Empowered by Grace: Emulating Jesus' Humility and Service

In our exploration of the grace of God upon Jesus Christ, we delved into the profound truth that Jesus, from birth to death, was the first man to walk on earth with the grace of God upon him. This grace was not about forgiveness, as Jesus never sinned, but about the divine empowerment to live a life of holiness and obedience. Many Christians misunderstand grace, often confusing it with mercy, which is God's forgiveness. Grace, however, is the power to live righteously, as demonstrated by Jesus, who lived a life of perfect obedience and humility.

We examined the misconceptions prevalent in Christendom, such as the belief that Jesus is the "Rose of Sharon" or the "Lily of the Valley," which are not biblically accurate. These misunderstandings arise from a lack of careful Bible study and a tendency to accept traditional teachings without scrutiny. The real Jesus, as revealed in the scriptures, was humble and lived a life of service, never using his divine power for personal gain. He was tempted like us but overcame through the grace of God, setting an example for us to follow.

The essence of grace is power, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12, where Paul speaks of God's grace being sufficient in weakness. This grace enables us to overcome sin and live victoriously, not by our strength but through divine empowerment. Jesus' life exemplified this, as he lived humbly, serving others, and never making anyone feel inferior. His humility was not a result of sinlessness but a conscious choice to serve, which is a lesson for us to emulate.

The real Jesus was a friend of sinners, never despising anyone, regardless of their social status or past. He identified with the marginalized, as seen in his genealogy, which includes individuals with questionable pasts. This inclusivity is a call for us to embrace and love those whom society often overlooks. Our churches should reflect this spirit, being places where sinners find grace and transformation, not judgment and exclusion.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Understanding Grace and Mercy: Grace is not merely unmerited favor but divine empowerment to live a holy life. Jesus exemplified this by living a sinless life through the grace of God, setting a precedent for us to seek grace in our times of need, especially when facing temptation. [06:56]
• 2. The Power of Humility: Jesus' life teaches us that humility is essential for receiving grace. God gives grace to the humble, and our failures often reveal our pride. Embracing humility allows us to access the divine power needed to overcome sin and live victoriously. [15:22]
• 3. The Real Jesus and His Ministry: Jesus' ministry was marked by humility and service. He never used his divine power for personal gain but lived as a servant, setting an example for us to follow. His life challenges us to serve others selflessly and to avoid spiritual pride. [39:15]
• 4. Inclusivity in the Kingdom of God: Jesus' genealogy and ministry highlight his identification with the marginalized. Our churches should reflect this inclusivity, welcoming sinners and offering grace and transformation rather than judgment. [52:41]
• 5. The Call to Authentic Christianity: True Christianity is about living out the teachings of Jesus, not just preaching them. It involves being living examples of victory over sin and embracing the marginalized, just as Jesus did. This authenticity is crucial for effective ministry. [22:55]
  ** [22:55]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:30] - Grace Upon Jesus
• [01:25] - Misunderstandings of Grace
• [02:33] - The Real Jesus
• [04:13] - Grace vs. Mercy
• [06:20] - Temptation and Need
• [08:48] - Paul's Thorn and Grace
• [11:00] - Grace as Power
• [12:19] - Humility and Grace
• [14:55] - Victory Over Sin
• [17:30] - Jesus' Humility
• [22:38] - True Christianity
• [29:09] - Job's Pride and Humility
• [36:16] - Encountering God
• [52:41] - Inclusivity in Jesus' Ministry
• [57:34] - Embracing the Marginalized

1. Luke 2:40 - "And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him."
2. Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
3. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

1. According to Luke 2:40, what was significant about Jesus' growth and development as a child? How does this relate to the grace of God being upon him? [00:47]
2. In Hebrews 4:16, what are the two things we are encouraged to seek at the throne of grace, and how do they differ? [06:20]
3. How does 2 Corinthians 12:9 describe the relationship between grace and weakness? What does this imply about the nature of grace? [10:11]
4. What misconceptions about Jesus' identity and grace are highlighted in the sermon, and how do they affect our understanding of his life and ministry? [01:42]

1. How does the sermon explain the difference between grace and mercy, and why is this distinction important for understanding Jesus' life and ministry? [04:13]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of humility in receiving grace, and how does this relate to Jesus' example? [15:22]
3. How does the sermon challenge traditional views of Jesus' identity, such as the "Rose of Sharon" or "Lily of the Valley," and what is the significance of understanding the real Jesus? [01:54]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' genealogy and ministry reflect inclusivity, and how should this influence the church's approach to marginalized individuals? [52:41]

1. Reflect on a time when you misunderstood the concept of grace. How did this affect your relationship with God, and what steps can you take to seek a clearer understanding of grace in your life? [01:25]
2. Consider an area in your life where you struggle with pride. How can embracing humility help you access God's grace to overcome this struggle? [15:55]
3. Think about a person or group in your community who might feel marginalized. What practical steps can you take to extend grace and inclusivity to them, following Jesus' example? [52:41]
4. Identify a situation where you have been tempted to use your abilities or resources for personal gain. How can Jesus' example of humility and service guide your actions in similar situations? [39:15]
5. Reflect on your church community. Are there ways in which it might unintentionally exclude certain individuals? How can you contribute to creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment? [53:12]
6. Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. How can you cultivate relationships with those who might feel judged or excluded by the church, and what impact could this have on your community? [58:55]
7. Consider the role of authenticity in your faith journey. How can you ensure that your actions align with the teachings of Jesus, and what changes might be necessary to live out an authentic Christian life? [22:55]