Intro: Grace has been defined in many ways,
(unmerited favor, God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense,
full and underserved pardon and forgiveness) but
whatever the definition, the Grace God extends
to us demands that we respond. What should be our
responses to God’s Grace?
I. RECEIVE HIS GRACE (V. 11)
1. "Hath appeared to all men"
2. "bringing salvation"
3. God’s will is that we receive freely His
GIFT OF GRACE
4. Ephesians 2:8-9
5. The connection between the event on the cross
and our soul is that we PERSONALLY INVITE JESUS
INTO OUR HEARTS AND RECEIVE HIS GRACE AND MERCY.
6. We do so by realizing our need, repenting
of our sin, relying on Jesus’ promises for
salvation and for full forgiveness.
II. REFLECT HIS GRACE (V.12)
1.Those who receive his Grace are to reflect
that in daily living: ("soberly, righteously,
Godly")
2.We are to be less judgemental and more
grace-full as we live out what we have
received.
3.The parable of the debtor indicates that
we are to reflect the same grace we have
received.
III.REST IN HIS GRACE (V.13)
"THAT BLESSED HOPE AND GLORIOUS APPEARING"
1. For some, the word Glorious Appearing
strikes terror in their heart...because
they are afraid they have done something
to cause the loss of their salvation. They
aren’t RESTING IN GOD’S GRACE.
2. While many will disagree, I believe Scripture
indicates that once we have received His
grace, and are reflecting His Grace, we can
REST ASSURED of His continuing grace in our
lives.
3. Once we can "rest assured" we can devote
energy once used in worrying about our
salvation to productive christian living.
4. Not resting in our salvation "drains" us
of spiritual energy, confidence in God,
and power in our testimony.
IV. WE ARE TO REJOICE IN HIS GRACE (V. 14)
"ZEALOUS" UNTO GOOD WORKS...
1. Paul says "rejoice in the Lord always...
and again I say rejoice"
2. The dark depressed hopeless doomsday thinking
of the world could use a good dose of rejoicing
and optomism...
3. When we receive God’s Grace, reflect it,
and rest assured within it, then we can
truly REJOICE within any and all circumstances
4. We can rejoice because "we’ve read the back
of the book...and know how the story ends..."
5. We can rejoice because He walks with us
now, and will take us home with Him to live
in an environment free of evil and injustice
one day.
6. The person who has received, reflected,
and rested in God’s Grace can rejoice
because NO MATTER WHAT THE WORLD BRINGS...
HE HAS A GUARANTEE..HOPE AND ASSURANCE...
THAT "ABOVE THE DARK CLOUD THERE’S THE SUNSHINE"
Conclusion: Let us respond properly to God’s gift
of His Grace...by receiving, reflecting, resting in,
and rejoicing in His wonderful Grace.
Suggested Hymn: Amazing Grace
