Grace Has Been Given

INTRO.- ILL.- Earle V. Pierce tells how studying the grace of God affected evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Moody loved to study the Bible topically, and it occurred to him one day that he had never studied the subject of grace. Setting aside a day, Moody gave himself to the study of God’s grace.

But a second day was required. Even on the third day Moody had not finished his task. By the late afternoon of the third day, however, Moody was so filled with his subject that he had to go out on the street and talk to somebody about it. Stopping a complete stranger, Moody said, “My friend, do you know anything about grace?”

Surprised at the question, the man replied, “Grace who?” “Why,” Moody responded, “the grace of God that brings salvation.”

DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT GRACE, GOD’S GRACE OR HIS GRACIOUSNESS? I’m sure you do.

ILL.- Preacher Charles Swindoll recalled his last spanking when he turned thirteen years old. Chuck said, “Having just broken into the sophisticated ranks of the teen world, I thought I was something on a stick. My father wasn’t nearly as impressed as I was with my great importance and new-found independence.

“I was lying on my bed. He was outside the window on a muggy October afternoon in Houston, TX, weeding the garden. He said, ‘Charles, come out and help me weed the garden.’ I said something like, ‘NO, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY, REMEMBER?’

“My tone was sassy and my deliberate lack of respect was eloquent. I knew better than to disobey my dad, but after all, I was the ripe old age of thirteen. Dad set a new 100-meter record that autumn afternoon. He was in the house in a flash and all over me like white on rice, spanking me all the way out to the garden. As I recall, I weeded until the moonlight was shining on the pansies.

“That same night he took me out to a surprise dinner. He gave me what I deserved earlier. LATER HE GAVE ME WHAT I DID NOT DESERVE. The birthday dinner was a matter of grace. He showered his favor on this rebellious young man. And I enjoyed grace.”

What a beautiful story of grace and it’s something that God has lavished on everyone of us. It’s just that some people are not aware of it.

Grace has been given to you. Do you believe it? You’d better because it’s true. Grace for forgiveness. Grace for trials. Grace for life.

PROP.- Let’s consider some different aspects of this grace that has been given to us.

1- The power of grace

2- The people of grace

3- The purpose of grace

I. THE POWER OF GRACE

7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." 9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

The power behind the grace that’s been given to us. Where does it come from? Who has the power to give grace? Obviously, it’s Christ who gives us His grace for life and salvation.

ILL.- Before my mother passed from this life on June 30, 2002, in fact, many years before she passed she had made what is called a beneficiaries will. This will stated that at her death her small two bedroom, one bath, house in Webb City, MO, would go to me. Mother had already informed my brother and sister that she was going to do this and no one argued. It was hers to give, however, I most certainly did not deserve that house. No matter what you think of what my mother did, I DID NOT DESERVE THAT HOUSE. I was the orneriest kid she had! I got into more trouble that my brother and sister put together!

What’s my point? I DID NOT DESERVE THAT HOUSE. It was an act of grace from the heart of my blessed mother. And I long for the day when I can see my mother again. I can’t wait to hug her and tell her how much I love her!

You may even think, "Steve had a good mother." I did and nothing I did was as great as what she did for me by giving me birth and blessing my life again and again. And as much as I owe

her. As much love as I owe her, I OWE JESUS MORE!

The one who bestows grace on us is Jesus. And He bestows it abundantly! Not just in salvation but every day. Have you thought about your grace blessings lately?