There have been times that I have overheard people refer to “Church people” as hypocrites. Generally, these comments are made in reference to the individual’s decision not to be part of the Church. When I overhear these comments, I often chuckle to myself because the Church is a hospital for sinners and that is why everyone is welcome—the hypocrite can worship the Lord right next to the gossip, the glutton, the adulterer, and so on.
Paul writes to Timothy, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul, the greatest apostle of the Church, boldly proclaims that he is a sinner. Is Paul taking pride in his sinfulness? Certainly not. Rather, Paul is boasting of what a Savior Jesus is! Jesus tells us that He did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17) by offering Himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16).
In order to be saved, we must acknowledge Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. When we acknowledge that He is our Savior we are declaring that He is the Son of God. And, when we declare that He is our Lord it means that we will do what He says. However, these declarations are only the beginning. Once we surrender ourselves to God, the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and seals us as His child (Ephesians 1:13). The Holy Spirit guides us on life’s journey and makes us more like Jesus (Romans 8:29-30). But it is important to realize that the process of becoming more like Jesus is slow and takes a lifetime of prayer, patience, and persistence.
It is no surprise to God when we stumble and fall, which is why we are offered forgiveness if we repent of our ways (2 Peter 3:9). Repentance involves confessing our sin to God and then turning away from it (Romans 6:1-2). When we do this, the Bible tells us that He chooses to forget our sin (Isaiah 43:25). This is what we call: Amazing Grace! God no longer sees our sin; rather, He sees the righteousness of His son: Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
Jesus came to be a doctor to the sick (Matthew 9:12) and we are all sick from the effects of sin (Romans 3:23). We need to get healing from our transgressions from the Great Healer (Isaiah 53:5). Like Paul, I am not ashamed to declare that I am a sinner. My boasting does not come from pride in my attempts at righteous works, but in the cross of Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14) from which I am released from the deathly wages of sin (Romans 6:23) and given new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). The Church is a hospital for sinners as we continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) as we continue to decrease so that Jesus can increase.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Why Church?
Going to Church and being part of a Church can be a difficult task for many people. I must confess that when Sunday morning comes there is a part of me that would rather roll over, sleep in, and take it easy. Additionally, I have found being part of the Church comes with some frustrations: cranky and judgmental people, denominations more interested in maintaining their institution than with proclaiming the gospel to advance God’s kingdom, petty disputes, as well as just being let down by leaders and people that should know better. It is no wonder why I, like many others, find myself not particularly liking Church, but the question then arises as to why I am part of the Church?
While I do not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. The true Church is not the institutions or the buildings, rather it is the people drawn together as one body in Christ. Those who make up the body of Christ have been called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:15) to love one another as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). Jesus never gives up on us and we should never give up on Him or in what He is doing in our life and in the lives of others. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As God’s workmanship, we need to recognize that we are all works in progress and under construction for His glory. Acknowledging that God is working, even when we do not see it, we need to “bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13).
While Churches may be flawed, they are still the assembly of God’s people. Going to Church does not make you a Christian but it is hard to maintain the Christian life without being part of a faith community. Being part of a vibrant Christian faith community that is grounded in the word of God and committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus will: be a source of encouragement (Hebrews 10:25), help us strengthen our faith (Proverbs 27:17), and give us a family to help share our burdens (Galatians 6:2).
So, while I may not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. I am committed to the Church, for better and for worst, because it bears the name that is above every name: Jesus Christ. My hope is in Christ, not in people and what they say or do. We cannot claim to love God and not love people (1 John 4), which includes His Church. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
While I do not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. The true Church is not the institutions or the buildings, rather it is the people drawn together as one body in Christ. Those who make up the body of Christ have been called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:15) to love one another as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). Jesus never gives up on us and we should never give up on Him or in what He is doing in our life and in the lives of others. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As God’s workmanship, we need to recognize that we are all works in progress and under construction for His glory. Acknowledging that God is working, even when we do not see it, we need to “bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13).
While Churches may be flawed, they are still the assembly of God’s people. Going to Church does not make you a Christian but it is hard to maintain the Christian life without being part of a faith community. Being part of a vibrant Christian faith community that is grounded in the word of God and committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus will: be a source of encouragement (Hebrews 10:25), help us strengthen our faith (Proverbs 27:17), and give us a family to help share our burdens (Galatians 6:2).
So, while I may not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. I am committed to the Church, for better and for worst, because it bears the name that is above every name: Jesus Christ. My hope is in Christ, not in people and what they say or do. We cannot claim to love God and not love people (1 John 4), which includes His Church. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
Waiting Upon the Lord
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)
One of the things that I am really good at is planning. My family and friends have often commented that I always seemed to have my life planned out and then I take the necessary steps to accomplish my plan. However, over the past couple of years the Lord has been working in me and developing the discipline of waiting for HIS plans, rather than me making His plan “fit” my plans. I have learned that if I wait upon the Lord, I will not be disappointed because His plan is the very best.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Many times we are worried about what God’s plans are for us if we completely surrender our lives and our dreams over to him. However, God tells us that He has a wonderful plan for our lives beyond our wildest imagination. The question is whether or not we will give God the time to show us His plans for our lives or will we take matters into our own hands.
The psalmist indicates that waiting for the Lord is hard as he writes “be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). It is hard to wait on God because it is a matter of trust. Trust is difficult because it requires vulnerability. We have all been let down by ourselves and other people in our lives. However, God will never let us down if we lean not on our own understanding and in all of our ways, dreams, hopes, and fears acknowledge Him—He WILL make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5). When we feel that God has let us down, we must ask ourselves are we praying that our will be done or His will be done? We need to surrender our expectations before God can accomplish the very best in our lives.
As we wait for the Lord, we can be strong and take heart that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will not let our foot slip (Psalm 121:3) if we have built our hope upon the rock that is greater than ourselves (Psalm 61:2). We must always remember that God is faithful to deliver on His promises in His time and in His way. So, do not worry about tomorrow—God has is all figured out...just trust Him!
One of the things that I am really good at is planning. My family and friends have often commented that I always seemed to have my life planned out and then I take the necessary steps to accomplish my plan. However, over the past couple of years the Lord has been working in me and developing the discipline of waiting for HIS plans, rather than me making His plan “fit” my plans. I have learned that if I wait upon the Lord, I will not be disappointed because His plan is the very best.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Many times we are worried about what God’s plans are for us if we completely surrender our lives and our dreams over to him. However, God tells us that He has a wonderful plan for our lives beyond our wildest imagination. The question is whether or not we will give God the time to show us His plans for our lives or will we take matters into our own hands.
The psalmist indicates that waiting for the Lord is hard as he writes “be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). It is hard to wait on God because it is a matter of trust. Trust is difficult because it requires vulnerability. We have all been let down by ourselves and other people in our lives. However, God will never let us down if we lean not on our own understanding and in all of our ways, dreams, hopes, and fears acknowledge Him—He WILL make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5). When we feel that God has let us down, we must ask ourselves are we praying that our will be done or His will be done? We need to surrender our expectations before God can accomplish the very best in our lives.
As we wait for the Lord, we can be strong and take heart that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will not let our foot slip (Psalm 121:3) if we have built our hope upon the rock that is greater than ourselves (Psalm 61:2). We must always remember that God is faithful to deliver on His promises in His time and in His way. So, do not worry about tomorrow—God has is all figured out...just trust Him!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
THE JOY OF GRACE
THE JOY OF GRACE
Luke 15:1-10
I. The Joy of Grace
a. Grace releases joy in our lives because it sets us free from:
i. The burden of the past
1. Philippians 3- 12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
ii. Our guilt and shame
1. Hebrews 10- 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
iii. The consequences of other people’s actions on our lives
1. Romans 8- 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
b. Grace gives us a new purpose, a new family, and a new home
i. John 14- 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
ii. John 14- 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
iii. John 15- 9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
II. The Reluctance Towards Grace- Jacob and Esau- Genesis 33
a. The reluctance to receive Grace
i. Jacob had a reluctance to return home because he feared the consequences of his actions with Esau.
1. Romans 8:1- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
ii. Before Jacob saw Esau- he sent ahead of him gifts to pave the way. For us to receive Grace—we do not need to be fixed or give God gifts—we just need to believe and repent.
1. Going to the doctor’s after we feel better
2. 1 John 1- 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
3. Hebrews 4- 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
4. Psalm 103: 12- As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
5. Jeremiah 31:34- "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
b. The reluctance to give Grace
i. Genesis 27- 41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob."
ii. It is easier to say forgive and forget then to do it. But only through forgiving can we stop reliving the offense.
iii. MLK, JR- "Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.
iv. God wants us to trust Him that He will right the wrongs
1. Isaiah 61:7- 7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.
2. It is not our job to change people or circumstances—it is our job to act in faith by expressing love.
a. Love keeps no records of wrongs.
v. We have a responsibility as receivers of Grace to be givers of Grace
1. Luke 12:48- From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
2. Galatians 4- 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
III. Living in the Joy of Grace
a. Galatians 5- 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
b. 13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love.
Luke 15:1-10
I. The Joy of Grace
a. Grace releases joy in our lives because it sets us free from:
i. The burden of the past
1. Philippians 3- 12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
ii. Our guilt and shame
1. Hebrews 10- 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
iii. The consequences of other people’s actions on our lives
1. Romans 8- 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
b. Grace gives us a new purpose, a new family, and a new home
i. John 14- 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
ii. John 14- 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
iii. John 15- 9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
II. The Reluctance Towards Grace- Jacob and Esau- Genesis 33
a. The reluctance to receive Grace
i. Jacob had a reluctance to return home because he feared the consequences of his actions with Esau.
1. Romans 8:1- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
ii. Before Jacob saw Esau- he sent ahead of him gifts to pave the way. For us to receive Grace—we do not need to be fixed or give God gifts—we just need to believe and repent.
1. Going to the doctor’s after we feel better
2. 1 John 1- 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
3. Hebrews 4- 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
4. Psalm 103: 12- As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
5. Jeremiah 31:34- "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
b. The reluctance to give Grace
i. Genesis 27- 41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob."
ii. It is easier to say forgive and forget then to do it. But only through forgiving can we stop reliving the offense.
iii. MLK, JR- "Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.
iv. God wants us to trust Him that He will right the wrongs
1. Isaiah 61:7- 7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.
2. It is not our job to change people or circumstances—it is our job to act in faith by expressing love.
a. Love keeps no records of wrongs.
v. We have a responsibility as receivers of Grace to be givers of Grace
1. Luke 12:48- From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
2. Galatians 4- 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
III. Living in the Joy of Grace
a. Galatians 5- 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
b. 13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love.
THE WONDERFUL ABSURDITY OF GRACE
THE WONDERFUL ABSURDITY OF GRACE
I. The Wonderful Absurdity of Grace (Matthew 20:1-16)
a. 13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
b. Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve and mercy is not getting what we deserve.
c. We are God’s children and heirs of the kingdom by GRACE ALONE
d. We are always concerned with fairness—yet none of us deserve the gift of eternal life
i. Romans 3:10- There is no one righteous, not even one
1. So how can you judge what is fair?
2. Twilight Zone episode
ii. Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
iii. The first will be last and the last will be first—In Christ we are equal
1. Ephesians 2- 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
e. We cannot earn our way into heaven—we can only believe our way
i. 2 Corinthians 5:21- 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
II. Grace, Faith, Works
a. Called to the field to work!
b. Ephesians 2- 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
c. Does our work matter? YES—your work gives evidence to being a Christian, but your work does not make you a Christian
i. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works
ii. Romans 6- 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
iii. James 2:14-26- True faith will produce good works!
iv. Romans 8:9- You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
v. Following Jesus means living life at its very best!
d. The Holy Spirit is what produces good works in us
i. Ephesians 1- 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
ii. It changes us-
1. 2 Corinthians 4- 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2. Matthew 5- 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
iii. Galatians 5:22- 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.
iv. 1 Corinthians 15- 9For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
III. Conclusion- How now shall we live?
a. Galatians 6- 12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[b] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
I. The Wonderful Absurdity of Grace (Matthew 20:1-16)
a. 13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
b. Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve and mercy is not getting what we deserve.
c. We are God’s children and heirs of the kingdom by GRACE ALONE
d. We are always concerned with fairness—yet none of us deserve the gift of eternal life
i. Romans 3:10- There is no one righteous, not even one
1. So how can you judge what is fair?
2. Twilight Zone episode
ii. Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
iii. The first will be last and the last will be first—In Christ we are equal
1. Ephesians 2- 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
e. We cannot earn our way into heaven—we can only believe our way
i. 2 Corinthians 5:21- 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
II. Grace, Faith, Works
a. Called to the field to work!
b. Ephesians 2- 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
c. Does our work matter? YES—your work gives evidence to being a Christian, but your work does not make you a Christian
i. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works
ii. Romans 6- 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
iii. James 2:14-26- True faith will produce good works!
iv. Romans 8:9- You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
v. Following Jesus means living life at its very best!
d. The Holy Spirit is what produces good works in us
i. Ephesians 1- 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
ii. It changes us-
1. 2 Corinthians 4- 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2. Matthew 5- 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
iii. Galatians 5:22- 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.
iv. 1 Corinthians 15- 9For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
III. Conclusion- How now shall we live?
a. Galatians 6- 12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[b] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
The Audacity of Grace
THE AUDACITY OF GRACE
Matt 18:23-35
I. Why the Grace of Forgiveness is so vitally important?
a. The most terrifying words “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”
b. Forgiveness is the only way to break the cycle of ungrace and destruction.
i. Ecclesiastes- Nothing new under the sun
ii. But if we are in CHRIST—through the grace of forgiveness--17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5)
iii. Rev. 21:5- 5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
II. How to forgive?
a. Acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ
i. Philippians 2:5-11
b. Reflect on the issue (not the person), meditate on the scriptures, and respond to the Holy Spirit
i. Psalm 46:10- Be still, and know that I am God
ii. Psalm 119- 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.
iii. John 14- 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
c. Repent for your actions and feelings of bitterness and disdain
i. Matthew 7:3-5- 3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
d. Deal with it…As soon as possible
i. Ephesians 4:26-27- Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
1. The devil is a liar- John 8:44- 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2. John 10:10- 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
ii. John 3:16- Don’t wait for the other to make the choice to forgive
1. John 20:21- Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
e. Pray!
i. 2 Corinthians 12:9- 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
f. Do good through humble service
i. Luke 6- 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
ii. Romans 12- 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[a]says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[b] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1. Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning charcoal on one’s head as a public act of repentance. Get rid of the enemy by making them your friend
III. Conclusion- Forgiveness is daily act
a. Luke 9- 23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!- Mercies new every morning.
Matt 18:23-35
I. Why the Grace of Forgiveness is so vitally important?
a. The most terrifying words “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”
b. Forgiveness is the only way to break the cycle of ungrace and destruction.
i. Ecclesiastes- Nothing new under the sun
ii. But if we are in CHRIST—through the grace of forgiveness--17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5)
iii. Rev. 21:5- 5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
II. How to forgive?
a. Acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ
i. Philippians 2:5-11
b. Reflect on the issue (not the person), meditate on the scriptures, and respond to the Holy Spirit
i. Psalm 46:10- Be still, and know that I am God
ii. Psalm 119- 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.
iii. John 14- 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
c. Repent for your actions and feelings of bitterness and disdain
i. Matthew 7:3-5- 3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
d. Deal with it…As soon as possible
i. Ephesians 4:26-27- Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
1. The devil is a liar- John 8:44- 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2. John 10:10- 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
ii. John 3:16- Don’t wait for the other to make the choice to forgive
1. John 20:21- Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
e. Pray!
i. 2 Corinthians 12:9- 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
f. Do good through humble service
i. Luke 6- 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
ii. Romans 12- 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[a]says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[b] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1. Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning charcoal on one’s head as a public act of repentance. Get rid of the enemy by making them your friend
III. Conclusion- Forgiveness is daily act
a. Luke 9- 23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!- Mercies new every morning.
STUBBORN LOVE, AMAZING GRACE
STUBBORN LOVE, AMAZING GRACE
I. The Foundation of Grace is Love (Hosea 1:2-11; 3:1-3)
a. 1 The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes."
b. God showed us grace because he loves us!
i. 1 John 4:10- 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[a] our sins.
ii. Romans 5:10- 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
c. He showed us grace because he saw beyond our sin to our potential!
i. 1 Corinthians 13:12- 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
ii. 2 Corinthians 4- 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
1. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2. 1 John 1:5- This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
iii. If God is both love and light- then love clears the distortion and we shine his light to clear up the distortions of the sin
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18- 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
d. We do this by showing grace to others!
1. 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3)
2. Matthew 5- 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
II. The Expression of Grace is Forgiveness
a. Forgiveness is satisfying a debt—and grace is forgiveness that is free!
b. Hosea paid for Gomer’s ransom and chose to forgive her to express the grace that God has shown for us.
i. Romans 8- 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.[a] And by him we cry, "Abba,[b] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
c. Love keeps no records of wrong
d. The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-31)
i. The Father was looking for his son to return, while the brother had already written him off.
ii. 28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
e. The brother failed to understand the grace that was given to him—he owned nothing of his own—it was all a gift from a loving father
III. The Boundaries of Grace is Limitless
a. Love is not fair—it is better than fair!
b. Matthew 18:21-34- Forgive as we have been forgiven
c. Colossians 3:13- 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
I. The Foundation of Grace is Love (Hosea 1:2-11; 3:1-3)
a. 1 The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes."
b. God showed us grace because he loves us!
i. 1 John 4:10- 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[a] our sins.
ii. Romans 5:10- 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
c. He showed us grace because he saw beyond our sin to our potential!
i. 1 Corinthians 13:12- 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
ii. 2 Corinthians 4- 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
1. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2. 1 John 1:5- This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
iii. If God is both love and light- then love clears the distortion and we shine his light to clear up the distortions of the sin
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18- 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
d. We do this by showing grace to others!
1. 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3)
2. Matthew 5- 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
II. The Expression of Grace is Forgiveness
a. Forgiveness is satisfying a debt—and grace is forgiveness that is free!
b. Hosea paid for Gomer’s ransom and chose to forgive her to express the grace that God has shown for us.
i. Romans 8- 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.[a] And by him we cry, "Abba,[b] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
c. Love keeps no records of wrong
d. The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-31)
i. The Father was looking for his son to return, while the brother had already written him off.
ii. 28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
e. The brother failed to understand the grace that was given to him—he owned nothing of his own—it was all a gift from a loving father
III. The Boundaries of Grace is Limitless
a. Love is not fair—it is better than fair!
b. Matthew 18:21-34- Forgive as we have been forgiven
c. Colossians 3:13- 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
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