Introduction: Introduction: 1.In Hebrews 12:28a a very special blessing is mentioned -- we have received "a kingdom which cannot be moved." 2.In Hebrews 12:28c an important responsibility is mentioned in connection with this blessing -- serving "God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." 3.Vs.29 gives one reason why we must serve God faithfully in His everlasting kingdom -- "God is a consuming fire." a.The alternative to serving God faithfully in His kingdom is eternal punishment. b.We want to avoid this punishment, and we want to receive the reward that God promised to His faithful servants. 4.To be faithful servants of God in His kingdom, we need something very special. 5.This brings us to the request in Hebrews 12:28b that we are emphasizing in our lesson -- "let us have grace." 6.Since "grace" is essential to our spiritual wellbeing, we must have a proper understanding of . . .
Discussion:
I.WHAT GRACE IS
A.Grace: kindness or favor that God extends to us, even though we do not deserve it ["unmerited favor"]. B.To help us better understand what grace is, let us consider: 1.a demonstration of God's grace in Deuteronomy 7:6-8 a.The word "grace" is not found in these verses. b.God demonstrated His grace when He chose the Israelites as His "holy people." 2.an illustration of God's grace in Luke 15:20-24. a.This young man did not deserve any kind treatment from his father. b.He decided to go home and ask to be made a servant (vs.18-19). c.When he arrived, he received kindness he did not deserve -- his father received him back as a son. d.This helps us to appreciate the statement in James 4:6: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." C.Now that we understand what grace is let us turn our attention to the fact that . . .
II.WE BECOME SERVANTS OF GOD THROUGH GRACE
A.Before we can serve God faithfully in His kingdom, we must become God's servants, and we must become members of His kingdom. B.The Bible teaches in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith. 1.We become God's servants when He makes us free from sin as we obey the doctrine delivered to us (Romans 6:17-18). 2.This occurs when we are baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4). 3.When we are saved God translates us into His dear Son's kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). C.We need grace to become servants of God in His kingdom; however, . . .
III.WE NEED GRACE TO SERVE GOD FAITHFULLY IN HIS KINGDOM
A.(Hebrews 12:28) God's people are to serve Him "acceptably with reverence and godly fear," and we need grace to do this. B.We learn from Titus 2:11-14 that God's grace teaches us how to live. 1.(vs.12a) We are to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts." a.Some people think that God's grace allows us to live as we please. b.However, this simply is not true (Romans 6:1-2). 2.(vs.12b) We are to "live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." 3.(vs.14) We are to be "a peculiar people, zealous of good works." 4.(vs.13) This will allow us to look forward to the Lord's return.
Conclusion:
1.Have you become a servant of God in His kingdom? 2.If you have, are you serving God "acceptably with reverence and godly fear?"
