"Grace & Law"
Text: Ephesians 2:4-10; Romans 5:1-8
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound...
A Plethora of 'Grace'
- A name, an address, a period, a fall, a disgrace, before meals, music notes, free-gift-gratis, gratuity, hostess, grateful, p.n.grata
- Christian usage: Saving Grace; living grace; sanctifying grace; healing grace; sovereign grace
Saving Grace
- Grace: from the Greek word - 'charis'
- Something to rejoice, sweet, beautiful, special goodwill, loving kindness
- "Charisma" grace gifts
A Unique Christian concept
- God's favour to undeserving sinners
- G.R.A.C.E. = God's Riches At Christ's Expense
- Grace is the essence of God. It is not just God giving "small gift" but the very giving of Himself (through Jesus the Son)
❤ Grace is God giving what we do not deserve
❤ Mercy is God withholding what we do deserve
Ephesians 2:4-9 - the 'magna carta' of faith
- How does God save us?
- What is the channel of grace?
- What is the contrast?
Romans 5:2 - 'The grace in which we now stand'... "living under grace"
The Place of the Law
- Romans 6:1-2
- Two perceptions:
+ The Negative Perceptions:
- The Law of Tyrant (Roman 7:5-6)
- The Law brings death (2 Corinthians 3:7)
- Romans 8:2; Galatians 3:24-25
+ The Positive Perceptions:
- The Law is holy, good, spiritual (Romans 1:12-14)
- Fulfill the Law by loving neighbours (Galatians 5:13-14)
- Uphold the Law (Romans 3:3)
✓ Understand Paul's usage of Law
✓ Recall Jesus' position
✓ How Law was given not for salvation but for direction
✓ Grace should not lead to lawlessness
Conclusion:
The Joy of Knowing Grace & Law
1. Appreciate the Grace "amazing grace"
- The forgiveness, the freedom, the acceptance
2. Acknowledge with thanksgiving, the gratitude from a joyful heart
3. Act in OBEDIENCE, uphold the Law in Love (John 14:15; 21-24)
4. Activate grace in your life (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
Tis' grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home. - John Newton
Online Sermon. All Rights Reserved.