MEMORY VERSE: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 2:4-10.

[4]But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

[5]Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

[6]And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

[7]That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

[8]For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

[9]Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[10]For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

The word translated as ‘Grace’ in Hebrew is Chen,’ which means to bend or stoop in kindness to another as a superior to an inferior (Gen.6:8).

The Greek word for ‘Grace’ is ‘Charis” and it connotes something beyond the ordinary course of what can be expected and therefore commendable (1Cor.15:10). When used in reference to God, it is the benevolent action of Him stooping down to us in kindness to reach us in our needs and convey upon us a benefit. His grace has been termed ‘unmerited favour’ but it is more than an attitude of favour or mercy.

OUTLINES

1. UNDERSTANDING GRACE

2. HOW TO RECEIVE GRACE

UNDERSTANDING GRACE

‘Grace’ connotes many things. It is often described as God’s favour towards the unworthy or His benevolence on the undeserving (Rom.5:8-10) translated into action that releases the enabling power into our lives (1 Cor.15:10). Grace signifies the gift bestowed upon man for salvation (Eph.2:8; Tit.2:11) and for service (Eph.3:7-8; 4:7). It is also a virtue to be manifested (2 Cor.8:7) and a benediction to be enjoyed by believers in Christ (Eph.6:24). Grace helps in times of need (Phil.4:19; Heb.4:16) and enables us to do exploits (Dan.11:32, Phil.4:13).

The covenant of grace differs considerably from Old Testament covenants under the law. While the law blessed ‘the good, grace saves the bad.! The law accuses and convicts, ‘Grace’ cancels bonds and relieves the debtor (Rom.6:14).

Paul describes ‘Grace’ as the appearance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man (Tit.2:11; 3:4). God shows both Mercy and Grace but they are not exactly the same. Mercy withholds a punishment we deserve; grace gives a blessing we do not deserve.

HOW TO RECEIVE GRACE

Basically, the grace of God can be received

through the following ways but not limited to

these:

1. By accepting God’s love towards all men

(Jn.3:16; Rom.5:8)

2. By believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.10:9-10) through God’s mercy and the

fellowship of the Holy Spirit (1 Tim.1:13; Heb.4:16; Matt.9:13).

3. By exercising our faith, no matter how little at all times (Matt.17:20; Rom.1:17).

4. By being humble before God (Jam.4:6; 1Pet.5:5).

5. By loving the Lord Jesus with all of our hearts (Eph.6:24).

6. Through sufferings and trials arranged for us by God (Rom.8:28; 1Pet. 5:10; 2Cor.12:9).

7. Through the prophetic words of prayer contained in the Bible or spoken to us by our

spiritual heads and fellow believers in Christ (Ps.107:20; Acts 20:32; 2Tim.4:22; 1 Thess.1:1).

CONCLUSION

Grace is the spring and source of all benefits received from God (Romans 11:6). God’s grace should not be taken for granted (Rom.6:1-2; Gal.2:21).

QUESTIONS:

1. Explain your understanding of grace.

2. Mention five (5) ways grace can be received.

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

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