Living in the Power of Glorious Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the culmination of our "Amazing Grace" series, focusing on the concept of "Glorious Grace." We began by acknowledging the divine orchestration of our lives and the blessings that God has in store for us. We celebrated recent baptisms and salvations, highlighting the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our community.
The core of our discussion revolved around the unique nature of Christianity, which starts at the finish line. Unlike other religions that strive to reach a state of acceptance and perfection, Christianity begins with the gift of righteousness and perfection through Jesus Christ. This is a profound truth that sets us apart: we are already made perfect in spirit, and our journey is about living out this reality.
We explored the difference between grace and glorious grace. Grace is God's unmerited favor that equips us to live supernaturally, while glorious grace is God's eternal view and opinion of us. This perspective was established before time began, independent of our actions or behavior. Our identity in Christ is secure and unchangeable, rooted in the eternal covenant between the Father and the Son.
We also discussed how this understanding empowers us to live a life that reflects our true identity. Our behavior should flow from our identity in Christ, not the other way around. This revelation frees us from performance-based living and allows us to embrace the fullness of God's love and grace.
Finally, we read from Ephesians 1 and 3, emphasizing the richness of God's grace and the power it brings into our lives. We concluded with a call to live out this glorious grace, to let it transform our lives, and to celebrate the eternal love and acceptance we have in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Starting at the Finish Line: Christianity begins with the gift of righteousness and perfection through Jesus Christ. Unlike other religions that strive for acceptance, we start from a place of being fully accepted and perfected in spirit. This foundational truth changes how we live our lives, knowing that we are already complete in Him. [01:06:58]
2. Grace vs. Glorious Grace: Grace is God's unmerited favor that equips us to live supernaturally, while glorious grace is God's eternal view and opinion of us. This perspective was established before time began, independent of our actions or behavior. Understanding this distinction helps us grasp the depth of God's love and acceptance. [01:13:06]
3. Identity Determines Behavior: Our behavior should flow from our identity in Christ, not the other way around. Knowing who we are in Christ empowers us to live out our true nature. This revelation frees us from performance-based living and allows us to embrace the fullness of God's love and grace. [01:20:07]
4. Eternal Perspective: God's view of us was established before time began. This eternal perspective means that our identity and worth are not based on our actions but on God's eternal plan and love for us. This truth provides a secure foundation for our faith and life. [01:22:15]
5. Empowered by Grace: Acceptance grace leads to empowering grace. Understanding that we are fully accepted by God empowers us to live a life that reflects His love and righteousness. This grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. [01:29:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:28] - Opening Prayer and Dedication
[01:03:04] - Celebrating Baptisms and Salvations
[01:04:21] - A Funny Story
[01:05:57] - Introduction to Glorious Grace
[01:06:58] - Starting at the Finish Line
[01:08:21] - Perfection in Christ
[01:09:40] - Living from Innocence
[01:11:15] - Reading from Ephesians 1
[01:13:06] - Grace vs. Glorious Grace
[01:14:39] - Characteristics of Grace
[01:16:22] - God's Eternal View of Us
[01:18:33] - Identity Determines Behavior
[01:20:07] - Religion vs. Relationship
[01:22:15] - Eternal Perspective
[01:24:17] - The Covenant of Grace
[01:26:06] - The Power of the Cross
[01:27:47] - Empowered by Grace
[01:29:49] - Living a Godly Life
[01:31:21] - Final Thoughts and Prayer
[01:32:53] - Reading from Ephesians 3
[01:34:38] - Glorious Praise
[01:39:08] - Call to Commitment
[01:41:31] - Communion and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:3-10: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
2. Ephesians 3:14-19: "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 1:3-10 say about when God chose us and for what purpose?
2. According to Ephesians 3:14-19, what does Paul pray for the believers to experience in their inner being?
3. In the sermon, what is the difference between "grace" and "glorious grace"? [01:13:06]
4. How does the sermon describe the starting point of Christianity compared to other religions? [01:06:58]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are chosen and predestined by God before the creation of the world impact our sense of identity and worth? [01:22:15]
2. What does it mean to start at the "finish line" in Christianity, and how does this concept challenge traditional views of religious striving? [01:06:58]
3. How does the concept of "glorious grace" as God's eternal view and opinion of us change the way we live our daily lives? [01:13:06]
4. In what ways does knowing our identity in Christ empower us to live out our true nature, according to the sermon? [01:20:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that Christianity starts at the finish line. How does this change your approach to spiritual growth and daily living? [01:06:58]
2. How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ and let it influence your behavior rather than striving for acceptance through actions? [01:20:07]
3. Think of a situation where you have been living from a performance-based mindset. How can you shift your perspective to embrace the fullness of God's love and grace in that area? [01:20:07]
4. How does understanding God's eternal perspective of you, established before time began, provide security and confidence in your faith journey? [01:22:15]
5. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with feeling accepted by God. How can the concept of "glorious grace" help you overcome this struggle? [01:13:06]
6. How can you practically live out the empowerment that comes from grace in your daily interactions and decisions? [01:29:49]
7. Reflect on the prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19. How can you incorporate this prayer into your personal prayer life to experience the fullness of God's love and power?
Devotional
Day 1: Starting at the Finish Line
Christianity begins with the gift of righteousness and perfection through Jesus Christ. Unlike other religions that strive for acceptance, we start from a place of being fully accepted and perfected in spirit. This foundational truth changes how we live our lives, knowing that we are already complete in Him. This means that our spiritual journey is not about earning God's favor but about living out the reality of what has already been accomplished for us.
This understanding liberates us from the pressure of performance-based living. We are not trying to become something we are not; we are simply living out the truth of who we already are in Christ. This shift in perspective can transform our daily lives, filling us with peace and confidence in our identity as children of God. [01:06:58]
Hebrews 10:14 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are already perfected in Christ change the way you approach your daily life and spiritual practices?
Day 2: Grace vs. Glorious Grace
Grace is God's unmerited favor that equips us to live supernaturally, while glorious grace is God's eternal view and opinion of us. This perspective was established before time began, independent of our actions or behavior. Understanding this distinction helps us grasp the depth of God's love and acceptance.
Glorious grace means that God's view of us is not based on our performance but on His eternal plan and love. This truth can bring immense freedom and joy, as we realize that our worth and identity are secure in Christ. It allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are deeply loved and accepted by God. [01:13:06]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does understanding God's eternal view of you change the way you see yourself and your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Identity Determines Behavior
Our behavior should flow from our identity in Christ, not the other way around. Knowing who we are in Christ empowers us to live out our true nature. This revelation frees us from performance-based living and allows us to embrace the fullness of God's love and grace.
When we understand our identity in Christ, our actions naturally align with this truth. We no longer strive to earn God's favor but live out of the abundance of His love and grace. This shift in perspective can transform our relationships, work, and daily interactions, as we reflect the character of Christ in all we do. [01:20:07]
Colossians 3:12 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving for acceptance? How can you shift your focus to living out your true identity in Christ?
Day 4: Eternal Perspective
God's view of us was established before time began. This eternal perspective means that our identity and worth are not based on our actions but on God's eternal plan and love for us. This truth provides a secure foundation for our faith and life.
Understanding God's eternal perspective can bring immense peace and security. It reminds us that our worth is not determined by our performance or circumstances but by God's unchanging love and purpose for us. This perspective can help us navigate challenges and uncertainties with confidence, knowing that we are secure in God's hands. [01:22:15]
2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV): "Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."
Reflection: How does knowing that your identity and worth are rooted in God's eternal plan change the way you face challenges and uncertainties in your life?
Day 5: Empowered by Grace
Acceptance grace leads to empowering grace. Understanding that we are fully accepted by God empowers us to live a life that reflects His love and righteousness. This grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
When we grasp the depth of God's acceptance, we are empowered to live in a way that honors Him. This grace not only forgives but also transforms, enabling us to live out our true identity in Christ. It equips us to make choices that reflect God's character and to live in a way that brings glory to Him. [01:29:49]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: In what specific areas of your life do you need to rely on God's empowering grace to make choices that reflect His love and righteousness?
Quotes
1. "Christianity is so beautiful because Christianity actually starts at the finish line. Your spirit is born again and so here is the finishing line. So here we start at the finishing line as a Christian. It's a gift of God by grace that comes to us. The gift of righteousness, the gift of perfection, the gift of innocence into your life. So we're starting right here at the finish line." [01:05:57] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "All other religions they're trying to get to the finish line they're trying to get be good enough they're trying to be loved by god they're trying to be accepted by god they're trying all this kind of stuff and actually never getting there never getting there but Christianity is so different because we actually start at the finish line we start with perfection." [01:06:58] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Grace is the divine characteristic that enables furnishes and equips human beings to live in a supernatural dimension. Grace carries the refreshing reality of god's ongoing acceptance of us and acceptance not dependent on our failures or successes. Grace reveals that god loves us and we are valued and accepted just as we are." [01:13:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Grace means that god's correction and rebuke does not involve a withdrawal of his acceptance but rather a proof of his love for us. God disciplines his sons and daughters because he loves them. God delivers us from self-effort and the heresy of the self-made purpose. Grace is not what we do for god but what he does for us." [01:14:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Grace brings the sunshine of heaven into our hearts it releases us from the oppression of people's negative opinion it nullifies satan's accusations and evaporates guilt and regret. Grace sets us free to what god created us to be an enthusiastic joyful spontaneous unpredictable risk-taking and secure and loving people the people of god." [01:14:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Our father's opinion and view of you and of me was never decided and never defined by his response to your behavior whether good or bad. It is Christianity is not behaviorism. Now most of the church act that way and they preach that way but I say it is not that way. God never decided a probation process of watching and observing you your behavior over a period of time whether you'll be good enough for him." [01:16:22] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Religion says change your behavior and god will be pleased with you and he will love you. Of course god is pleased with you when you do good behavior but it's not your identity it's not who you are and surely not has to do with your salvation. No change your view of god that before time began that before you were born that before the earth was made that's a long time ago before you had ever sinned or had successes or anything else in your life god had already decided in his love to see you and me in christ jesus." [01:20:07] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Your acceptance by god as a son or a daughter is anchored in your heart and your heart is anchored into the eternal realm of god's glory and redemptive story and cannot be broken. That would do well on the website on a little face thing facetime something facebook whatever it's a covenant between the father and the son on our behalf amen." [01:27:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "For the grace of god has appeared the grace of god jesus that offers salvation to all people this grace teaches us to say no no to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for the blessed hope the appearing of the glory of a great god and savior jesus christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself come on a people that are his very own eager to do his will." [01:29:49] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Never doubt god's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this he will achieve infinitely more than your greatest requests your most unbelievable dream and exceed your wildest imagination he will outdo them all for his miraculous power constantly energizes you come on now now come on how is that response right now now we offer up to god all the glorious praise." [01:34:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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