Nurture [Session 3]
Grace “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
[Session 3] Introduction Imagine being sentenced to death for a crime for which you are guilty. You are just about to be executed when the judge decides to set you free; to declare you innocent. But then, the judge, knowing that justice must still be served, takes your place and is executed instead of you. This is a picture of grace in action. We’ve already looked at God’s view of sin and how Christ’s life, death and resurrection dealt with God’s justice. Grace plays a pivotal part in this doctrine and helps us understand our position before God.
What is God’s grace? -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐
God’s grace is His undeserved favour shown to us (Ephesians 2:4-5). Grace is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). We cannot earn it (Titus 3:4-7). Grace is available for everyone (Titus 2:11). God gives his grace freely and abundantly (1 Tim 1:14) (Romans 3:23-24). God demonstrated His grace and love through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:6-8) (John 3:16). God’s grace and love are constant and unconditional (Isaiah 54:10). We cannot make God love us any more, or any less (Romans 8:38-39) (1 John 3:1).
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lifechurch
Nurture
[Session 3] [Session 3]
Grace What does God’s grace mean for us? -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐
God’s grace has dealt with our sin (Ephesians 1:7-8). We have been declared ‘not guilty’ (justified) (Romans 3:24). His grace has made us righteous before God (Romans 5:18-19). This means we have ‘right standing’ with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2) (1 Corinthians 1:30). His grace has enabled us to become children of God (Romans 8:16-17). We are co-heirs with Christ to all God’s blessings (Titus 3:7). His grace is sufficient for life (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s grace will strengthen us in all situations and circumstances (Philippians 4:12-13).
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How does God’s grace impact my everyday life? -‐
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“…the judge, knowing that justice must still be served, takes your place and is executed instead of you.”
God’s grace allows us to live without condemnation (Romans 8:1). We can always approach God with confidence, because of His love and forgiveness (1 John 1:9) (Hebrews 4:14-16). God’s grace teaches us how to live godly lives (Titus 2:11-12). God’s grace equips us to serve God and others (1 Peter 4:10). It helps us do the ‘good works’ that He has planned for us (Ephesians 2:8-10) (2 Corinthians 9:8). God’s grace gives us hope for the future (1 Peter 1:13). All the benefits of grace are available to us every day (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Conclusion We’re not always good at receiving gifts, believing that we have to earn them or give something back in return, but God’s ‘amazing’ grace is a gift, and all we have to do is receive it by faith and allow it to change our lives.
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lifechurch