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Documents about different biblical subjects

Grace

September 7th, 2011

The understanding of grace is the foundation for a love-motivated relationship with God, rather than one that is works-motivated. We can become Pharisees (knowing the requirements of Christian life but missing the heart motivation.

Similarly, overachievers (in the world or in the kingdom) are valued by others and value themselves based on their performance. The goal of follow up is to build security, self-esteem and worth based on God’s grace and love not on their Christian duty of perfect performance.

Question: How do you define “grace”?

  • Undeserved forgiveness
  • Acceptance even without perfect performance
  • Real love (an “in-spite-of” love)
Question: Where does grace come from?
  • Jesus receives the punishment for your sins instead of you - 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • After baptism, Jesus blood continues to cover over our sin - 1 John 1:7
Grace is almost too good to be true, but it is. The goal of this study is to help you to see the real God who loves you and how valuable you are to him. He valued you at the cost of his only Son, whom he gave up so that thee could be grace to forgive your sins and restore your  relationship with him.

Psalm 103:8-10
  • Think of 2 of the most convicting sins in your life
  • What do you deserve for them?
    • Punishment (not being trusted, retribution, etc…)
God sees everything we do and think and he knows what we deserve. Yet it is his grace that gives us forgiveness rather than punishment.

Matthew 18:21-35
  • We owe God a debt we could never repay.
  • God has given us grace so we need to extend it to others as well.
  • The more you see your sin the more you can understand God’s grace.
The number 7 (vs. 21) was a number that meant perfection. Jesus said not just 7 times (perfection) but eternal perfection of forgiveness.

As you continue your walk with God picture yourself in a world of God’s grace. And remember every time you stumble or fall down your landing in God’s grace. Just get back up and continue on in God’s grace. Not once, not twice, not seven times but continue on in God’s grace for eternity.