The Bible says that Christians are to imitate God in all we do. But what is God like? An exploration of the attributes of God will help us to know what God is like and understand who God intends for us to be. There is no higher or greater calling than to know God and reflect His image to the world. Knowing God will lead to a life of freedom, purpose, and understanding of His will for your life.
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
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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Titus 2:11-14 NIV
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
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1. Grace of God defined.
The New Testament word for“grace” means “favor, blessing, or kindness.” Grace is God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves. God’s grace is His benevolence to the undeserved.
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2. Understanding the Grace of God.
Saving grace
Sustaining grace
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Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
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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Ephesians 1:7 ESV
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
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Romans 5:8-10 ESV
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
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3. Responding to God's Grace.
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2 Timothy 2:1 ESV
1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
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Titus 2:11-14 NIV
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
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2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
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Receive It
Give Thanks
Share It
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John 3:16 ESV
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
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2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV
15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
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Ephesians 2:10 ESV
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
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Application:
As recipients of God’s grace, Christians are to be gracious to others!