SOLO GRATIA: GRACE ALONE
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Scripture for this week includes Psalm 46:1-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, & Luke 7:36-50.
A note to begin: Salvation does not depend upon our activities (how could it be if we are dead before God's gift?); God gives it through grace alone - His unmerited gift. If salvation is not earned but bestowed by God, there are far-reaching implications for legalism. First, many people will try to earn grace through works and following God's laws. While we should undoubtedly follow God's commandments, this is an outworking of salvation (which the Church calls "sanctification"), not a prerequisite for it. Second, this has pushed some believers to a form of gatekeeping -- excluding others from faith because, according to one person's judgment, they do not "fit the part." But again, grace is a gift not predicated on anyone's actions or life; it is an unmerited gift of God. Thus, living legalistically or expecting that of those around us misses the wonder of grace.
In addition to the individual questions offered for each day, also consider some practical ways you can live out the truth of "By Grace Alone" in your daily lives and your interactions with others.
Day 1 (Monday): Grace is often defined as "Goodwill and favor shown to one who can plead no merit." Thus, grace is goodness given to someone who has not done anything to deserve or earn it. In your life, other than in your relationship with God, where have you been the recipient of grace?
Day 2 (Tuesday): Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Paul describes our state before God's grace in Ephesians 2:1-3. What does this passage reveal about our natural condition without God's intervention?
Day 3 (Wednesday): Reread Ephesians 2:1-10. When you think about your default reactions to situations or perhaps your first response to adversity or criticism, how have you seen Paul's words at work?
Day 4 (Thursday): In contrast, Ephesians 2:4-7 speaks of God's rich mercy and great love. How does your understanding that our salvation is not earned but freely given impact your relationship with God?
Day 5 (Friday): Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and not something we can boast about. How can we guard against pride or a works-based mentality in our Christian walk?
Day 6 (Saturday): Paul mentions that we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10). How do you understand the relationship between God's grace and the good works that we are called to do?
Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities available on Amazon Books (#ads):
- "Lutheranism 101 Baptism" by Charles Lehmann
- "The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life" by Louie Giglio
Watch this week's sermon or read the entire message & GPS here.
Comments