Best. Gifts. Ever. Week 3: God’s Grace Message Summary: A glorious God who only loved the deserving would be depressing. Thankfully, God is full of grace, a loaded word connected with a freely given gift. God’s grace led him to send his Son and forgive our sins, making it one of the best gifts ever. ✦ Grace = Next-level love ✦ John 1:14 — The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ✦ John 1:9-11 — The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ✦ Biblical Grace = Undeserved love ✦ John 1:14b — …the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace. ✦ John 1:16 — Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ✦ Ephesians 2:4-9 — But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. ✦ God’s grace = Best. Gifts. Ever because it… 1) saves sinners. Ephesians 2:5 — “…made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” 2) covers shame. 1 Peter 2:6 — For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 3) relieves fear. Hebrews 4:16 — Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 4) trumps guilt. Psalm 32:5 — Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. 5) makes saints. 2 Timothy 1:9 — He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 6) gives access. Romans 5:1-2 — Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ✦ 2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Study the lyrics of Amazing Grace. Where do you see the undeserved part of God’s incredible love for us? GROUP — Please remember what Christians friends can offer each other that non-Christian friends cannot: The grace that is ours through Jesus Christ. Remind one another of that grace often! GROW — Read and meditate on Titus 3:3-8. Find at least four references to the undeserved love that God has for sinners. GIVE — The Apostle Paul claimed that grace motivates us to imitate God (Titus 2:11). Why would this be true? GO — Christmas is only two weeks away! Extend at least one invitation this week for a friend to join you for our Christmas worship services to hear about grace found in the manger of Jesus. Homework: John 1:1-18