Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness,
Grace is more
Multilayered -
CS Lewis - God beckons us to come farther
Grace is an ocean - stop dipping your toe
remember James
James 4:6 CSB
But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: God resists the proud,but gives grace to the humble.
Grace is more
humble ourselves = greater grace
humility creates an atmosphere of peace
allows us to speak truth filled with grace
Grace and Peace
Paul opened every letter with “Grace and peace” - 13 times
we need both of them - called to give them away
Luke 10:5 CSB
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
Grace and Peace
Paul wrote to encourage and correct - sources of grace
Peace and grace should be prized above all else
They should be given away
Matthew 10:8 CSB
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
Obstacles to Grace
bitterness
Hebrews 12:15 CSB
Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.
Obstacles to Grace
un-forgiveness - bringing it up again
we think we are alone - but it defiles others
bitterness affects those around
Scarcity - fear grace is in fixed amounts
I have to keep what grace I find to myself
we forget it is in endless supply
Community of Grace
Grace, peace, and truth are cultivated in community
Community = church - together as a family
Church - we choose like restaurants - 25,000 denominations -
How can we grow when we are free to wander from one family to another?
Peter
Community of Grace
Easy to miss - grace is in the middle of this passage
Show grace through love, hospitality, serving in our community of grace
We extend grace because we received grace
Caretakers
We are stewards
Matthew 25 and Luke 19- parable of the talents
change talents for grace
Matthew 25:21 CSB
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’
"We must never forget - if we are to grow in grace, and therefore grow like Christ - that the One we trust, love, and serve is a crucified Savior. To follow Him means taking up the cross, as well as denying ourselves. It means a crucified life."
