The Exceeding Riches of God's Grace (Ephesians 2:1-9)
Introduction:
1. From these verses we learn some valuable information about God. a. From vs.4a we learn that God "is rich in mercy." b. In vs.4b God's "great love" is mentioned. c. We read about God's "grace" in vs.7-8. 2. Today we are especially interested in "the exceeding riches" of God's grace mentioned in vs.7. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on 3 of these exceeding riches.
Discussion:
I. FIRST, "SALVATION" IS ONE OF THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE (Ephesians 2:1-9)
A. According to vs.1a, Christians have been "quickened" [made alive]. B. The spiritual condition of those who are outside of Christ is revealed in vs.1b-3. C. We learn from vs.4-9 that we are able to experience salvation because of God's mercy, His love, and His grace. D. Specifically, God's grace saves us when we are raised with Christ. E. The details of being raised with Christ are explained in Colossians 2:12-13; Romans 6:3-4; Titus 3:3-7. F. God's grace saves us when we comply with the conditions of salvation that are revealed in the Scriptures. G. The works that will not save us are the type mentioned in Luke 18:11-12.
II. SECOND, "INSTRUCTION" IS ANOTHER OF THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE (Titus 2:11-14)
A. In addition to bringing salvation, God's grace teaches us how to live. B. God's grace teaches us to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts" (vs.12a). 1. God's people are to be holy (1 Peter 1:13-16). 2. God's grace does not give His people freedom to sin (Romans 6:1-2). C. We learn from Titus 2:12b-14 that God's grace teaches us to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" while we look for the Lord's return.
III. THIRD, "SUFFICIENCY" IS ANOTHER OF THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
A. Paul talked about an experience in vs.1-6 that could have cause him to be filled with pride. B. To prevent this from happening, Paul was given "a thorn in the flesh" (vs.7). C. Paul asked the Lord in vs.8 to remove this thorn. D. The Lord responded in vs.9a by stating that His grace was "sufficient" to sustain Paul. E. Paul showed in vs.9b-10 that he had learned to trust in God's grace for strength.
Conclusion:
1. We have examined 3 of the exceeding riches of God's grace, including "salvation," "instruction," and "sufficiency." 2. According to Ephesians 2:7, the best is yet to come. 3. Have you responded to God's grace through faith?
