Grace 5

Memory Verse: …”And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity – 2 Cor. 9:8. (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 is something so unbelievable that without Christ, you can’t begin to fathom it. It’s what you’re given when you in no way deserve it. It’s humbling and redeeming and replaces shame with strength and love. Jesus is grace personified.

Examples of God’s grace in the Old Testament

• God’s grace endures in spite of Abraham and Sarah’s unbelief – Did you know that Abraham’s fear and sense of self-preservation led him to distort the truth by saying Sarah was his sister? Did you know that Sarah laughed at God when He said she would give birth to a son in her old age? And then, after laughing at God, she encouraged her husband to sleep with another woman to fulfill the promise?  Abraham and Sarah’s lives were marked with disbelief and disobedience, yet God remained faithful to His promise. That’s grace! – Gen. 12:3; Gen. 18:9-19.
• 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 of his merits. Because there 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. That’s grace! – 2 Samuel 12:1-13; Ps. 51:1-4; Ps. 69:13-17.
• Rahab bravely asked God to save her (in spite of her past sins) and He did! Rahab is referred to as “the harlot” three times over in scripture. She was a prostitute—a sinner unworthy of God’s grace. But somewhere along the way, she heard tales of this God of Israel. She confessed her belief in the God of Israel, asked for mercy and bravely bargain for her life and that of her family.  In fact, she dwelled with the Israelites and faithfully served God the rest of her days.  That’s grace! – Joshua 2:8-14.

Question: As believers, how do we live in a wicked world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God? Are there lessons we can learn from the life of Abraham, David and Rahab?

Conclusion: In a world quick to judge, grace slows down to listen. It offers second chances, sees the good in hard places, and always leaves room for redemption. Grace isn’t just a theological concept. It’s the very heartbeat of how God relates to us. It is also the model for how we extend love to others. The grace of God is not merely a safety net for when we fail; it is the power that transforms us to live as followers of Jesus.

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; 2 Cor. 3:14.