Transformative Grace: The Journey of Charles Wesley
Summary
Charles Wesley's journey to faith is a profound testament to the transformative power of grace. Born into a large family in 1707, Charles initially led a life of indulgence during his early years at Oxford University. However, the emptiness of this lifestyle prompted him to seek reform with the help of his brother, John Wesley, and a group of friends. They dedicated themselves to spiritual disciplines, earning the derisive nickname "Methodists." Despite these efforts, Charles remained unfulfilled until he encountered the Moravians, who introduced him to the doctrines of salvation by faith and the assurance of salvation through the Holy Spirit. This encounter led to a pivotal moment on May 21, 1738, when Charles experienced a profound sense of peace and assurance in his faith, inspiring him to write the hymn "And Can It Be That I Should Gain."
This hymn encapsulates the three properties of salvation: preposterous, personal, and powerful. Salvation is preposterous because it defies human logic; a holy God offering grace to sinners is beyond comprehension. This grace is not earned but freely given, contrasting with the concept of karma found in other religions. Salvation is also personal, as it involves a direct relationship with God, who exists as three persons in eternal communion. This relationship is offered to each individual, requiring personal acceptance through faith. Finally, salvation is powerful, not only forgiving sins but also freeing individuals to become who God intends them to be through the Holy Spirit's strength.
The hymn's message of grace and transformation is a call to embrace the new life offered in Christ. Just as Charles Wesley's life was changed, so too can ours be, as we rest in God's grace and allow His Spirit to work within us. This transformative power has historical significance, as seen in the Methodist revival that shaped England and America, demonstrating the enduring impact of God's grace on individuals and nations.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Preposterous Nature of Grace: Salvation is a divine mystery that defies human logic. It is astonishing that a holy God would offer grace to sinners, a concept unique to Christianity. This grace is unmerited and contrasts with the world's idea of karma, where one gets what they deserve. Instead, Jesus takes what we deserve, offering us His love and grace. [06:20]
2. Personal Relationship with God: Salvation is deeply personal, involving a direct relationship with God, who exists as three persons. This relationship is not inherited but must be personally accepted through faith. It is an invitation to enter into communion with God, experiencing His love and grace firsthand. [11:22]
3. The Power of Salvation: Salvation is not just about forgiveness but also about transformation. It frees us from the chains of sin, empowering us to become the people God intends us to be. Through the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live a new life, reflecting Christ's image. [17:04]
4. Faith Over Works: Salvation is received through faith, not by works. Like a parachute that safely brings a soldier to the ground, God's grace carries us to salvation. Our efforts cannot earn this grace; it is a gift to be received with trust and reliance on God's love. [15:16]
5. Historical Impact of Revival: The Methodist revival, sparked by the Wesley brothers, demonstrates the transformative power of God's grace on a large scale. This movement not only changed individual lives but also had a profound impact on nations, showcasing the enduring influence of spiritual renewal. [21:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:31] - Charles Wesley's Early Life
[06:20] - The Preposterous Nature of Salvation
[07:49] - The Mystery of Grace
[08:55] - Grace vs. Karma
[10:07] - Salvation's Unfathomable Depths
[11:22] - Personal Relationship with God
[15:16] - Faith Over Works
[17:04] - The Power of Salvation
[18:04] - Becoming a New Creation
[19:14] - God's Faithfulness to His Promises
[20:15] - Historical Impact of Revival
[21:50] - Methodism's Influence
[23:31] - A Call for Personal Revival
[24:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 8:8 - "The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.'"
2. Romans 5:1-2 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the centurion's attitude towards Jesus in Matthew 8:8, and how does it reflect the theme of unworthiness discussed in the sermon? [06:20]
2. How does Romans 5:1-2 describe the process and result of being justified by faith?
3. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to a person who is in Christ?
4. What were the three properties of salvation highlighted in the sermon, and how do they relate to Charles Wesley's hymn? [06:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the centurion's statement in Matthew 8:8 illustrate the preposterous nature of grace as described in the sermon? [06:20]
2. In what ways does Romans 5:1-2 emphasize the personal aspect of salvation, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about a personal relationship with God? [11:22]
3. How does the concept of becoming a new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17 align with the sermon’s discussion on the power of salvation? [17:04]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the historical impact of the Methodist revival, and how does this reflect the power of salvation on a larger scale? [21:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's grace. How can the centurion's faith in Matthew 8:8 inspire you to trust in God's grace despite feelings of unworthiness? [06:20]
2. How can you cultivate a more personal relationship with God this week, as emphasized in Romans 5:1-2 and the sermon? What specific steps will you take? [11:22]
3. In what areas of your life do you need to experience the transformative power of salvation, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in these areas? [17:04]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of faith over works. How can you shift your focus from trying to earn God's love to resting in His grace? What practical changes can you make in your daily life? [15:16]
5. Consider the historical impact of the Methodist revival. How can you contribute to spiritual renewal in your community today? What role might you play in a modern-day revival? [21:50]
6. The sermon mentions the preposterous nature of grace. How can you share this message of grace with someone who may not understand it? What approach will you take to explain it in a relatable way? [06:20]
7. Reflect on the idea that salvation is a gift to be received by faith. How can you practice gratitude for this gift in your daily life, and how might this change your perspective on challenges you face? [15:16]
Devotional
Day 1: The Astonishing Gift of Grace
Grace is a divine mystery that defies human logic. It is astonishing that a holy God would offer grace to sinners, a concept unique to Christianity. This grace is unmerited and contrasts with the world's idea of karma, where one gets what they deserve. Instead, Jesus takes what we deserve, offering us His love and grace. The preposterous nature of grace challenges our understanding of justice and mercy, inviting us to embrace a love that is beyond comprehension. This grace is not something we can earn or deserve; it is a gift freely given by God, inviting us into a relationship with Him. [06:20]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you received something you didn't deserve. How does this experience help you understand the concept of grace, and how can you extend this grace to others today?
Day 2: A Personal Invitation to Communion
Salvation is deeply personal, involving a direct relationship with God, who exists as three persons. This relationship is not inherited but must be personally accepted through faith. It is an invitation to enter into communion with God, experiencing His love and grace firsthand. This personal relationship with God is transformative, as it allows individuals to experience the fullness of His love and the assurance of salvation. It is a call to move beyond mere religious practices and into a living, dynamic relationship with the Creator. [11:22]
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with God. What steps can you take today to deepen this relationship and experience His presence more fully in your life?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Salvation
Salvation is not just about forgiveness but also about transformation. It frees us from the chains of sin, empowering us to become the people God intends us to be. Through the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live a new life, reflecting Christ's image. This transformation is a journey of becoming more like Christ, as we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, shaping our character and guiding our actions. It is a powerful reminder that salvation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and renewal. [17:04]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel stuck or unchanged. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring transformation and growth in this area today?
Day 4: Faith as the Pathway to Grace
Salvation is received through faith, not by works. Like a parachute that safely brings a soldier to the ground, God's grace carries us to salvation. Our efforts cannot earn this grace; it is a gift to be received with trust and reliance on God's love. This understanding of faith challenges us to let go of our attempts to earn God's favor and instead rest in His promises. It is a call to trust in His goodness and to rely on His strength, knowing that His grace is sufficient for all our needs. [15:16]
"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you are striving to earn approval or success. How can you shift your focus from self-effort to trusting in God's grace and provision?
Day 5: The Ripple Effect of Revival
The Methodist revival, sparked by the Wesley brothers, demonstrates the transformative power of God's grace on a large scale. This movement not only changed individual lives but also had a profound impact on nations, showcasing the enduring influence of spiritual renewal. The historical impact of revival serves as a reminder of the potential for God's grace to bring about change in our communities and beyond. It is an invitation to participate in God's work, allowing His Spirit to move through us to bring hope and healing to a broken world. [21:50]
"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." (Psalm 85:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the impact of your faith on those around you. How can you be a catalyst for spiritual renewal in your community, and what steps can you take to share God's love and grace with others today?
Quotes
Salvation is preposterous, as in it really doesn't make sense. How in the world could a holy, righteous, pure, perfectly good God redeem a sinner like me? How is that possible? It just doesn't make sense. It's unbelievable. [00:06:29] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It's the love that God gives us even though we don't deserve it. You know, Christianity is the only religion in the world, it's the only philosophy in the world that has any kind of a teaching even close to this idea of grace, this unmerited love. [00:08:58] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
In karma, you get what you deserve. But with grace, Jesus gets what you deserve, and you are offered his unmerited, amazing love. It's his goodness. It's his grace. It's preposterous. It doesn't make sense. [00:09:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
You can receive his grace, his love, his salvation. The second P, is personal. Salvation is personal. We know this because God himself exists as three persons who live in the eternal communion of love, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. [00:10:57] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
He only has children, right? You don't get in on your mom's coattails. You have to receive salvation yourself. It's a personal choice, a personal salvation that's offered to you. And how do you receive it? Well, you receive it through faith. [00:11:47] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
There's nothing you can do to earn it. There's not enough work that can bring you safe to that shore. It's a parachute. You've got to just rest in it. Rest in God's grace. Rest in His love for you. Receive it by faith. Just simply trusting Him. [00:15:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Salvation is powerful. You know, it's not just that you're forgiven of your sins, yes, but it's even more than that. You're forgiven, but also you're freed. You're freed to become the person that God intends you to be in the power and strength of His Holy Spirit. [00:16:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So the chains, the chains that were holding you down, the chains that were tying you to the guilt of your sin have now been released. They've fallen off because of what Jesus has done. And now in the power of the Spirit, I'm able to rise and go and follow Jesus. [00:17:24] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And just, hear this, this is really important. Just as there's nothing you can do to make God love you less, there's nothing you can do to make God love you more. This isn't earned either. It's just like justification. Salvation. [00:18:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
That righteousness that's imparted to us because of Jesus dying on the cross for us. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is able to raise you to new life in Christ. And it's His doing. It's not your doing. [00:18:41] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
John and Charles Wesley both experienced this life-changing grace, saving and sanctifying grace. And they led this movement called Methodism, which was a revival. A revival that transformed the face of England. [00:20:56] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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