All of us would like to have second chances in life. Maybe you would do something better, or would have not rushed into a certain decision. Dr. Stanley instructs that a second chance is what grace is all about.
Sermon Outline
God’s grace is a multifaceted gift, provided solely through the cross of Christ. It’s essential for us, and yet we often resist accepting it. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley explains why grace is a free gift that we cannot earn.
Key Passage: Romans 5:1-6
Supporting Passages: John 3:16-17; Romans 1:7; Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:18; Romans 5:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 12:6; 1 John 4:18
All of us can look back and see things we wish we could change. God’s grace offers a second chance.
► “Faith doesn’t mean simply believing in God. It means the object of my faith is Jesus Christ.”
God has demonstrated His grace for us in two ways (Rom. 5:1-6). They are:
1. Justification
We are declared not guilty by God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Even if we’ve known the truth and rejected it many times, when we finally trust Jesus as our Savior, we receive God’s pardon.
Jesus’ substitutionary death for our sin provides the only means by which God will give us a second chance.
Peace with God means we are no longer God’s enemies. We are made His children through faith in Jesus.
There is no grace apart from the cross of Christ.
► “We live and walk in a sphere of grace.”
2. A lifestyle of grace
Our position in grace continually affords us a second chance.
By justifying us, God gave us a standing of grace so it can become our lifestyle (v. 2).
The overarching message of the Bible is the gospel of the grace of God (Romans 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3).
Grace is God’s kindness toward humanity. This blessing is not based on the merit of those who receive it.
Grace comes through faith, not as a result of works (Eph. 2:8-9).
► “Trying to pay God back for what He’s provided is to frustrate the grace of God.”
We cannot add anything to grace or “pay God back” for it.
We can be grateful. Gratitude for the undeserved grace of God should lead to living a life that is pleasing to Him.
As believers, we are justified by faith and live under the canopy of God’s grace.
We may experience God’s chastening but remain in His grace (Heb. 12:6).
We mustn’t let a “works mentality” prevent us from walking in grace day by day.
We already have God’s favor and do not need to fear Him (1 John 4:18).
After Watching
As Dr. Stanley said today, grace can sometimes be challenging for us to accept. If it is a struggle for you, try listening to hymns such as “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” or “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” allowing the lyrics to speak truth to your heart.
Call to mind a recent time God granted you “a second chance.” We are called to do the same for someone who has offended us. Resolve to make “passing on His grace” a habit.
