The True Grace Of God - (1 of 2) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that the true grace of God is far greater than merely forgiving sin; it is demonstrated by the immense transformation God can bring to a person's life. The speaker warns against misunderstanding grace, cautioning that many believers settle for a low standard of living and fail to grasp the full scope of what Christ accomplished. True grace empowers the heart, enabling believers to live lives that reflect Christ's sinless example, rather than just possessing intellectual knowledge of scripture.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the ultimate purpose of God's grace in our lives?God raised us up with Christ so that in future ages He can show the surpassing riches of His grace and what it could accomplish in us during our earthly life.
The contrast between true grace and false gracePeter testifies about the true grace of God, warning that even in the first century there was a counterfeit grace that excused sin rather than calling believers to follow Christ's footsteps of holiness.1 Peter 5:12
Law versus grace and the example of Ishmael and IsaacJust as Ishmael was produced by human effort and Isaac by divine power, the new covenant under grace calls us to rise higher than the old covenant through God's power rather than our own ability.
Jesus lived under the grace of God through humilityAs a man on Earth, Jesus needed and received the grace of God because He lived in constant humility and considered others more important than Himself.Luke 2:40
Warnings against receiving grace in vain or coming short of itScripture warns believers not to squander the grace of God or come short of it through bitterness or trading spiritual privileges for earthly things like Esau did.
The foundation and superstructure of the Christian lifeEphesians chapter 2 teaches that the foundation of our salvation is entirely by grace through faith with zero works, while the superstructure consists of the good works God prepared for us to walk in.Ephesians 2:8–10
Justification as a gift by His graceWe are declared righteous as a gift through the redemption of Christ's blood, beginning with the foundational necessity of turning away from sin in repentance.
Why sin is more serious than physical sicknessJust as people naturally hate physical sickness and seek cures, believers must develop a genuine hatred for sin because it destroys us spiritually, whereas the smallest sin is ultimately more dangerous than any physical disease.
Sin shall not rule over you under graceWhen we are under grace rather than law, sin loses its ruling power over us, allowing us to respond to the Holy Spirit instead of our fallen human nature.Romans 6:14
God's grace gives power and help in trialsWhen Paul faced a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble, the Lord told him that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in weakness.
Drawing near to the throne of grace for timely helpBelievers can approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy for past failures and find grace to help during times of temptation and need.Hebrews 4:15–16
