GRACE UPON GRACE
John 1:14, 16 (ESV) – 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen (“beheld”) his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
16- For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
“We have seen” = “Beheld” or “Behold” – theáomai = “to gaze at a spectacle – to gaze on (contemplate) as a spectator; to observe intently, especially to interpret something (grasp its significance); to see (concentrate on) so as to significantly impact (influence) the viewer.
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The WHO – “From His …We have all …”
- JESUS is where it all starts… he is the source…
- WE are the undeserving benefactors of an eternal inheritance and identity, which gives us a Divine purpose during this earthly sojourning.
- Colossians 1:19 – 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
- Colossians 2:9-10 – 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
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The WHAT – “We have all received… upon .”
- “WE have received…”
- “Grace upon Grace…”
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“Grace” – Charis – “favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards” – preeminently used of the Lord’s favor – freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is “always leaning toward them”). Refers to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.
Prevenient Grace – Grace that goes us…
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Justifying or Saving Grace – the into new , new creation, rebirth
Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9 – 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
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Sanctifying or Sustaining Grace – God’s grace us… Our in Grace…
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Two Main Obstacles is God’s story of grace…
1.
2.
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The WHY – Why would God continually pour out His grace upon grace, over and over again and why does it matter?
- To draw us into deeper and more intimate worship of Him, to Glory in Him, so that we truly are drawn to constantly BEHOLD HIM.
- To unify us on the common ground that we are all broken, messy people, who need God’s Grace and need each other’s grace, over and over again.
- To motivate us to regularly step towards culture, which is also a group of broken and messy people, with this unending flow of God’s grace – pouring grace in every sphere of culture that my life touches.
- Jesus was full of Grace and Truth – Ultimately, we are called to be His representatives, to incarnate Him to the world around us. He was full of both. We must be the same!
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1. What stood out to you from this week’s message?
2. Typically, we refer to God’s grace as “Receiving something we do not deserve, or unmerited favor.” Read the definition of Grace once again, together as a group. From the greek word CHARIS = “Favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards… He used the Lord’s favor as he freely extended to give Himself away to people (because HE is always leaning towards them). Refers to God freely extending Himself, reaching or inclining towards people because He desires to bless them and be near them”.
In what ways does this definition of CHARIS deepen your understanding of God’s grace?
3. John 1:16 gives us a better understanding of God’s ongoing and unending flow of grace towards each of us. John writes, “From His fullness, we have all received Grace upon Grace” or “Grace in Exchange for Grace.”
In what ways have you experienced God’s grace in your life, past and present, and does this strengthen your faith as you look to the promise of Grace in your future, as a believer? Name the graces you see in your life!
4. In order to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author,a nd finisher of our faith, we must define and identify those areas in our lives that tend to get us off track. In Sunday’s sermon, we talked about some obstacles to our recognizing or experiencing God’s grace.
Define and explain a few person areas of potential or ongoing struggle. Name them to your group, pray for each other, for victory in these areas.
5. How can we pray for you?