God’s grace doesn’t make sense to me. His grace is radical. Extreme. It even contradicts human logic. For instance, if we work hard, we earn a paycheck. If we drive faster than the speed limit, we often get an expensive ticket. In this world, we usually get what we deserve.
But God’s grace is different. We don’t deserve grace, yet God freely pours it out on the undeserving. He even lavishes it on those not looking for it. God’s grace is amazing, powerful, and free. His grace is not simply enough for us. It is abundantly poured out to overflowing. Without boundaries or limits.
Do you need a fresh awareness of God’s lavish grace? For the next 6 weeks, we are going to explore God’s grace. This study, which is based on my new Bible study Lavish Grace, will help you recognize, rest in, and share the glorious grace of God. And Paul – often referred to as “the Apostle of Grace” – will be our tour guide. We have built in four levels of involvement, so you can participate as much or as little as you are able. (See previous post for a full explanation.) Here’s the brief version:
- Level One: This post
- Level Two: This extended, printable PDF lesson
- Level Three: Join the closed Facebook group for discussion throughout the week
- Level Four: Purchase a copy of “Lavish Grace” and do the study to dig in deep!
- Bonus Goody: Come back each Saturday for a “Let’s Say Grace” TMI recipe!
Where do we begin this journey into grace? Today, let’s start with a few basic facts – the What, When, and Why of God’s Lavish Grace.
What is grace?
The Greek word usually translated as “grace” in the New Testament is charis. The definition of charis in The Complete Word Study New Testament includes these facets:
- Closely related to the Greek word we translate as “joy”
- Divine favor, kindness, acceptance
- Favor bestowed on the undeserving without expectation of return
- Absolute freest of God’s loving-kindness to men
- Motivated by the bounty and heart of the Giver
- Unearned and unmerited favor
- Forgives sin and affects a person’s sinful nature, shaping her to be used for God’s good purposes
- Results in joy and gratitude in the one who receives it
Slowly read back through the definition of God’s grace above. Which aspects of grace are new to you? What could this mean for your life today?
The best thing about grace is its Source. True grace flows from God’s heart. It’s based on His bounty, His character. We do not merit His grace. We cannot earn it. Yet in His loving-kindness He freely pours it out.
When does God extend His grace?
When did you first recognize the presence of God’s grace in your life? In a Bible study class? When God answered a prayer? God’s first working of grace may not be what you remember.
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Notice the word and phrases that describe God’s actions toward us. Stop for a moment and contemplate the richness of God’s grace towards you.
Look again at verse 4. When did God decide to act in these ways towards us?
God’s grace was working in your life long before you were aware of it. He chose to love you when you were indifferent and rebellious (See Romans 5:8). Then He wooed you with His grace so you would embrace Him with joy.
Why does God pour His grace in our lives?
Throughout this study, we will discover that God’s grace is constantly active in every aspect of our lives – spiritually, relationally, and physically. God’s grace is:
- Poured Out for our spiritual good –In this week’s PDF lesson, we’ll discover how God’s grace woos us, saves us, and calls us to His service.
- Poured Through for our relational good (Weeks 2-4 of this study)– God calls us to be channels of His great grace, not stagnant pools.
- Overflowing for our physical good (Weeks 5-7 of this study)– Through times of trial and suffering, God’s grace overflows our lives to provide comfort, encouragement, and strength.
Have you encountered God’s saving grace? Just as water is essential for physical life, God’s grace is essential for eternal, spiritual life.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Have you crossed from death to life by God’s grace through faith in Jesus? If you answered “no,” find out how you can enter into a saving relationship with Jesus today!
If you made this decision for the first time, welcome to the family of God! If you have been a believer for some time, consider what other ways you may need God’s lavish grace for your spiritual good today.
- Accept God’s grace regarding something in your past?
- Ask God to pour out His grace in your rebellion, complacency, or doubt?
- Depend on God’s grace for your spiritual growth or service?
What new truths about grace did you learn today? How does God want to impact you with His grace today?
Kathy encourages women to live an unshakeable faith for life by standing firm on our rock-solid God no matter the circumstances. The author of six books, Kathy also has a Masters in Christian Education. She has taught the Bible for over 25 years and speaks regularly at women’s events.
Kathy and her husband live in the Houston area. They have three children, two sons-in-law, and one grandson. Find out more and get discipleship tools and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org.
- Let’s Say Grace: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe - September 24, 2016
- Lavish Grace Week 1: The What, When, and Why of Grace - September 19, 2016
- LAVISH GRACE: Poured Out, Poured Through, and Overflowing Online Bible Study - September 8, 2016
