God's Kindness: The Path to Repentance and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the profound truth that it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. We began by acknowledging God's gracious and compassionate nature, as described in scripture, and how His kindness invites us to examine our hearts and seek repentance. We prayed for God to reveal our hidden sins and to lead us in the way of everlasting life, asking for His presence to bring revival and renewal.
We then delved into Ephesians 2:1-10, focusing on the foundational truths of the gospel. The Apostle Paul reminds us of our total depravity—that we were dead in our transgressions and sins, deserving of God's wrath. This stark reality underscores the depth of our need for God's grace. Despite our hopeless state, God's great love and rich mercy made us alive in Christ. This unmerited favor, or grace, is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our works.
We also discussed the importance of being grounded in the gospel. Our foundation must be built on the truth of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. This grounding equips us to share the gospel with others and to live lives that reflect God's grace and mercy. We are called to boast only in Christ, recognizing that our salvation is entirely His work, not ours.
Finally, we emphasized the need for humility within the body of Christ. Boasting in anything other than Christ leads to pride and division. Instead, we should embrace humility, recognizing our total dependence on God's grace. This humility will transform our relationships and our witness to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Kindness Leads to Repentance: God's nature is gracious and compassionate, inviting us to examine our hearts and seek repentance. His kindness reveals our hidden sins and leads us to everlasting life. This process of repentance is essential for experiencing God's revival and renewal in our lives. [14:20]
2. Total Depravity and Our Need for Grace: We were dead in our transgressions and sins, deserving of God's wrath. This total depravity highlights our complete inability to save ourselves. Recognizing our hopeless state apart from Christ helps us appreciate the magnitude of God's grace. [37:10]
3. Unmerited Favor of God: Despite our deserving of wrath, God's great love and rich mercy made us alive in Christ. This unmerited favor, or grace, is a gift from God, not something we can earn. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith, and this is not from ourselves. [49:51]
4. Grounded in the Gospel: Our foundation must be built on the truth of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. Being grounded in the gospel equips us to share it with others and live lives that reflect God's grace and mercy. This grounding ensures we stand on solid ground in our faith journey. [35:31]
5. Humility and Boasting in Christ Alone: We are called to boast only in Christ, recognizing that our salvation is entirely His work. Embracing humility transforms our relationships and our witness to the world. The church and the world are desperate for humble followers of Jesus who boast in nothing but Him. [58:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:20] - God's Kindness and Repentance
[20:57] - Prayer for Revival and Renewal
[27:14] - Greeting and Fellowship
[29:10] - Reflections on Korea Trip
[31:40] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:1-10
[33:33] - Reading Ephesians 2:1-10
[35:31] - Grounded in the Gospel
[37:10] - Total Depravity
[41:15] - Human Condition and Sin
[45:22] - Personal Testimony and Health Scare
[49:51] - Unmerited Favor of God
[52:43] - Doctrine of Regeneration
[55:20] - Assurance of Salvation
[58:15] - Boasting in Christ Alone
[01:02:31] - Humility in the Body of Christ
[01:06:45] - Moving Forward in Ministry
[01:08:18] - Call to Obedience
[01:10:32] - Heart of Worship and Gratitude
[01:17:12] - Benediction and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:1-10
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 2:1-3 say about our condition before receiving God's grace?
2. According to Ephesians 2:4-5, what motivated God to make us alive with Christ?
3. How does Ephesians 2:8-9 describe the nature of our salvation?
4. What is the purpose of our creation in Christ Jesus as stated in Ephesians 2:10?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our total depravity (Ephesians 2:1-3) help us appreciate God's grace more deeply? [37:10]
2. What does it mean that our salvation is a gift from God and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)? How should this influence our daily lives? [49:51]
3. How can being grounded in the gospel (Ephesians 2:4-7) equip us to share it with others? [35:31]
4. Why is humility important in our relationships within the body of Christ, and how does boasting only in Christ foster this humility? [58:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's kindness leading you to repentance. How did this change your heart and actions? [14:20]
2. In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your need for God's grace, especially considering your total depravity? [37:10]
3. How can you ensure that your foundation is built on the truth of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected? What practical steps can you take to stay grounded in the gospel? [35:31]
4. Think about a recent situation where you were tempted to boast in something other than Christ. How can you shift your focus to boast only in Him? [58:15]
5. How can you cultivate humility in your interactions with others in your church community? What specific actions can you take to foster a spirit of unity and humility? [58:15]
6. Identify one person in your life who does not know the gospel. How can you share the message of God's grace with them this week? [35:31]
7. Reflect on the concept of unmerited favor. How does this understanding impact your gratitude towards God, and how can you express this gratitude in your daily life? [49:51]
Devotional
### Step 1: Themes
1. God's Kindness and Repentance
2. Understanding Our Total Depravity
3. Embracing God's Unmerited Favor
4. Being Grounded in the Gospel
5. Humility and Boasting in Christ Alone
### Step 2: Descriptions
1. God's Kindness and Repentance: God's nature is gracious and compassionate, inviting us to examine our hearts and seek repentance. His kindness reveals our hidden sins and leads us to everlasting life. This process of repentance is essential for experiencing God's revival and renewal in our lives. [14:20]
2. Understanding Our Total Depravity: We were dead in our transgressions and sins, deserving of God's wrath. This total depravity highlights our complete inability to save ourselves. Recognizing our hopeless state apart from Christ helps us appreciate the magnitude of God's grace. [37:10]
3. Embracing God's Unmerited Favor: Despite our deserving of wrath, God's great love and rich mercy made us alive in Christ. This unmerited favor, or grace, is a gift from God, not something we can earn. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith, and this is not from ourselves. [49:51]
4. Being Grounded in the Gospel: Our foundation must be built on the truth of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. Being grounded in the gospel equips us to share it with others and live lives that reflect God's grace and mercy. This grounding ensures we stand on solid ground in our faith journey. [35:31]
5. Humility and Boasting in Christ Alone: We are called to boast only in Christ, recognizing that our salvation is entirely His work. Embracing humility transforms our relationships and our witness to the world. The church and the world are desperate for humble followers of Jesus who boast in nothing but Him. [58:15]
### Step 3: Bible Passages
1. God's Kindness and Repentance: Romans 2:4 (ESV) - "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"
2. Understanding Our Total Depravity: Ephesians 2:1-3 (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."
3. Embracing God's Unmerited Favor: Titus 3:4-5 (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."
4. Being Grounded in the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV) - "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."
5. Humility and Boasting in Christ Alone: Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV) - "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
### Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. God's Kindness and Repentance: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's kindness. How did it lead you to repentance, and what hidden sins might God be revealing to you today?
2. Understanding Our Total Depravity: In what ways do you see the evidence of total depravity in your own life? How does recognizing your hopeless state apart from Christ deepen your appreciation for God's grace?
3. Embracing God's Unmerited Favor: Think about a moment when you felt undeserving of God's love. How can you embrace His unmerited favor today, and how does this change your perspective on grace?
4. Being Grounded in the Gospel: How can you ensure that your life is firmly grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ? What steps can you take to share this foundational truth with others?
5. Humility and Boasting in Christ Alone: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with pride. How can you practice humility and boast only in Christ in this area, transforming your relationships and witness?
### Step 5: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: God's Kindness and Repentance
God's nature is gracious and compassionate, inviting us to examine our hearts and seek repentance. His kindness reveals our hidden sins and leads us to everlasting life. This process of repentance is essential for experiencing God's revival and renewal in our lives. [14:20]
Romans 2:4 (ESV) - "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's kindness. How did it lead you to repentance, and what hidden sins might God be revealing to you today?
Day 2: Understanding Our Total Depravity
We were dead in our transgressions and sins, deserving of God's wrath. This total depravity highlights our complete inability to save ourselves. Recognizing our hopeless state apart from Christ helps us appreciate the magnitude of God's grace. [37:10]
Ephesians 2:1-3 (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."
Reflection: In what ways do you see the evidence of total depravity in your own life? How does recognizing your hopeless state apart from Christ deepen your appreciation for God's grace?
Day 3: Embracing God's Unmerited Favor
Despite our deserving of wrath, God's great love and rich mercy made us alive in Christ. This unmerited favor, or grace, is a gift from God, not something we can earn. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith, and this is not from ourselves. [49:51]
Titus 3:4-5 (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."
Reflection: Think about a moment when you felt undeserving of God's love. How can you embrace His unmerited favor today, and how does this change your perspective on grace?
Day 4: Being Grounded in the Gospel
Our foundation must be built on the truth of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. Being grounded in the gospel equips us to share it with others and live lives that reflect God's grace and mercy. This grounding ensures we stand on solid ground in our faith journey. [35:31]
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV) - "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your life is firmly grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ? What steps can you take to share this foundational truth with others?
Day 5: Humility and Boasting in Christ Alone
We are called to boast only in Christ, recognizing that our salvation is entirely His work. Embracing humility transforms our relationships and our witness to the world. The church and the world are desperate for humble followers of Jesus who boast in nothing but Him. [58:15]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV) - "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with pride. How can you practice humility and boast only in Christ in this area, transforming your relationships and witness?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Church, God calls us to be grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ. What is our foundation? What is the foundation that we are laying and building our lives upon? What is, at the end of the day, all that I have and all that I cling to in my life? So much of this world will tell you it is about your prestige, it is about your wealth, it is about your 401k or 40 whatever, whatever letters and numbers. But the scriptures clearly teach us that our foundation, and all that we have and all that we could hope for in Christ, it is the gospel." [35:31] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "At the end of the day, all we have is Jesus, all we have is the good news of Jesus Christ. This is the gospel. This is foundational. This is central to who we are as followers of Jesus Christ." [29:10] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "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. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." [33:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you have Christ as your Lord and Savior, if you surrender your life to Jesus, you have eternal life. I pray that God would grant you that assurance today. And that somehow, if you do not have that assurance today, it doesn't matter how long you've been going to church, that you would reach out." [56:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The church and the world is desperate for humble followers of Jesus who boast in nothing but Jesus. This is my prayer for us as a body of Christ that as we move forward into this next and new season of our ministry." [01:05:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Church, as we just enter into this time of confession, scriptures teaches us that it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. It is God's amazing grace, amazing love for us. In fact, the scriptures teaches us that the Lord himself describes himself, the Lord, the Lord, the gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in love and kindness." [14:20] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God calls us not only to be grounded in the gospel, but to know the gospel inside and out, backwards and forwards. Why? So that not only are we making sure that we are standing on solid ground, but that we are also equipped with the gospel. That God has placed people in your spheres of influences, that God desires to bless them through you, through me, through us, through our testimony, through our hands, and through our feet, to be grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ." [35:31] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To thank God, God just doesn't leave us totally depraved, but he gives us unmerited favor. And for those of you hardcore Calvinists, you know that, you'll know that these are the two first points of five points of Calvin's tulip, depravity and unmerited favor. Notice what we read, but because of his great love for us. And notice what it says, but, and that's something you got to like just yell it out. You can't just go, but because, but because of his great love for us." [47:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time, the most intellectually resisted fact. I mean, everybody knows when you just look at this world, how wretched, how sinful, and how totally depraved. How depraved humanity is. Now, once again, it's not my place to tell you how to vote in the upcoming election, and this sermon is not about politics, but just to take a glimpse of the political world and how depraved it is." [41:15] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to be grounded and founded in the gospel. We have to embrace the grace and the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, this unmerited favor. And we have to embrace the humility that Christ exemplified for us. We have to stay humble. We have to recognize that we are nothing without God, with nothing without the grace of God. And when we stay true and aligned to this heart of God, that's when God does amazing things in and through us." [01:06:45] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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