Memory Verse: …” Therefore, let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. – Hebrews 4:16. (AMP)
Text: Titus 2: 11-14.
Spiritual Emphasis: Grace is what differentiates Christianity from all other religion in the world. Grace is the foundation of Christianity. Grace according to Merriam-Webster is “an act of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.” According to Joyce Meyer, “Grace is the power of God made available to meet all our needs.” Put simply, grace is the unmerited favor from God. Jesus is grace personified – John 1:17 (NKJV).
Examples of God’s grace in the Old Testament
- Moses doubted God at every turn, yet God graciously guided him: Moses was as flawed as they come—arrogant, stubborn, and doubtful. Yet God faithfully walked with him, and as time passed, Moses learned how to faithfully obey. God used this blemished shepherd to lead His wayward sheep out of captivity. God chose to listen to and walk with a man who, in his youth, killed another with his bare hands. That’s grace! – Exo. 4:1-13.
- David lusted, stole, fornicated, lied, and killed—yet God saw his heart and loved him: David is the ultimate example of God’s unmerited favor. But I’ve got to start by mentioning all his merits, because they are many. Just open up the book of Psalms, and you will be astounded by how deeply he loved God. In his heart of hearts, I don’t think David ever strayed from his love for God. He just made some pretty terrible decisions along the way (haven’t we all?). The key is he always turned from his sins and repented, and God forgave him. That’s Grace! – Ps. 51:1-19; Ps. 69:13-17.
Question: As believers, what are some life lessons we can learn from David and Moses?
Conclusion: The Bible is packed with examples of humans who sinned, and a God who forgives. Humans who run and a God who pursues. Humans who don’t deserve Grace and a God who gives it anyway. If you’ve ever felt unworthy of God’s Grace, just spend some time reading the Bible. Jesus is Grace personified, He gave His life just to save you and I. To enjoy His Grace, just trust and obey for there is no other way!
Shalom!
Self-Study: 2 Cor.12:9; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 6:14; Rom. 11:6; 1 Cor. 15:10; Rom. 3:24; Matt. 9:1-8; Luke 15:11-24; Gen. 12:10-19; Lev. 18:9; Gen. 20:12; Gen. 16:1-2; Gen. 18:9-15; 1 Samuel 20:5-7.
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