Faiths Review And Expectation
I Tim 1:12-17
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Introduction
Here is a trivia question for you? Of all the songs ever written, which song has been recorded most – by the largest number of different vocal artists?
The answer is “Amazing Grace”. The classic Christian hymn written in 1779 by John Newton. For years “Amazing Grace” has been a favorite, particularly in southern churches. Nearly every hymnbook has it in it.
The Hymn was written by John Newton as a testimony of the grace of God in his life. Before his conversion John Newton had lived a wicked and sinful life. Among his many sins he had captained a slave ship and had brought slaves from Africa to the United States. He had made his living in the wickedest of ways. After his Conversion to Christ he became an Anglican minister.
The original title of the song was not “Amazing Grace” but was “Faiths Review And Expectation”. The title was later changed to the one we are familiar with.
Also the original hymn had six verses and not four as found in most of our hymnals. Interestingly one of the verses as found in our hymnals was added later and was not penned by John Newton. The melody that was added to John Newton’s Poem was a familiar folk song of the day, “Virginia Harmony”.
Around 25 years ago a recording artist was recording a new single album. On the flip side they needed another song before they could release the recording. The vocalist remembered a song that she used to sing as a young girl in church and since the song was public domain, they would not have to pay any royalties on it. The song was ‘Amazing Grace”.
The record was released to radio stations to play and promote the album. A strange thing began to happen. The radio stations began to play the flip side, “Amazing Grace”. The recording took off and became the number one song for several weeks. The secular world loved the music and the words and yet few really understood the full meaning of Grace and how amazing that it is.
What Is Grace?
I have found that Grace is much easier to illustrate than it is to define. It would take volumes to do the definition justice but here are some common definitions.
Grace is – Gods Riches At Christ’s Expense
Grace is – God’s love taking the initiative to meet man’s need, whatever that need may be.
Grace is – Love stooping (bending) down.
Mercy is – Not getting what you deserve.
Grace is – Getting what you don’t deserve.
Grace goes beyond mercy. Mercy is the Governor giving a guilty man a pardon.
Grace is the Governor giving the man a pardon and them taking him home to live with him.
The best single sentence definition of Grace that I have run across is this:
“Grace is God’s freely given, unmerited favor toward the sinful and failing, the expression of forgiving, redeeming, restoring love toward the unworthy.”
In John Newton’s Hymn – “Amazing Grace” – We can also find a definition of Grace.
This morning I want us to go through the six verses as John wrote them and discover his wonderful definition and testimony of Grace.
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I. The Grace That Saves Us – “Saving Grace”
Verse 1
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Eph 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Years ago I saw some graffiti on a bathroom wall – “Are you saved?”
Someone had written beside it – “Saved from what?”
What does the grace of God save us from?
The first thing that God’s grace saves us from is the penalty of sin. – Spiritual death – Eternal separation from God – Hell.
There was a time if you had ask me, “How were you saved?” I would have replied, “By faith in Jesus Christ.”
Today my reply would be different – “By God’s grace through faith.”
II. Our Standing In Grace – “Justifying Grace”
Verse 2
T’was grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Rom 5:1-2
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
PEACE WITH GOD
At one time we were enemies, alienated from God but now we have peace with God.
This second verse brings us to the second aspect of Grace - Grace saves us from the Power of sin.
Illustration
If a man were standing on the ledge of a tall building, threatening to jump off and you talked him into not jumping – You would have saved his life but that would only be the beginning. You would have to deal with what drove him out onto that ledge in the first place.
III. The Discipline of Grace or Growth in Grace – “Maturing Grace ‘
Verse 3
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace that brought me safe this far.
And grace will lead me home.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Many think of Grace merely as the means whereby God forgives sin and fail to realize that Grace is also God’s way of dealing with the believer after they receive Christ.
What is the aim and goal of the Christian life?
“To be conformed to the image of Christ.”
Grace is God’s way of growing us into Christ’s likeness. All of the trials and tribulations that we go thru are part of God’s maturing us.
IV. The Comfort Or Consolation Of Grace – “Comforting Grace”
Verse 4
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
II Thess 2:16-17
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Is God Good? – Yes – God is always good. It is his nature to be good.
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 27:13
“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
V. The Grace To Leave This Life – “Dying Grace”
Verse 5
Yea when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
A Salvation that you can live with is one thing. What good is a grace that you can’t die with.
Illustration
A man in my church had a heart attack and thought he was going to die. After he recovered he said, “Pastor, I know that I am saved but I found myself afraid of dying.” My reply was, “Joe, did you die?” Of course his answer was no. “When your time comes to leave this life, God will give you dying grace.” And a few years later Joe went to be with the Lord.
When out time comes – God’s grace will be sufficient to die with.
VI. The Reward Of Grace – “Crowning Grace”
Verse 6
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine,
But God who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
HEAVEN
Conclusion
1. Grace delivers us from the Penalty of Sin.
2. Grace delivers us from the Power of Sin.
3. Grace will deliver us from the Presence of Sin.
