Rooting Series · Lesson 8

Grace

God’s unmerited favor and influence in every part of the believer’s life: salvation, growth, service, and afflictions.

About 11 min26 scripture references10 memory versesBooklet pages 46–50
In this lesson

Grace, the most powerful, yet most neglected resource available to the New Testament believer. When we speak of grace, we speak of a very broad subject, one that touches and effects every aspect of the believer’s life. Unfortunately, grace has traditionally been taught and perceived as effecting our salvation alone. However, the Scriptures are clear about the impact of God’s grace in our lives. It not only has an impact on the believer’s salvation but on his/her growth, stability, service and afflictions as well.

In the Old Testament grace normally implied favor, either divine or human. We see this time and again in the lives of men such as Noah, Lot, Joseph, Moses, etc. (Genesis 6:8; 19:19; 39:4; Exodus 33:12-17). This favor, of course, was unmerited and displayed God’s willingness to work on the behalf of His people. However it’s impact does not reach its full realization until the New Testament.

In the New Testament grace not only implies divine favor, but divine influence as well. As believers, we experience its full realization through the new birth by receiving His fullness. (John 1:14-17) The Bible says that Jesus is “full of grace and truth”. When we received Him, we also received His grace for grace. For the New Testament believer there is greater access to this grace through faith. (Romans 5:1-2; Hebrews 4:16) However, with this access comes a greater accountability. (Luke 12:48; 1 Peter 4:10) Since we are to be good stewards of God’s grace, it is only wise that we understand exactly for what we are accountable. The importance of this doctrine can not be overstated; it effects every aspect of a believer’s life.

I. What Is Grace?

2 Corinthians 8:9Memory VerseThis is God’s definition of grace.

2 Corinthians 8:9 · KJV

9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

II. The Role of Grace in Salvation

Titus 2:11Memory VerseEvery person has the opportunity of enjoying God’s divine favor and influence. His will is to see every person receive salvation. (2 Peter 3:9)

Titus 2:11 · KJV

11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Acts 15:11Memory VerseThe early Church understood that salvation is a work of God engaged on our behalf by His grace. (Ephesians 2:5)

Acts 15:11 · KJV

11But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Romans 5:17-21Grace reigns through righteousness, which the believer receives as a free gift, unto eternal life. By receiving the abundance of grace the believer is empowered to reign in this life.

Romans 5:17-21 · KJV

17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 3:2-8This salvation by grace marks a new dispensation in which we would become fellow heirs of the promise. A promise that the Old Testament saints received in truth, but could not obtain without grace. (John 1:17; 1 Peter 3:7)

Ephesians 3:2-8 · KJV

2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

III. The Role of Grace in Growth

Luke 2:40Christ as a child grew in grace.

Luke 2:40 · KJV

40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

2 Peter 3:18Memory VerseWe are commanded to grow in the grace of God.

2 Peter 3:18 · KJV

18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:7-16; Romans 12:3-8He gives His grace to equip others, who in turn use their gifts and talents to assist in your growth:

Ephesians 4:7-16 · KJV

7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Romans 12:3-8 · KJV

3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

  1. By equipping individuals in specific offices. (1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 4:11-12)
  2. By collectively blessing the local Church. (Acts 4:33; 11:22-23; 13:43)
James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5Memory VerseAs we grow in His grace, this growth is manifested both inwardly and outwardly: Inwardly through humility, having a submissive and quiet spirit.

James 4:6 · KJV

6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 5:5 · KJV

5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Hebrews 13:9; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19Inwardly through the heart, having the heart established in thought and music.

Hebrews 13:9 · KJV

9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Colossians 3:16 · KJV

16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19 · KJV

19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6Outwardly through our speech, using the tongue as a source of truth for service.

Ephesians 4:29 · KJV

29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Colossians 4:6 · KJV

6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

1 Peter 4:8-10; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9Outwardly through our giving, using hospitality and our finances to minister to the needs of others; most importantly, the giving of ourselves. (2 Corinthians 8:5)

1 Peter 4:8-10 · KJV

8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 · KJV

1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

IV. The Role of Grace in Service

2 Timothy 1:9Memory VerseGod calls us into His purpose by His grace. This call gives us direction, assurance and vision as to His will for our lives. (Romans 15:15-16; Galatians 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 3:10)

2 Timothy 1:9 · KJV

9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-12Through grace we are equipped for His calling. The Spirit gives to each person, severally as He wills, the gift, which will best benefit the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Intentionally repeated)

Romans 12:3-8 · KJV

3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Ephesians 4:7-12 · KJV

7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

1 Corinthians 15:10Memory VerseThrough grace we are fashioned for His purpose and made able to function and labor in that purpose. Notice, Paul said, “...yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” If we could learn to get ourselves out of the way, God could work His purpose in us. (Philippians 2:13 - Memory Verse)

1 Corinthians 15:10 · KJV

10But 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.

2 Timothy 2:1-2We are exhorted to be strong in God’s grace before endeavoring to labor. This leaves the responsibility to us, to ensure our dependence on Him and not ourselves.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 · KJV

1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

V. The Role of Grace in Afflictions

2 Corinthians 12:9Memory VerseRegardless of the affliction, persecution, illness or temptation God’s grace is always sufficient.

2 Corinthians 12:9 · KJV

9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

James 4:6Intentionally repeatedRemember humility brings more grace.

James 4:6 · KJV

6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Hebrews 4:14-16In weakness and humility we can approach the throne of grace to find mercy for forgiveness of sins and grace to help in time of need. There is no excuse for a believer to fall short in his/her affliction, when we have such great access to the grace of God.

Hebrews 4:14-16 · KJV

14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

2 Corinthians 6:1-10We are not to receive God’s grace in vain (emptiness or aimlessness) but are to approve ourselves as the ministers of God. Every believer is a minister or an ambassador for God, according to verse one (see also 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). We are workers together with Him. How we utilize or fail to utilize our resource of grace plays an important role in how the world approves or blames the ministry.

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 · KJV

1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

VI. Abuse of the Grace of God

Galatians 2:21Memory VerseFrustrating the grace of God occurs when we try to accomplish through the law what God has done by grace. For Christ to justify you by grace through faith and then require that you be justified by the law, would make His death a vain effort and Paul a transgressor. (Galatians 2:16-18)

Galatians 2:21 · KJV

21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 5:3-4Here, falling from grace applies to a believer who has fallen from the doctrine of grace and reverted back to trying to please God in the flesh by focusing on keeping the law. Notice Paul says that Christ is become of “none effect”. The believer will have no power with God to change his life. The result of trusting in doing the law of Moses in the flesh to accomplish perfection in one’s life, means that you are not allowing the Spirit to change you through faith that worketh by love. All motivation for perfection or service should stem from a heart of love.

Galatians 5:3-4 · KJV

3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Hebrews 12:15Memory VerseOne fails of the grace of God when he fails to utilize what grace is given and available. There is a loss of opportunity, not of salvation. When Esau sold his birthright he did not loose his relationship, he lost his opportunity. The opportunity to father the godly seed line and be a blessing. Thus, his loss brought bitterness, which defiled many in his family lineage, even to this day. Our failure to utilize God’s grace can also bring bitterness in our lives.

Hebrews 12:15 · KJV

15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; fail...; or, fall from

Jude 4False prophets turn the grace of God into lasciviousness, which is loose living that’s shocking to public decency.

Jude 4 · KJV

4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:1-2The abuse of the grace of God is not just limited to unbelieving false prophets who teach a loose life style of lasciviousness, but to believers who use the forgiving power of God’s grace to justify continuing in sin.

Romans 6:1-2 · KJV

1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Hebrews 10:29When we sin willfully we hold the Spirit of grace in spite which will result in God’s chastening hand coming upon us.

Hebrews 10:29 · KJV

29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Conclusion

As a believer, learn to access and rely on the grace of God to give you power to live your Christian life. Then the Lord can use you and get the glory for it. The Apostle Paul relied on God’s grace and acknowledged it in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But for the grace of God I am what I am....” What a wonderful saint of God Paul was!

Learn these by heart

Memory verses in this lesson

2 Corinthians 8:9 · KJV

9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Titus 2:11 · KJV

11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Acts 15:11 · KJV

11But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

2 Peter 3:18 · KJV

18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

James 4:6 · KJV

6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 5:5 · KJV

5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

2 Timothy 1:9 · KJV

9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

1 Corinthians 15:10 · KJV

10But 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.

2 Corinthians 12:9 · KJV

9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Galatians 2:21 · KJV

21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Hebrews 12:15 · KJV

15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; fail...; or, fall from

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