Responses To God's Grace Series

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