In this series, we have been discussing that how you see God determines how you live your life. This week we will be talking about grace. We think of grace as something God has, as an attitude of benevolence. But the Hebrew mind would think of grace as something God does – His benevolent activities on our behalf. Grace is not an attitude that God has, but an activity He performs in faithfulness to His covenant.
1. What thought or idea stood out to you in this week’s message?
2. Read Exodus 34:6. “The Lord (YAHWEH—I AM), the Lord (YAHWEH—I AM), compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” People have different definitions of grace. How would you describe grace? Are you willing to consider that your definition might need to be tweaked a little bit?
3. Pastor James described grace as “God’s goodness in action.” What do you think about that statement? Does it make sense to you? Why or why not?
4. How does each of the following verses demonstrate that God’s grace directs our steps? Psalm 25:8, Psalm 116:5–9, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 73:23–24, Proverbs 3:5–6, Isaiah 48:17, Jeremiah 29:11.
5. The following verses demonstrate how God’s grace empowers our lives. God will never ask you to do anything he doesn’t give you the ability and the power to do. Have someone read each verse and discuss how God’s grace empowers us to live in ways that please God. Psalm 73:24–26, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 138:3, Isaiah 40:29 & 31, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 2:1, James 4:6, Titus 2:11–12, 1 Corinthians 15:10.
6. Pastor James said that “God's grace supplies all our needs,” he used the following verses to support that statement. Get your bibles out and discuss how these verses support that idea. Psalm 84:11, Isaiah 41:9–10, Genesis 33:11, Psalm 23:1, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:19, Ephesians 2:4–9.
7. Read again Ephesians 2:8-9. We cannot save ourselves. We don’t work for God’s favor, we live in it. If we are going to walk forward in freedom, we must start fighting back with grace. You’re not just a sinner saved by grace… you are a saint wielding the power of the Spirit of God! Pray for each other that you might "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1)