When
we consider grace according to the Bible, we first should look at the
definition. The original word in the New Testament has to do with bestowing
pleasure or favor. The word for joy comes from the same root. Grace is about
something freely given rather than earned, merited, or deserved. Consider Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by
grace you have been saved, by faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the
gift of God." In other words, we
are recipients of God's grace (salvation, goodness, blessings, mercy, patience,
etc.) not because we are good, but because HE is good!! There are two simple
descriptions of grace I have found helpful: 1) grace is God giving us what we
don't deserve; and 2) God's Riches At Christ's Expense.
When
we consider grace please keep these three thoughts in mind...
1.
Grace is ultimately from God. James 1:17a: "Every good and perfect
gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights..."
2.
God's grace is given to those who
acknowledge their need and appreciation for His grace. James 4:6: "But he
gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but
gives grace to the humble.'"
3.
God's grace leads to gracious/graceful
living even in the midst of temptation and trouble. Titus 2:11,12: "For
the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us
to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled,
upright and godly lives in this present age."
I
love the benediction from the last verse of Hebrews “Grace be with you all.”
See
you Sunday.
1. Note how the Psalmists exalt God and His
grace. Psalm 103:8; 116:5; 145:8
2. Have you ever had Jonah's problem of not
wanting others to receive His grace when you would instead like to see them get
"what's coming to them"? Jonah 3:10-4:2
3. What do you think is meant by God's grace
being on the child Jesus? Luke 2:39,40
4. John's description of Jesus is beautiful
in John 1:14. What does it mean to be full of grace? How do you balance grace
and truth?
5. Look at the first few and last few verses
of each of Paul's known letters (Romans through Philemon). In how many letters
does he give a greeting of grace and a good bye of grace?
6. Study the context of Ephesians 1:7 and
2:7. What do you think the "riches" are in those verses?
7. Theologians speak of common grace (God's
grace to all His creatures) and particular grace (His specific goodness to His
elect). Note an example of each - Matthew 5:45 and Ephesians 2:4,5
8. Grace is not only about getting good
things from God, but also believing in and displaying the goodness of God in
the bad, difficult, and sorrowful times. Please meditate on Paul's testimony in
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
