient grace is beautiful? Right? The grace that goes before, even in our disobedience, even when we're denying God, even when we're living a life that isn't worth saving, God still is pursuing us, always. [00:20:09] (62 seconds)
There are a bunch of churches across this country, and sadly, some Christian churches who might say, oh, there's actually different ways to get to heaven. No, there's not. No, there's not. There is one. Belief in Jesus Christ. That is the only way to heaven, period. That is scriptural. And so, when you are justified, you are saying that I believe in Christ alone for my salvation. And Wesley insisted that this is not earned. It is a gift of grace. Justifying grace is both legal and relational. Justifying grace is a legal pardon. We are no longer condemned. We are no longer sons of disobedience. When we think about our salvation, I wonder how many of us really put it in legal terms. But did you realize that that's part of the equation? [00:23:45] (64 seconds)
A very visual description of this is just a couple weeks ago, we had baptisms, right? One of the things I said, we treat baptisms like a watery grave. When we lay people down in that grave, they are dying to their old way of life. But when they're raised up out of the water, it is a new birth. It is a new life. In other words, you've been given a second chance on life. And so it is a new birth, a regeneration. Justifying grace also gives us an assurance of salvation. Those who experience justifying grace can receive the assurance of salvation. A deep, spirit -given confidence that we are God's child. What Wesley emphasized this assurance is a fruit of the spirit and a mark of that we are God's child. and then the Lord authentic faith. [00:26:23] (60 seconds)
It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart to be more like Jesus Christ. It is a growth in holiness. It involves a Christian's gradual transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit. This includes growing in love for God and neighbor, turning away from sin and embodying the character of Christ. In its fullest form, it's what we call Christian perfection. Wesley taught that the goal of sanctifying grace is Christian perfection, not sinless perfection, but perfect love. A person perfected in love is freed in love is freed from willful sin and lives in full love and obedience to God. I think this is where sometimes our theology gets a little wonky. People have difficulty saying Christian perfection. When Wesley coined the term, he didn't mean to imply that at one point we would be perfect, but rather our love is perfect, that we have such a close intention. [00:31:34] (73 seconds)
Grace is God's active presence in human life and it plays a vital role at every stage of our relationship with him. From sinner to surrender to saint. Grace is not static, it is dynamic, it does something. It transforms, enables and sustains the Christian. Grace does so much more than just offer salvation. It actively works in the life of every person to prepare the heart, to make us right with God and to grow us in holiness. I hope that in this process that if somebody was to ask you, what is God's grace? You could respond now with something that's so much more well informed. That you're not part of the 90%, that you are the 10 % that are saying, let me tell you about God's grace because it's beautiful. [00:35:53] (67 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 04, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?