10 Instructions that Involve God's Grace (2 Timothy 1:1-2)
Introduction:
1. When Paul introduced his letters to Timothy, he wanted his friend to receive 3 blessings from the Father and Christ: "grace, mercy, and peace." 2. While all of these blessings deserve our careful attention, today we are concentrating on passages that teach us about "the grace of God." a. This morning we answered 3 questions that relate to God's grace. 1) "What is the grace of God?" 2) "Who is the grace of God for?" 3) "Why does everyone need the grace of God?" b. This evening we are turning our attention to 10 instructions [5 negative and 5 positive] that involve God's grace.
Discussion:
I. 5 NEGATIVE INSTRUCTIONS THAT INVOLVE GOD'S GRACE
A. We must not think that God's grace gives a license to sin (Romans 6:1-2, 14-15). B. We must not receive God's grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). C. We must not frustrate God's grace (Galatians 2:21). D. We must not fall from God's grace (Galatians 5:4). E. We must not turn God's grace into lasciviousness (Jude 4).
II. 5 POSITIVE INSTRUCTIONS THAT INVOLVE GOD'S GRACE
A. We must allow God's grace to be seen (Acts 11:22-23). B. We must "continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43). C. We must stand in grace (Romans 5:1-2). D. We must "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1). E. We must allow our hearts to "be established with grace" (Hebrews 13:9).
Conclusion:
1. Let us be reminded that God's grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). 2. Let us follow these instructions to the best of our ability.
