Here’s the outline notes of a sermon I preached yesterday.
Introduction
As a church we want to be a grace filled community – a radical alternative to the world and culture around us. This means that every aspect of what we do and how we live is saturated in this thing called grace.
- We need to know that we are not the hero of the story!
David and Goliath – where are you and I in the story? We often think of ourselves as being like David -killing our giants. But in fact that’s not where we are in the story.
We are at best with the Israelites looking on with trepidation hoping our hero will triumph
But it’s worse than that ….we are with the enemy
That’s what Grace is all about
- Christ the hero has rescued us
V1-3 – we were God’s enemies …. The realm of sin and death
…. This is one reason why God’s Law cannot save. It’s not a bad law. But imagine living under a brutal dictator. You may have the same laws about murder and stealing. You’ll have police and judges but they’ll be used to crush and harm.
V4-6 – God … because he is rich in mercy
Made us alive with Christ … raised us to reign with him
In order that he might show off the riches of his grace
- We have received a free gift
The gift is … (V8-9)
available to all
something that cannot be earned/paid for
Why? … Because we are saved by grace …. a free gift contrasted with works
To exclude boasting
The gift is not…
To be snatched and enjoyed at a distance
V9-10 -result/purpose …. We are made/redeemed for good works ….
- A church that is saturated in grace will be a church where:
All are welcome …. – humility leads to compassion
Where we can be open about our challenges and struggles -nothing and no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
Where there is patience – we are all works in progress
Where there is joyful service – we get involved because we are filled with joy, gratitude and hope not out of legalistic duty.
What does this look like for me?
What is it that I need God’s grace for this week?
Faithroots 