Grace: God's Sovereign Love and Our Restoration

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Grace Is Not Earned, But Freely Given

Grace isn't about our worthiness or achievements; it is about God's sovereign choice to love and accept us, regardless of our efforts or failures. Just as the story of the pie contest illustrates, God's grace is not a reward for the best performance but a gift given out of His love and mercy. You are chosen and loved by God, not because of what you bring, but because of who He is. Let this truth encourage you, especially when you feel inadequate or unworthy—God’s grace is for you, and it is enough. [02:01]

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: When was the last time you felt you had to “earn” God’s love or approval? How can you rest today in the truth that His grace is a gift, not a reward?

Day 2: Humanity’s Intended Role—Created to Reign with God

From the very beginning, God created mankind in His own image and crowned humanity with glory and honor, giving us dominion over creation. Though we are now, for a little while, lower than the angels due to our earthly existence and the effects of sin, God’s original intent was for us to rule and steward His creation. This purpose is not lost; through Christ, we are promised restoration to this honored position, reigning with Him in the world to come. [10:13]

Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Reflection: In what ways can you reflect God’s image and stewardship in your daily life, even in small acts or decisions today?

Day 3: Jesus’ Temporary Humbling and Ultimate Exaltation

Jesus, though eternally supreme, willingly became lower than the angels for a short time by taking on human flesh and experiencing suffering and death. This act of humility was not a loss of His divinity but a demonstration of His love and obedience, making Him the perfect Savior. Now exalted at the right hand of God, Jesus reigns in glory, and His temporary humbling secures our eternal hope. [23:20]

Philippians 2:7-9 (ESV)
But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.

Reflection: What does Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself for your sake reveal about His character, and how might you imitate that humility in your relationships today?

Day 4: The Power of Christ’s Sacrifice—Grace Through His Death

Jesus’ suffering and death were not just acts of pain but the ultimate expression of God’s grace, as He “tasted death for everyone.” Through His atoning sacrifice, the curse of sin and death is broken, and the way is opened for all who believe to receive forgiveness and new life. This grace is unearned and available to all, but it must be received by faith, leading to a transformed life marked by gratitude and surrender. [26:53]

Hebrews 2:9 (ESV)
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus “tasted death for everyone” change the way you view your own worth and the worth of others around you today?

Day 5: Encouragement in Weakness—Your Value in Christ

When you feel insignificant, weak, or not enough, remember that God’s love for you is steadfast and proven through Christ’s sacrifice. Your value is not determined by your failures or the world’s standards, but by the price Jesus paid for you and the honor God bestows upon you as His beloved child. Let this truth strengthen and encourage you, especially in moments of doubt or discouragement, knowing that you are deeply loved and eternally valued. [30:58]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to believe you are valuable to God? How can you remind yourself of your worth in Christ today?

Sermon Summary

Grace is not about our performance or what we bring to the table; it is about God’s sovereign choice to love us, even when we feel unworthy or insignificant. Hebrews 2:5-9 reveals the astonishing truth that God’s love for humanity is so profound that He has destined us, not angels, to rule with Him. Though for a little while we are made lower than the angels—subject to weakness, suffering, and death—God’s original intent was for mankind to bear His image and exercise dominion over creation. This was lost in the fall, but not forever. Through Christ, who became lower than the angels for a brief time, we are restored to our intended place of honor.

Jesus, the eternal Son, willingly took on human flesh, humbling Himself to the point of death. This was not a demotion but a purposeful act of love. By tasting death for everyone, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of justice and opening the way for grace to flow freely to all who believe. His suffering and death are not marks of defeat but badges of honor, for through them He is crowned with glory and honor, and we are offered restoration and hope.

Even now, though Jesus reigns at the right hand of the Father, it may not always appear that all things are under His control. The world is still marred by evil, suffering, and the influence of Satan. Yet, Scripture assures us that Christ’s authority is absolute, and His victory is certain. We are called to live in the tension of the “already but not yet”—trusting that God is working all things for our good, even when we cannot see it.

The grace offered through Christ’s death is a gift, not something we can earn. Our value is not determined by our achievements but by the love God has lavished on us in Christ. When we feel insignificant or overwhelmed, we are invited to remember our identity and destiny in Him: beloved, redeemed, and destined to reign with Christ. This truth is meant to encourage, strengthen, and empower us to live faithfully, even in a world where darkness still lingers.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s grace is not based on merit or performance, but on His sovereign love and choice. Like the story of little Timmy’s store-bought pie, God’s favor is not earned by the quality of our offering but is freely given because He chooses to love us. This truth should humble us and free us from striving for approval, reminding us that our worth is rooted in God’s love, not our accomplishments. [02:01]
2. Humanity was created with a unique dignity and destiny—to bear God’s image and rule over creation. Though we are currently “lower than the angels” due to our mortality and the effects of sin, God’s original intent remains. In Christ, we are promised restoration to a place of honor and authority, a future where we will reign with Him as redeemed sons and daughters. [12:24]
3. Jesus’ incarnation—His becoming “lower than the angels”—was a voluntary act of humility and love. He entered into our frailty, suffering, and death, not because He was less than the angels, but so that He could redeem us. The incarnation is the ultimate demonstration of God’s willingness to identify with us and to lift us up through His own self-emptying. [23:20]
4. The suffering and death of Jesus are not signs of weakness, but the very means by which He is crowned with glory and honor. Through His sacrificial death, He “tasted death for everyone,” making grace available to all. This grace is not a light or casual thing—it cost Jesus everything, and it is meant to transform those who receive it, calling us to deny ourselves and follow Him. [25:18]
5. In a world where evil still seems to have sway, it can be hard to see Christ’s supremacy. Yet, Scripture assures us that Jesus is reigning even now, and that all things are ultimately under His authority. We are called to live with hope and vigilance, trusting that God is working all things for our good and that our future with Him is secure, no matter what we face today. [18:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Pie Contest and the Nature of Grace
[02:01] - Introduction to Hebrews and God’s Love
[03:05] - God’s Love for Humanity vs. Angels
[05:56] - Man’s Intended Role as Ruler
[07:22] - Psalm 8 and the Question of “Son of Man”
[08:59] - Why God Cares for Humanity
[10:13] - Dominion Lost and the Fall
[12:24] - Restoration and Reigning with Christ
[15:52] - Jesus’ Present Supremacy
[17:25] - The Problem of Evil and Satan’s Influence
[21:05] - Jesus: Lower than Angels for a Time
[23:20] - The Incarnation and Humility of Christ
[24:14] - Jesus’ Death: The Crown of Glory
[25:18] - The Depth of Christ’s Suffering
[28:18] - Receiving Grace and Living Changed
[29:10] - Concluding Thoughts and Application
[30:58] - Embracing God’s Love and Grace
[32:03] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Grace to Us Through His Death

---

Bible Reading

- Hebrews 2:5-9 (main text)

---

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 2:5-9, who did God intend to rule over the world to come—angels or humans? What does the passage say about the current state of that rule?
In the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase “for a little while lower than the angels” when describing both humanity and Jesus? [04:03]
What does the passage say about Jesus being “crowned with glory and honor”? What was the reason given for this crowning?
The sermon mentions a story about a pie contest. What point was the pastor making with this story about grace? [00:58]

---

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that God’s grace is not based on our performance, but on His sovereign love and choice. How does this challenge the way people often think about earning God’s favor? [02:01]
The passage and sermon both talk about humanity being created to bear God’s image and rule over creation, but that this was lost in the fall. How does Jesus restore this original intent for humanity? [12:24]
The pastor describes Jesus’ suffering and death as “badges of honor” rather than signs of weakness. Why is this perspective important for understanding the meaning of the cross? [24:14]
The sermon talks about living in the “already but not yet”—that Jesus reigns now, but evil still exists. How should this affect the way believers view suffering and evil in the world? [18:34]

---

Application Questions

The pastor said, “When you’re feeling insignificant or not enough, understand how loved you are by Jesus.” Can you share a recent time when you felt insignificant? How might remembering your value in Christ change your response in those moments? [30:58]
The story of little Timmy’s store-bought pie was used to illustrate grace. Are there areas in your life where you feel like your “offering” isn’t good enough for God? How can you rest in God’s grace instead of striving for approval? [00:58]
The sermon emphasized that our value is not determined by our achievements but by God’s love. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of this truth during the week, especially when you’re tempted to measure your worth by your performance? [02:01]
Jesus humbled Himself and became “lower than the angels” to identify with us and lift us up. Is there someone in your life you need to humble yourself to serve, even if it feels uncomfortable or beneath you? What would that look like this week? [23:20]
The pastor said, “Don’t try to earn back your right to rule in heaven. Just receive it as God’s grace.” Are there ways you’ve been trying to “earn” God’s love or approval? What would it look like to simply receive His grace? [31:20]
The sermon talked about living with hope and vigilance, trusting that God is working all things for our good even when we can’t see it. Is there a situation in your life right now where it’s hard to see God’s control? How can you practice trust in that area this week? [18:34]
The pastor mentioned that accepting God’s gift of grace isn’t a lighthearted thing—it means putting your heart and life in Jesus’ hands. What is one area of your life you need to surrender more fully to Him? [33:56]

---

Sermon Clips

Grace isn't about how tasty your pie is. It's about God choosing you and loving you. Right? He said, I'm going to choose him because I love Timmy. [00:01:53]

The theme of the book, though, is the greatness or the supremacy of Jesus Christ and that he is and should be always the center of our faith. [00:02:34]

God loves you. In fact, he probably loves you more than he loves angels. And I know somebody is going to scratch their head on that one. But I believe he does, and I believe this passage is to give us really great encouragement, great strength, and great power to live out our faith. [00:03:16]

Man was made to be ruler, not angels. For it was, it says in verse 5, not to angels that God subjected the world to come of which we are speaking. [00:05:56]

We are made, though, in God's image, and there's nothing in the Bible that tells us that angels were ever made in God's image. Also keep in mind that God never sent the angels a savior. The angels never had a chance to repent and turn back to God. [00:09:52]

Adam and Eve were ultimately king and queen of all creation, reigning in the garden. Adam created perfect and Eve perfect, pure before God in relationship with God. This started out great, but when the fall came, when sin entered, it changed everything, didn't it? [00:11:53]

What the writer, I think, is doing, though, is helping us see, helping you and I see, God loves man so much that he gives him the opportunity that we might be restored one day to a point just like Adam was where we will be rulers. We will go back to a place before the fall. [00:12:42]

In heaven, believers, we'll rule like Jesus, like they ruled in the garden. I'm not making this up. It's actually in Scripture. [00:13:08]

Right now, Jesus is reigning at the right hand of God the Father in pure and perfect power. But then the author says this, and at present, we don't see everything in subjection to Jesus. And I would say, true that, right? We look at the world today and we see all kinds of sin just permeating our culture. [00:17:27]

We need to understand this very important fact that Satan still has a very active role in this world. This is in Ephesians chapter 2, verse 2, in which you once walked following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, that's Satan, by the way, the spirit that now is at work in the sons of disobedience. [00:18:25]

Because know this, that Jesus, even in the midst of those things that we hear and see that are horrible in this world, Jesus promised, he promised that he is working everything together for our good, right? For those that love Christ, he's working all those things together, even the horrible things. [00:19:54]

For a little while, for 33 years, Jesus was lower than the angels. 33 years. Folks, that's a blink of an eye in the face of eternity, isn't it? Just a blink of an eye. This verse speaks really of one of the greatest Christian doctrines, the incarnation of God, God becoming man. [00:23:04]

But emptying himself, talking about Jesus, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man, and being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [00:23:39]

He's crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God, he might taste death for everyone. This is really, I believe, the heart of this particular passage and this message. This is the love and the grace that God has for mankind. [00:24:35]

He's talking about tasting death. He's talking about nine -course meal of suffering, nine -course meal of punishment, nine -course meal of just being pummeled and disgraced. I think the movie The Passion of the Christ probably got it closest to what Jesus actually suffered. [00:26:00]

God's grace. We know what that is. God's unmerited favor. We did nothing to deserve it. His sacrificial death, his atonement, his atonement restores what was lost in that fall. His death, he says, is available for everyone. His free gift of salvation is available for everyone. But you do have to accept it. [00:27:22]

The believer will be redeemed to rule with Jesus for eternity, not angels. All right? The believer will be redeemed to rule with Jesus for eternity. Angels will not. Think about, again, for a moment, how awesome angels are. But God loved us so deeply. God sent his Son for mankind for mankind. Amazing. [00:29:16]

Jesus' suffering and death were a badge of honor because it was also a grace gift to us. What he did is a grace gift to us. Because you, every one of you, has great value, incredible value. And Jesus' life and his death ultimately prove it, your value. [00:30:10]

So when you're feeling insignificant or not enough, understand how loved you are by Jesus. So many times we go through this world because Satan rules in this world and has play in this world and influences us. So many times we feel insignificant and we feel not enough. We feel we make mistakes and all those things. And maybe this is at your work. Maybe this is at school. Maybe it's even here at church. But you need to let yourself know that God loves you. He's mindful of us. And he loves us dearly. And he proved that through Jesus. [00:30:49]

Don't try to earn back your right to rule in heaven. Just receive it as God's grace. We're never going to do anything to earn our way into heaven. We don't earn our way into heaven, right? It's a gift of grace. We accept it. And we live it. And when we live it, we're changed. [00:31:39]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does Jesus' temporary lower status signify?

How does God's love surpass angels' in scripture?

What is the significance of tasting death for everyone?

Grace: God's Sovereign Love and Our Restoration

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Grace Is Not Earned, But Freely Given

Day 2: Humanity’s Intended Role—Created to Reign with God

Day 3: Jesus’ Temporary Humbling and Ultimate Exaltation

Day 4: The Power of Christ’s Sacrifice—Grace Through His Death

Day 5: Encouragement in Weakness—Your Value in Christ

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Grace: God's Sovereign Love and Our Restoration

Share