Embracing the Transformative Power of God's Grace

Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the profound nature of God's grace and the joy He finds in each of us. We began by acknowledging the omnipresent love of our Heavenly Father, who looks upon us with a smile that radiates joy and pride. This divine affection is not limited to our personal lives but extends to every aspect of our existence—our families, our work, our ministries, and our communities. We are encouraged to lean into this blessing, trusting in God's plan and purpose for our lives.

We explored the concept of grace, emphasizing that it is a gift from God that we cannot earn or deserve. It is freely given to us, and it is our responsibility to accept it with humility and gratitude. We were reminded that God's grace is not only for our salvation but also for empowering us to impact others. By living out God's grace, we become beacons of His light, drawing others to seek the same hope and love that we have found in Christ.

The sermon also addressed those who may feel unworthy of God's grace due to past mistakes or a sense of inadequacy. We were reassured that God's grace is available to everyone, including those who have never accepted Jesus. The invitation to receive salvation was extended, with the assurance that by saying "yes" to Jesus, we are embraced by God's grace and can begin a transformative relationship with Him.

We were encouraged to respond to God's grace by living it out daily, seeking to honor God in all we do. The sermon highlighted the importance of taking steps forward in our faith journey, even when we stumble, and to trust in God's plan for our lives.

Finally, we were reminded of the joy that God takes in us, likening it to the joy a parent feels for their child. Just as a parent smiles and sings over their newborn, God delights in us and rejoices over us with singing.

Key Takeaways:

- God's grace is a gift that we receive without merit, and it is meant to be shared. As we experience God's grace, we are filled with a desire to extend that grace to others, allowing them to witness the transformative power of God's love in our lives. This is not a passive experience but an active engagement in reflecting God's grace through our actions and interactions. [25:33]

- Salvation is not a reward for our good deeds but a gift of grace from God. We must remember that our relationship with Jesus is not based on a checklist of accomplishments but on the unmerited favor we have received. This humbling truth keeps us grounded in faith and reliant on God's strength rather than our own. [24:24]

- God's joy over us is profound and personal. He is not distant or disapproving but intimately involved in our lives, celebrating our existence with the affection of a loving parent. This understanding should shape our self-perception and our relationship with Him, knowing we are valued and cherished. [16:51]

- The Lord's smile upon us is a reminder of His gracious nature. We must embrace the truth that God is not seeking to condemn us but to extend His grace to us. This grace is transformative, enabling us to overcome our shortcomings and live in the fullness of His love. [17:25]

- Grace goes beyond forgiveness; it blesses us beyond what we deserve. The story of the friend who wrecks a car and is not only forgiven but also receives a new car illustrates the extravagant nature of God's grace. It challenges us to live in a way that reflects this same extravagant grace to others. [21:13]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV): "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
2. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV): "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Numbers 6:24-26, what are the specific blessings that the Lord promises to His people?
2. In Zephaniah 3:17, how is God described, and what actions does He take towards His people?
3. What does Ephesians 2:8-9 say about the nature of salvation and grace? How is it obtained?
4. In the sermon, what analogy did Pastor Tommy use to explain the concept of grace? ([21:13])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that God "smiles" upon us (Numbers 6:25) change our perception of His character and our relationship with Him? ([10:24])
2. What does it mean for God to "rejoice over you with singing" as described in Zephaniah 3:17? How does this imagery affect your understanding of God's love? ([15:03])
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and not a result of our works. How does this truth impact the way we live our daily lives and interact with others? ([24:24])
4. Pastor Tommy mentioned that God's grace is not just for our salvation but also for empowering us to impact others. How can we practically live out this grace in our communities? ([25:33])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's grace. How can the understanding that God delights in you (Zephaniah 3:17) help you overcome feelings of inadequacy? ([16:51])
2. Pastor Tommy shared a story about a friend wrecking a car and receiving grace. Think of a situation where you can extend grace to someone who has wronged you. What steps will you take to show them grace this week? ([21:13])
3. How can you actively remind yourself of God's smile and joy over you during challenging times? What practical steps can you take to lean into this truth daily? ([10:24])
4. In what ways can you share the gift of God's grace with others in your family, workplace, or community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to be a beacon of God's grace. ([25:33])
5. Pastor Tommy emphasized the importance of taking steps forward in our faith journey, even when we stumble. What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's plan and take a step forward? ([26:12])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's unmerited favor in your life? Consider starting a gratitude journal or sharing your thankfulness with a friend or family member. ([24:24])
7. Reflect on the joy that God takes in you, likened to a parent's joy over their child. How can this understanding shape your self-perception and your relationship with God? ([16:51])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Grace as a Shared Gift
Grace is not merely a personal blessing but a communal treasure, meant to be experienced and then extended to others. It is a divine favor that fills the recipient with an overwhelming sense of responsibility to pass it on. This grace is not a stagnant pool but a flowing river that reaches and refreshes all who come into contact with it. As one is enveloped by this grace, it becomes evident in their actions, their speech, and their very presence. The transformation is so profound that it cannot help but be noticed by those around, drawing them towards the same source of hope and love.

The act of sharing God's grace is an active engagement, not a passive acceptance. It requires a conscious effort to reflect the grace received through every interaction and decision. This reflection of grace is not about grand gestures but often about the small acts of kindness, understanding, and forgiveness that speak volumes of the love of Christ that dwells within. It is about living in such a way that others can't help but see God's work in one's life, prompting them to seek the same joy and peace.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate God's grace in your interactions with others today? [25:33]

Day 2: Salvation Beyond Our Deeds
Salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement. It is a humbling reminder that no amount of good deeds can earn us the favor of God; it is freely given through His grace. This understanding shifts the focus from self-reliance to a reliance on God's strength and mercy. It fosters a relationship with Jesus that is based on faith and gratitude rather than a checklist of accomplishments. This gift of salvation is a starting point for a journey of faith where every step is guided by the grace of God, not the merit of the believer.

The beauty of this gift is that it levels the playing field for all who come to Jesus. It is not reserved for the righteous or the holy but is available to all who acknowledge their need for a Savior. This truth should keep believers grounded, preventing pride from taking root and reminding them that they are saved by grace through faith. It is this grace that empowers them to live out their calling, to serve, and to love as Jesus did, not to earn salvation but as a response to the unmerited favor they have received.

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor, and how can you instead rest in the truth of His grace? [24:24]

Day 3: God's Personal Joy Over Us
The joy that God has over each individual is profound and deeply personal. He is not a distant deity, but a loving Father who is intimately involved in the lives of His children. This divine joy is not contingent on achievements or perfection; it is a constant outpouring of love that celebrates the very existence of each person. Understanding that one is valued and cherished by God should shape how they view themselves and their relationship with Him. It is a source of comfort and strength, knowing that they are loved unconditionally.

This joy is akin to the delight a parent feels for their child, not because of what the child does but simply because they are. It is a love that is not earned but given freely, a love that rejoices in the presence of the beloved. This knowledge should liberate individuals from the fear of rejection or the need to perform to gain God's approval. Instead, it invites them to live in the freedom of being God's beloved, knowing that His joy over them is as unwavering as it is sincere.

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

Reflection: How does the knowledge of God's joy over you change the way you view yourself and your relationship with Him? [16:51]

Day 4: The Transformative Smile of God
God's smile is a symbol of His grace, a grace that seeks not to condemn but to embrace and transform. This grace is a powerful force that enables individuals to overcome their shortcomings and to live in the fullness of His love. It is a reminder that God's disposition towards His children is one of kindness and favor. Embracing this truth allows one to live with confidence, not in their own abilities, but in the transformative power of God's grace.

This grace is not a passive acceptance of one's flaws but an active agent of change. It empowers believers to grow, to strive for holiness, and to live lives that honor God. It is a grace that covers past mistakes and equips for future challenges. The Lord's smile upon His children is a constant reassurance of His presence and His commitment to their well-being. It is a grace that is not only forgiving but also enriching, providing more than what is deserved.

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: What shortcomings do you need to surrender to God's transformative grace, and how can you allow His grace to change you today? [17:25]

Day 5: Extravagant Grace Beyond Forgiveness
God's grace is extravagant, going far beyond mere forgiveness. It is a grace that blesses abundantly, often providing more than what is deserved or expected. This concept challenges believers to live in a way that reflects God's extravagant grace to others. It is about forgiving and then going a step further to bless, to show kindness that is not warranted, and to love in a way that mirrors the heart of God.

This extravagant grace is illustrated in the story of a friend who not only forgives the wrecking of a car but also provides a new one. It is a grace that is not logical by human standards but is reflective of the kingdom of God. It calls for a generosity of spirit, a willingness to give without counting the cost, and to love without expecting anything in return. This grace is transformative, not only for the recipient but also for the giver, as it reflects the very nature of God.

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: How can you extend extravagant grace to someone in your life, even if they haven't earned it? [21:13]

Quotes

- "God's not mad at you, he's mad about you. He loves you, he wants to bless you, he wants to show up in your life." [11:47](Download | Download Cropped Video)

- "The first part of this blessing literally says that God's face lights up with joy when he sees you. Lean into that promise, lean into that blessing." [12:59](Download | )

- "God's grace is for everyone, including you. It's for all those who believe, and that's a step that you have to be willing to take." [28:07](Download | )

- "We don't deserve salvation, but yet it was given to us anyway as a gift. We don't deserve to be a part of the perfect work of God, yet he invites us into it every single day." [27:31](Download | )

- "Grace is getting what I don't deserve. We deserve hell and we got heaven; we deserve punishment and yet we get rewards; we deserved abandonment and yet we were adopted in God's family." [22:18](Download | )

- "God saved you by his grace when you believed. You can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done." [24:24](Download | )

- "When you live out the power of God's grace in your life, there is just something different about you because it's God's light that's shining upon you." [25:33](Download | )

- "Every day God wakes you up with a purpose. He saved you on purpose and for a purpose through his son Jesus. It is our responsibility to live our life in a God-honoring way." [26:12](Download | )

- "God loves you and he smiles over you, and you bring him great joy. Lean into that blessing this week, trust that blessing this week, and watch what God does in and through you." [33:40](Download | )

- "God's grace is not only for our salvation but also for empowering us to impact others. By living out God's grace, we become beacons of His light, drawing others to seek the same hope and love that we have found in Christ." [25:33](Download | )

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?