"God Promises Grace"

Part 2 of "Sweet Like Honey"

The BIG Idea:

Life has a way of throwing all kinds of trials our way. It might be disappointment, mistakes, sickness, persecution or loss, but through it all, God promises to offer us grace that is sufficient for whatever seasons we're in now. We learn to rejoice in everything, because we know that God's grace is enough.

⁹ And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.¹⁰ Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. --II Corinthians 12:9-10 (NASB)

A Prayer to Open the Message:

"God we so desperately need Your grace, and yet at the same time so many of us are too stubborn to receive it. Humble us Lord, and help us open ourselves up to Your amazing promise of grace. Your grace is truly all-sufficient and wonderful!"

What is the most amazing gift you've ever been given?

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. --Ephesians 2:8 (NASB)

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. --John 1:17 (NASB)

Grace is not only one of the greatest gifts God has given, it is one of the most encouraging promises over our lives as followers of Jesus.

When God tells us that God's grace is sufficient for us, this means we do not need to look elsewhere. (Grace is NOT a one time thing!)

WESLEY'S MOVEMENTS OF GRACE

-        Prevenient Grace (God's Grace Going Before)

-        Convicting Grace (Hearing God's Grace)

-        Justifying Grace (God's Gift of Pardon)

-        Sanctifying Grace (Full Pursuit of the Ways of God)

-        Glorifying Grace (Reaching Perfection Once We Enter Eternity with God)

The promise of God's grace is NOT conditional.

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. --I Chronicles 16:11 (NASB)

Our strength may be found in the Lord when we humble ourselves and admit we need help.

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. --I Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)

Accepting the grace of God means we can show grace to others.

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth." --Exodus 34:6 (NASB)

God is ALWAYS abounding in love, compassion, and grace!

"I never send anyone to prison. I give them a ride based on the choices they have made." --Small Town Police Chief

 

 

Questions for Reflection:

What is the most amazing gift you've ever been given?

Is Jesus enough for you?

Is God's grace enough for you?

When we are actively pursuing a faith journey with Jesus Christ, someone will take notice. But when they inquire about our faith journey, what will we tell them?

What does the fact that Jesus offers grace to us mean to you?