GRACE TO YOU
Rev. 22:21
Big Idea: Salvation is not just about getting you to heaven it is about redeeming your life here on earth.
INTRO:
Well, we have done it. We have finally come to my last sermon from The Revelation of John. It has taken us 32 months but we are at the end.
Speaking of the end -- if you had written this letter how would you have ended it? What would be your parting words? What would be your last sentence?
Would you end it with:
• “Now, do what I say and remain faithful!”
• “Hang in there!”
• “People get ready, Jesus is coming!”
• “Remember; we win!!!!”
I suspect John gave his ending a lot of thought. This was a heavy and sobering book for a heavy and sober time. Let’s see what the last words John chooses to leave with his parishioners might be:
Rev. 22: 21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
Wow! John ends it with … “Grace.” John ends with a desire to see God’s grace poured out on everyone who reads and hears this book. What fabulous parting words. They are certainly fitting aren’t they? In fact, to take it a step further – it is certainly fitting that the last words of the New Testament – indeed the whole Christian Bible should be … an offer of Grace.
I cannot help but notice this offer is in the present tense. The Greek used suggests that this grace is an ever present possibility. It is available, active, and effectual for them (us) … now … in their (our) present place.
That is so very consistent with New Testament theology isn’t it? Grace is about bringing and fulfilling God’s salvation in his people. Salvation is not just about getting you to heaven it is about redeeming your life here on earth. Hence grace has impact on you here and now.
• What is happening in your life today that needs God’s intervention?
• Are the pressing demands in your life requiring you to be faithful, patient, and persistent while enduring to their conclusion?
• What personal, moral or character issues do you wish to see refined?
• Do you need God’ wisdom or strength or provision to help with something?
• Are you facing some fear or fears that you need to overcome?
• Is there a calling of God that you need help to obey?
These are all opportunities for you to experience the victorious grace of God.
Grace is a gift from God. That is actually an inherent element in the word’s definition. It is an offer God makes; not a status we create or earn. You cannot earn it – you can only receive it. Receiving God’s gift of grace is referred to as faith.
One of ladies in our congregation had a baby shower yesterday. She was “showered with gifts” but, in order to receive those gifts she had to attend the shower and take the offerings. She trusted the gifts would be good and acted on that trust. That is what faith is like … it is trusting God’s offer is good and moving to receive it.
Understanding God’s invitation to grace usually falls into two large categories.
1. Grace is God’s gift for overcoming the prevailing power of sin (Ephesians 2:8-9)
It is only by God’s grace that we find his favor. We are made right with God … by God and God alone. Remember “Grace plus anything is not grace.” Only His grace can release us from the shackles of sin. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This happens first and foremost when God pardons our personal sin and cleanses us from sin’s guilt. But, grace not only saves us from the penalty of sin, it also empowers us to live lives free from sin’s grip.
Have you ever experienced God’s pardon from sin? Have you ever experienced the freedom that comes when your guilt is washed away? The Bible says “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21)
There really is nothing you can do to earn this forgiveness. Any effort put forth only frustrates the process because we are incapable of pleasing God – we are sinful. It is only by God’s grace that we can find forgiveness.
That is a stumbling block for some. They feel they need to earn it, or first become a better person, or something, but there is only one way to find forgiveness and that is through the grace of Jesus Christ!
The first big category to understand grace is that grace is God’s gift for overcoming the prevailing power of sin. The second is
2. Grace is God’s gift for life and living (Titus 2:11-13)
God’s grace is given to transform who we are and what we become. The original readers of this book must have found God’s grace so refreshing and important – the pressure to live and be something other than Christian was enormous. I suspect you and I will find it valuable and helpful too. That is why God invites us to take advantage of it.
The Bible says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
In Hebrews 4:16 the Bible says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
God’s grace impacts and transforms every arena of your life; not only your eternal destiny but you lifestyle, your purpose – everything. God’s giving of Himself (grace) has the potential to make you into the image of Jesus. Remember Ephesians 2:8-9? It says “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Well, Ephesians 2:10 finishes the statement. It says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
You get the picture don’t you … God’s plan is to restore you to your “original intent.” And that intent was modeled for us in the life and character of Jesus Christ.
Sanctification is the act of becoming holy of becoming like Jesus. And this process starts when we come in contact with God’s grace and surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. The grace of God motivates and teaches us to live healthy, Godly lives. Titus 2:11-12 says, “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.” God’s grace can be a transforming and guiding power in our lives. I am sure the first readers of this book would testify to its potential to sanctify, satisfy, and sustain us.
It is only by God’s grace that we find strength to be faithful. YOU CAN TRUST OR YOU CAN TRY.
WRAP-UP
The story is told about a man who was walking across the road and was hit by a car. The impact knocked him down and he was in a coma for several days before regaining consciousness. When he opened his eyes, his loving wife was standing beside his bed, holding his hand.
He said, “You know, Judy, you’ve always been right by my side. When I was a struggling college student, I failed again and again. But you were always there with me, encouraging me to go on trying.”
He said, “And when I got out of school and went for all my interviews and failed to get any of the jobs, you stayed right there with me, helping me to find a job.”
“Then I started to work at this little firm and finally got the chance to handle a big contract. But I blew it because of one little mistake, and yet you were there beside me all the way.
“Then I finally got another job after being laid off for sometime. But I never seemed to be promoted and my hard work was never recognized. And so, I remained in the same position from the day I joined the company until now. And through it all, you were right there by my side.”
At this point in the conversation his wife began to get tears in her eyes. He continued, “And now I’ve been in this accident and when I woke up, you’re the first person I saw. And there’s something I would really like to say to you....”
He said, “JUDY, I THINK YOU’RE JUST PLAIN BAD LUCK!”
Friends, there are times in our lives when we think we experience nothing but bad luck. We may not necessarily blame it on our mates or even God, BUT WE FEEL AS THOUGH WE’VE BEEN DUMPED ON IN LIFE. And this is where God’s sustaining grace comes in. God’s grace is nothing short of God Himself and it can sustain us and keep us going if we will receive it.
I know it sounds strange but – God has nothing to offer you outside of His Grace. Every good gift available is a gracious gift of God. He has nothing else to offer because His grace is sufficient to see you through every test, every trial, every temptation, and every opportunity. God’s gift of grace is the offer to life in the Spirit.
The Bible teaches us that:
• God’s grace is unlimited and abundant (Romans 5:15, 20); it is not finite; God will not run out or have to ration it.
• It is multiplied to us (2 Cor. 4:5). God gives grace generously – He does not give you just enough to get you through (Eph. 1:7, 23)
The Bible also teaches that God’s grace can be frustrated or “received in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1) … in other words, it can be rejected and resisted.
God’s grace must be received in faith and yielded to in all of life’s endeavors.
This begins with that first “Big Category” -- receiving God’s grace begins by coming to Him for pardon from sin. We must confess our guilt and take responsibility for your actions.
The word “sin” means “to miss the mark.” Think of God’s ideal as a target. You may miss the bull’s eye by an inch or a mile but either way we have all missed the mark. God’s pardon comes through a simple heart-felt prayer “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).
Forgiveness for sin opens a portal to life in Christ which I cannot describe in one sermon but suffice it to say that, over and over, the Bible does indeed refer to it as “life.” It stands in contrast to the moral failure and misery we have created for ourselves.
I know of no better way to conclude this book than to make you the same offer the original author makes. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.
This is an opportunity to receive and live in the blessings of God’s grace.
This is a great time to live in the present tense of God’s grace.
Come experience His pardon for sin.
Come receive His empowerment for life and living.
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This sermon is provided by Dr. Kenneth Pell
Potsdam Church of the Nazarene
Potsdam, New York
www.potsdam-naz.org
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RESPONSIVE READING: GRACE TO YOU
John 1:16; Titus 2:11-13; Hebrews 4:16
Leader: From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
People: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men
Leader: It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions
People: And to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age
Leader: While we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
People: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence
All: So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
