1. In 1 Timothy 1:1-2 as well as 2 Timothy 1:1-2, Paul requested that Timothy receive 3 blessings from the Father and Christ: "grace, mercy, and peace." 2. While all of these blessings are very special, in our lessons today we are concentrating on passages that teach us about "the grace of God." a. This morning we are answering 3 questions that relate to God's grace. b. This evening we will turn our attention to 10 instructions [5 positive and 5 negative] that involve God's grace. 3. Unfortunately, God's grace is one of the most misunderstood of all Bible subjects. 4. By carefully studying a number of passages we can properly understand what God wants us to know about His grace.
Discussion:
I. QUESTION #1: "WHAT IS THE GRACE OF GOD?"
A. God's grace is the kindness or favor that God extends to people, even though we do not deserve it ["unmerited favor"]. B. To further help us understand what it is, God's grace is: 1. demonstrated in Genesis 6:5-8, 17-18 2. illustrated in Hebrews 2:9.
II. QUESTION #2: "WHO IS THE GRACE OF GOD FOR?"
A. We learn from Titus 2:11 that God's grace has "appeared to all men." B. This has occurred in the sense that Jesus, "by the grace of God," tasted "death for every man" as we read in Hebrews 2:9. C. According to Acts 15:11, God extends His grace to Jews and Gentiles. D. Specifically, God gives His grace to "the humble." 1. James 4:6 2. 1 Peter 5:5
III. QUESTION #3: "WHY DOES EVERYONE NEED THE GRACE OF GOD?"
A. Everyone needs God's grace because of sin and its consequences. 1. Sin is a widespread problem (Romans 3:23). 2. The consequences of sin are serious (Romans 6:23). B. Through His grace God provides many special blessings, including: 1. salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11) a. These verses do not teach that everyone will be saved (Matthew 7:13-14). b. We learn from Titus 3:4-6 how and when a person is saved by God's grace. c. We are shown how and when Paul was saved by God's grace in: 1) 1 Timothy 1:12-15 2) Acts 22:16; 9:18. 2. redemption and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7) 3. justification (Titus 3:7) 4. instruction about how to live (Titus 2:11-14) 5. "everlasting consolation and good hope" (2 Thessalonians 2:16).
Conclusion:
1. In Acts 11:22-23, when Barnabas went to Antioch, he saw "the grace of God." a. He saw people who had turned to the Lord (vs.21). b. He also saw people who were living as God's grace teaches. c. This caused Barnabas to be "glad." 2. When people look at us they need to see God's grace. 3. By receiving the salvation that God provides through His grace and living as His grace teaches, we can have great influence.
