Let Us "Continue in the Grace of God" (Acts 13:43)
Introduction:
1. According to this verse, Paul and Barnabas persuaded the people in Antioch "to continue in the grace of God." 2. This activity deserves our careful attention as we begin our 9th year. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on 3 reasons why we must "continue in" God's grace. a. The grace of God saves us from sin. b. The grace of God teaches us how to live. c. The grace of God is sufficient.
Discussion:
I. FIRST, LET US "CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD" BECAUSE IT SAVES US FROM SIN
A. The point is clearly revealed in Ephesians 2:4-9. B. There is widespread agreement on the fact that we are saved by God's grace. C. Unfortunately, there is widespread disagreement over "how" and "when" we are saved by grace. D. We are not concerned with the opinions of men -- we need to know what God has said in His Word about His grace. E. Let us allow the apostle Paul to explain how and when we are saved by grace. 1. God's grace had allowed Paul to overcome his former life as a persecutor and a blasphemer (1 Timothy 1:12-14). 2. Notice how Saul is introduced (Acts 7:58; 8:1, 3; 9:1-2). 3. The Lord appeared to Saul as he traveled to Damascus (Acts 9:4-6). 4. How did he feel after arriving in Damascus? (see Acts 9:9, 11b) 5. What was Saul told to do in Damascus? (see Acts 22:12-16) 6. How did Saul respond? (see Acts 9:18) 7. Notice the effect of God's grace upon Saul (Acts 9:19-21). F. We are saved by God's grace when we comply with His conditions (Mark 16:16). G. Let us heed the warning issued in 2 Corinthians 6:1.
II. SECOND, LET US "CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD" BECAUSE IT TEACHES US HOW TO LIVE
A. God's grace does not give us license to live as we please (Romans 6:14-15). B. Rather, we learn from Titus 2 that God's grace teaches us: 1. to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (vs.11-12a) 2. to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (vs.12b-13). C. As these guidelines are followed, God's grace can be seen (Acts 11:22-23).
III. THIRD, LET US "CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD" BECAUSE IT IS SUFFICIENT (2 Corinthians 12)
A. In vs.1-6 Paul mentioned an experience in which some special information was revealed to him. B. In connection with this, he was given "a thorn in the flesh" (vs.7). C. According to vs.8, Paul asked the Lord 3 times to remove this "thorn." D. Notice what Paul was told in vs.9a. E. What lesson did Paul learn? (see vs.9b-10) F. In connection with this, let us read Hebrews 4:16.
Conclusion:
1. The passages we have studied should persuade us "to continue in the grace of God" as we serve Him in our 9th year. 2. As we conclude,: a. Have you been saved by God's grace? b. Are you living as God's grace teaches? c. Is God's grace sufficient for you?
