Sunday School 13 August 2023

TOPIC: Dynamics Of Grace (Part 1)

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

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 2:4-10 (KJV) 

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 ‘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.

LESSON OUTLINES

UNDERSTANDING GRACE

HOW TO RECEIVE GRACE

1. UNDERSTANDING GRACE

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

The covenant of grace differs considerably from the 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 (Romans 6:14).

Paul describes ‘grace’ as the appearance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man (Titus 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.

2. HOW TO RECEIVE GRACE

Basically, the grace of God can be received through the following ways but not limited to these:

By accepting God’s love towards all men (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)

By believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10) through God’s mercy and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 1:13; Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 9:13).

By exercising our faith, no matter how little at all time (Matthew 17:20; Romans 1:17).

By being humble before God (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

By loving the Lord Jesus with all our hearts (Ephesians 6:24).

Through sufferings and trails arranged for us by God. (Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Through the prophetic words of prayer contained in the bible or spoken to us by our Spiritual headstand fellow believers in Christ (Psalm 107:20; Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 4:22; 1 Thessalonians 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 (Romans 6:1-2; Galatians 2:21).

QUESTION

Explain your understanding of grace.

Mention five (5) ways grace can be received.

FURTHER READINGS:

Monday: 1 Thessalonians 3:7 (KJV)

Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 4:15 (KJV)

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Wednesday: Psalm 45:2 (KJV)

Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Thursday: Psalm 84:11 (KJV)

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Friday: 1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJV)

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Saturday: 2 Corinthians 1:12 (KJV)

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Sunday: Romans 5:3 (KJV)

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

ASSIGNMENT: List (10) things you have accomplished by grace (1×10=10 Marks).