{"id":67,"date":"2026-08-23T13:15:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T13:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/?page_id=67"},"modified":"2026-08-23T13:15:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T13:15:49","slug":"gods-grace","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/?page_id=67","title":{"rendered":"GOD’S GRACE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GRACE UNLIMITED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Believer’s Guide to Receiving and Living in God’s Unearned Favor<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Carl Timothy Wray<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carl Timothy Wray is a Christian author and Bible teacher whose ministry represents more than four decades of studying, teaching, and writing the Word of God. His work extends far beyond a single book or platform and reflects a lifetime devoted to biblical teaching and making those teachings accessible to readers and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His ministry and publishing work include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • 40+ years devoted to studying and teaching the Word of God<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Author of 600+ books and biblical teaching works<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 15+ years teaching students through Facebook and online ministry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • More than 2 million views on his YouTube teaching channel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 200+ books and teachings achieving #1 search positioning on Google, Bing, and Yahoo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Founder of The Finished Work of Christ<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Founder of Zion University<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Founder of The Finished Work of Christ TV<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Creator of The Finished Work of Christ App<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • An extensive multi-platform teaching ministry spanning books, television, video, web, apps, and social media<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Carl Timothy Wray’s extensive library addresses major biblical themes including the Grace of God, the Finished Work of Christ, the Kingdom of God, the Book of Revelation, spiritual maturity, the sons of God, and God’s eternal purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His purpose remains straightforward: to search the Scriptures, teach what he sees, and make a substantial body of biblical teaching available to those who desire to go deeper in the Word of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    INTRODUCTION \u2014 GRACE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU EARN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 1 \u2014 THE GRACE YOU DID NOT EARN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 2 \u2014 WHEN PERFORMANCE BECOMES A PRISON<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 3 \u2014 BREAKING THE POWER OF SHAME<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 4 \u2014 GRACE CHANGES THE WAY YOU SEE GOD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 5 \u2014 GRACE CHANGES THE WAY YOU SEE YOURSELF<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 6 \u2014 RECEIVING GRACE EVERY DAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 7 \u2014 REST: THE OPPOSITE OF RELIGIOUS STRIVING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 8 \u2014 WHEN YOU FAIL: RETURNING TO GRACE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 9 \u2014 GRACE RECEIVED BECOMES GRACE GIVEN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER 10 \u2014 LIVING IN GRACE WITHOUT LIMITS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE-LIVING PLAN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    INTRODUCTION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU EARN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There is something about grace that is so simple that we can miss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is unearned.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yet many believers spend their lives trying to earn what God never asked them to earn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They pray harder because they feel unworthy. They confess the same failures again and again because they believe their mistakes have placed them outside the favor of God. They serve more, work more, strive more, and attempt to become good enough to receive something that was never offered on the basis of their goodness in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This creates a terrible cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Failure produces shame.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame produces performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Performance produces temporary relief.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then failure comes again.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the cycle begins all over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the gospel of grace brings us into another way of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace begins where human merit ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not say, \u201cWork hard enough and perhaps God will accept you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says something altogether different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God has provided what you could never provide for yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is not whether God has enough grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is whether we have learned to receive it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why this book is called Grace Unlimited<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are not talking about a small supply of grace that must be carefully rationed according to our performance. We are talking about the grace of God as the foundation of His purpose and His dealings with His people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer who understands grace begins to see God differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead of approaching Him as though every failure has pushed Him farther away, we begin to understand the access that grace provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead of allowing yesterday’s failure to define today’s identity, we begin to understand who we are in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead of spending our lives trying to establish ourselves through performance, we begin to rest in what God has already done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This does not make sin unimportant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It makes grace more important<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not teach us to become careless with God. Grace teaches us to come to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not teach us that our choices do not matter. Grace teaches us where our strength comes from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not tell us to stop growing. Grace gives us a foundation from which we can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a great difference between working for acceptance<\/strong> and working from acceptance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One produces striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The other produces freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And that distinction is going to carry us through this entire book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We will examine the places where shame has taken the place of grace. We will expose the performance mentality that convinces believers they must continually earn God’s favor. We will look at what happens when grace changes our understanding of God, our understanding of ourselves, and our understanding of failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But we will also go further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We will ask what it means to live<\/strong> in grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because it is possible to know the doctrine of grace and still live under the weight of condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is possible to say, \u201cI believe in grace,\u201d<\/em> while secretly believing, \u201cGod will love me more if I perform better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is possible to preach grace while living by works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This book is about bringing those two things together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Knowing grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Receiving grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Living from grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The goal is not simply to give you another definition of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The goal is to help you recognize the difference between a life built on earning<\/strong> and a life built on receiving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to manufacture God’s favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to purchase it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to perform your way into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is unearned favor.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when you begin to understand what God has freely given, you can begin to live from what you could never earn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is where freedom begins.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER ONE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    THE GRACE YOU DID NOT EARN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE DOES NOT BEGIN WITH YOU<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 2:8\u20139<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The first thing we must understand about grace is that grace does not begin with us<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not begin with our ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not begin with our performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not begin with our goodness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not begin with how much we have prayed, how much Scripture we have read, how faithfully we have served, or how many mistakes we have avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace begins with God<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul makes this unmistakably clear when he says, \u201cnot of yourselves.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That statement cuts across the entire mentality of human merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The natural mind wants to believe that everything valuable must be earned. We understand wages. We understand rewards. We understand compensation. We understand working for something and receiving something because we worked for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace operates on another principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives what works cannot earn.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why grace is so powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If salvation came by our works, then the glory would ultimately belong to us. But Paul says it is \u201cthe gift of God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The gift belongs to the giver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The glory belongs to the giver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The provision belongs to the giver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And grace brings us into the position of receiving what God has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS THE GIFT OF GOD<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 3:23\u201324<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the word \u201cfreely.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul doesn’t say that we are justified because we finally became good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says we are \u201cjustified freely by his grace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is the offense of grace to the religious mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Religion wants to establish a measurement system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How good are you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How faithful are you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How much have you done?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How much have you failed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then religion attempts to determine how much acceptance you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace doesn’t operate according to that system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You couldn’t produce it, so God provided it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The value of grace isn’t determined by the worthiness of the person receiving it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The value of grace is revealed by the generosity of the One giving it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means your weakness does not make God’s grace weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your failure does not make God’s grace fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your inability does not make God’s provision insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is greater than your inability to earn it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    WORKS CANNOT BECOME THE FOUNDATION OF GRACE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 11:6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul gives us one of the clearest distinctions in Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace and works cannot occupy the same foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If something is received because it was earned, it is no longer being received as grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If I work for a wage and receive my paycheck, I did not receive that paycheck because somebody gave me an unearned gift. I received compensation for labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not God paying you for being good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is God giving according to His own purpose and generosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why we must be careful when we talk about our relationship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a difference between working for God’s favor<\/strong> and working from God’s favor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Those two things may look similar on the outside, but they are completely different on the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI must perform so God will accept me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The second says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI have received His grace, therefore I can walk with Him.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first produces fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The second produces freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first produces striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The second produces rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE RELIGIOUS MIND ALWAYS WANTS TO ADD SOMETHING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 3:2\u20133<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cReceived ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of the great dangers in understanding grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can begin by grace and then attempt to finish by works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can receive Christ by faith and then spend the rest of our lives trying to establish our acceptance through performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul asked the Galatians a question that reaches directly into this problem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHaving begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In other words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How did you begin?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If God began this work by grace, why would you suddenly believe that human effort has to finish what God started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is where religious thinking becomes confusing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer hears about grace, receives grace, rejoices in grace\u2014and then begins measuring himself by performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He thinks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI need to pray more so God will be pleased with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI need to read more so God will accept me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI need to stop failing so God will love me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the gospel reverses that order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t perform in order to become accepted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We learn to walk because we have been accepted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That distinction must become settled in our understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE REMOVES THE BOASTING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 2:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cNot of works, lest any man should boast.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Why does God exclude works as the foundation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLest any man should boast.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is not building a kingdom where men can stand before Him and say, \u201cLook what I accomplished.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace brings us to another place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We look at what God has done and say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLook what He has done.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Works put the spotlight on the performer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace puts the spotlight on the giver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Works make us measure ourselves against others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace makes us look unto Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Works can produce pride when we think we are succeeding and condemnation when we think we are failing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces dependence upon God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why grace is not merely a comforting doctrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the entire foundation upon which we approach God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    WHEN FAILURE BECOMES YOUR MEASUREMENT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 8:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Now we come to where grace becomes personal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many believers know that grace is unearned until they fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then they immediately return to the old system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They feel condemned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They withdraw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They try to perform their way back into confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They promise God they will do better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then they fail again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the cycle continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not tell you that failure is irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace tells you that failure does not become the foundation of your relationship with God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your failure can reveal something that needs to change without becoming the definition of who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can acknowledge failure without surrendering to condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can repent without returning to a performance-based relationship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can be corrected without being rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you a place to stand while God deals with what needs to be changed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    FROM EARNING TO RECEIVING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look at the language:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Come boldly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Obtain mercy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Find grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And notice where we come:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The throne of grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God does not tell the believer to run away from Him until he becomes worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He tells him to come<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the movement of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The natural mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI failed, so I need to hide.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI failed, so I need to come.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The natural mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI need to become worthy before I approach God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome to the throne of grace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is where grace begins to move from doctrine into experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are learning to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are learning to approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are learning to trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are learning to stop measuring God’s willingness to help you by your own performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES THE QUESTION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 12:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cMy grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When we understand grace, we begin asking a different question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mind asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhat can I do to become enough?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhat has God already provided?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mind looks inward at its weakness and concludes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI am not enough.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace looks at God’s provision and says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHis grace is sufficient.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean weakness becomes strength through human effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means that our weakness does not prevent God’s grace from being sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of the great freedoms of grace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to pretend you are strong enough to receive God’s help.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You come because you need Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You receive because He gives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You trust because He is faithful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE GRACE YOU DID NOT EARN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Titus 2:11\u201312<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t merely forgive your past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches you how to live.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not permission to remain unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is the divine provision that teaches us to live differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf grace is free, then nothing matters.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Scripture says grace teaches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace takes us somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way we think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way we approach God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way we understand ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way we respond to failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way we treat other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way we live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And that gives us the foundation for this entire book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are not going to study grace merely as a theological word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are going to discover what happens when a believer begins to receive and live in the grace of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace you did not earn is not a small thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is the beginning of a completely different way of walking with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You did not earn it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You could not purchase it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You could not manufacture it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God gave it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And because God gave it, the glory belongs to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER TWO<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    WHEN PERFORMANCE BECOMES A PRISON<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    THE LAW OF PERFORMANCE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 3:10\u201312<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is a difference between obedience that flows from faith<\/strong> and performance that attempts to establish righteousness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That difference must be understood if we are going to understand grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mentality says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf I do enough, I will be accepted.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It continually measures itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It compares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It examines yesterday’s performance and tries to predict tomorrow’s acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That kind of life eventually becomes a prison because there is never a point where human performance can give the heart permanent rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If your confidence before God depends upon how well you performed today, then tomorrow you have to perform again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the next day, again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the next day, again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is no rest in that system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE NEVER-ENDING CYCLE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 3:2\u20133<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cReceived ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul identifies something that happens to believers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They begin in the Spirit<\/strong> and then attempt to become complete through the flesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They begin with faith and move into performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They begin by receiving and then start trying to earn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They begin by trusting God and eventually begin trusting their own ability to keep themselves acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That creates a cycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Receive \u2192 perform \u2192 fail \u2192 condemn \u2192 perform harder \u2192 fail again.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The harder the person tries to establish his acceptance through performance, the more aware he becomes of his inability to achieve perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the more aware he becomes of his failure, the more he strives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why performance can become a prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The prison isn’t necessarily built out of bad intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes it is built out of good intentions operating under the wrong foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A person sincerely wants to please God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He sincerely wants to obey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He sincerely wants to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But if he believes God’s acceptance is continually being earned by his performance, he will never learn the rest that grace provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    PERFORMANCE MAKES YOU LOOK AT YOURSELF<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 10:3\u20134<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul describes people who were \u201cgoing about to establish their own righteousness.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the heart of performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The person begins looking at what he can establish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My righteousness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My obedience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My discipline.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My sacrifice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My spiritual record.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the gospel turns our attention away from our ability to establish righteousness and toward God’s righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of the great battles in the mind of the believer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is not simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAm I doing enough?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The greater question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhat foundation am I standing upon?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If the foundation is your performance, then every weakness threatens your confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If the foundation is God’s provision, then your confidence rests in something greater than yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t make you ignorant of your behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes where you place your confidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE PRISON OF COMPARISON<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 10:12<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Performance almost always creates comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once people begin measuring righteousness by achievement, they need something against which to measure themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So they look around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Someone prays more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Someone knows more Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Someone serves more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Someone appears more spiritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Someone has fewer visible failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And suddenly the believer isn’t simply walking with God anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He’s competing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is another prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace frees us from the necessity of proving ourselves superior to somebody else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace of God does not ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAre you better than them?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace brings us back to Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The moment you begin measuring your acceptance by comparison, you have stepped away from the simplicity of receiving what God has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t need to be better than somebody else to receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You need to receive grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE PERFORMANCE MIND CANNOT REST<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:9\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThere remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is a rest that belongs to the people of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And Scripture connects that rest with ceasing from our own works<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This does not mean that the believer becomes inactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means that we stop trying to make ourselves righteous by our own works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a work we cannot accomplish by human performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a righteousness we cannot manufacture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is an acceptance we cannot purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when we finally understand that, we can stop trying to build our relationship with God upon ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is rest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest doesn’t mean there is nothing left for us to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest means we stop trying to do what only God can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES THE FOUNDATION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 5:1\u20132<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTherefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look carefully at that language:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThis grace wherein we stand.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not merely something we visit when we have failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is a place where we stand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If grace is merely an emergency room we run into after we have sinned, then we will continually live from failure to failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But if grace is the foundation upon which we stand, then we can live from grace every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t stand in our performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t stand in our religious accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t stand in our ability to never make a mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stand in grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means our confidence is no longer constantly rising and falling according to our performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our performance may need correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our behavior may need correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our understanding may need correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the foundation remains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    FROM STRIVING TO REST<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 11:28\u201330<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cCome unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus calls people who are laboring and heavy laden<\/strong> to come to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice that He doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWork harder until you become worthy of rest.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome unto me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer to spiritual exhaustion is not always more religious activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes the answer is learning to receive what God has already provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are people who are exhausted from trying to become what they believe God requires them to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They have turned Christianity into a constant examination of themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Did I pray enough?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Did I read enough?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Did I do enough?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Did I fail too much?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the more they examine themselves, the less rest they experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus gives another invitation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Come.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace begins with coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace continues with receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And grace provides the foundation upon which we stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    PERFORMANCE IS NOT THE SAME AS SPIRITUAL GROWTH<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Colossians 2:6\u20137<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAs ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith…\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAs ye have therefore received… so walk ye.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You received Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now walk in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t replace receiving with performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t abandon the foundation of faith once you begin growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You continue walking from the same foundation from which you began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is important because some believers think grace is for beginners and performance is for mature Christians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Scripture doesn’t teach that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not the kindergarten of Christianity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is the foundation of the entire walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The mature believer doesn’t graduate from grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The mature believer understands grace more deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He learns how to walk in what he has received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He learns how to trust God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He learns how to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He learns how to obey without trying to purchase acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He learns how to grow without returning to condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE PRISON DOOR IS OPEN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 5:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cStand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul describes the performance system as a yoke of bondage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And then he tells us to stand in liberty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is the freedom of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to spend your life trying to earn what Christ has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to return to the prison of performance every time you fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to compare yourself with everybody around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to live under the constant weight of proving that you are worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ has made you free.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t merely open the prison door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches you to stop walking back inside.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mentality will always call you back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It will tell you that you haven’t done enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It will tell you that you aren’t good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It will tell you that you need to prove yourself again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stand fast.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stand in what God has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stand in faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stand in His righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stand in His grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The prison of performance loses its power when you stop trying to establish your acceptance through yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to earn your way into grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You were invited to stand in it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And once you learn to stand in grace, you can finally begin to discover what it means to walk in freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER THREE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    BREAKING THE POWER OF SHAME<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    SHAME HIDES WHAT GRACE WANTS TO HEAL<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Genesis 3:8\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the first things we see after the fall of man is hiding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Adam heard the voice of God, and instead of running toward Him, Adam ran away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame changes the way a person responds to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before sin entered, Adam could live in God’s presence without hiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Afterward, he became conscious of his nakedness, afraid of God’s presence, and began looking for somewhere to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is still one of the great effects of shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHide.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod doesn’t want to see you like this.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome to the One who already knows.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame causes us to believe that our failure has changed God’s willingness to receive us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace reveals that God’s answer to our condition is greater than our condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    CONDEMNATION AND CONVICTION ARE NOT THE SAME<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 8:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    We must learn to distinguish condemnation<\/strong> from the work of the Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Condemnation says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou failed, therefore you are rejected.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Condemnation attacks identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It doesn’t merely tell you that something was wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It tells you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou are wrong.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It takes an event and turns it into an identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You made a mistake, and shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI am a failure.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You sinned, and shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod is finished with me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You stumbled, and shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI will never change.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Spirit can expose something in our lives without destroying our identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God can correct us without condemning us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God can reveal something that needs to change without telling us that we are beyond His grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That distinction is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Correction can lead you toward God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Condemnation drives you away from God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    SHAME MAKES FAILURE YOUR IDENTITY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 5:17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTherefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The gospel gives us a new identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means we must stop allowing our failures to become the definition of who we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A believer can fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A believer can make a terrible decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A believer can stumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the failure is not the whole person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind often does the opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It takes the worst thing a person has done and makes that the person’s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou failed.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    becomes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou are a failure.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou sinned.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    becomes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou are a sinner with no hope of change.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Scripture says that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean we pretend the old things never happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means they no longer have the final authority to define us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives us a new place from which to deal with our past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE DOES NOT HIDE THE TRUTH<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 John 1:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not denial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not require us to pretend that sin doesn’t exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives us a safe place to bring the truth into the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the language:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf we confess…\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to pretend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to manufacture a spiritual image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can bring our failure to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And what does Scripture say God does?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Forgives.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cleanses.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mentality says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHide your failure until you can fix yourself.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBring your failure into the presence of God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why grace actually produces more honesty, not less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you believe that God will destroy you for your failure, you will hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you understand that God has provided forgiveness and cleansing, you can come into the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    SHAME MAKES YOU RUN FROM THE THRONE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:15\u201316<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of the most beautiful contrasts in Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have infirmities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the answer is not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cRun away.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome boldly.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To the throne of grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is completely opposite to shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou don’t belong there.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou need to clean yourself up first.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome and find grace to help in time of need.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice that God doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome when you no longer need help.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome in time of need.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means your need is not a reason to stay away from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your need is a reason to come to God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE ACCUSER WANTS YOU TO LIVE IN YESTERDAY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 3:13\u201314<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cForgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is a time to deal with the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is also a time to stop allowing the past to control the present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame constantly points backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It keeps reminding you of what you did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What you said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where you failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How many times you stumbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How far you believe you should have progressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the gospel points forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cForgetting those things which are behind.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean Paul developed spiritual amnesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means the past no longer became the place where he lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a difference between learning from the past<\/strong> and living in the past<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace allows you to learn without remaining imprisoned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can acknowledge what happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can repent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can receive forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And then you can continue walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you permission to move forward.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE DOES NOT KEEP A RECORD TO CONDEMN YOU<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Psalm 103:10\u201312<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cHe hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities… As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This passage reveals something about God’s heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God does not deal with us according to everything we deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the equation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind keeps records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It remembers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It catalogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It brings yesterday’s failures into today’s relationship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the mercy of God is greater than the record we keep against ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes the person who has the hardest time receiving forgiveness is the person who believes he must continue punishing himself for what God has already forgiven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He thinks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI know God forgives me, but I don’t feel forgiven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And so he continues living under condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But our feelings are not the foundation of God’s grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s Word is.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t measure grace by how worthy we feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We measure grace by what God has said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    YOUR FAILURE IS NOT GREATER THAN CHRIST’S FINISHED WORK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 10:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is where we must bring grace back to the foundation of the finished work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer’s confidence cannot rest in the perfection of his own performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It rests in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBy one offering.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The finished work of Christ is not continually being recreated every time we fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ did not accomplish redemption and then leave us responsible for completing the legal foundation through our performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The provision is greater than our weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The work is greater than our failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace is greater than our condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This does not give us permission to live carelessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It gives us a foundation from which we can actually grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because when you know that God’s acceptance is not hanging by a thread, you can face your weakness honestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to pretend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to defend yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can allow God to work in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE BREAKS THE SHAME CYCLE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 5:20\u201321<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Here is the great announcement of grace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGrace did much more abound.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where sin increased, grace increased more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t glorify sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It glorifies the sufficiency of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The shame cycle says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I failed \u2192 I am condemned \u2192 I must hide \u2192 I must perform \u2192 I fail again.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace interrupts the cycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I failed \u2192 I come to God \u2192 I receive mercy \u2192 I receive grace \u2192 I learn \u2192 I continue walking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t tell you that failure doesn’t matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace tells you that failure doesn’t have the final word.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is more grace than there is condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is more provision than there is need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is more mercy than there is failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And there is a throne of grace where the believer can come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    COME OUT OF HIDING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Isaiah 60:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cArise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The voice of grace calls us out of hiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hide.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Arise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stay in yesterday.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Move forward.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your failure defines you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ defines your foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer to shame is not pretending that we have never failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer is discovering that God’s grace is greater than our failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When grace becomes the foundation, we can stop hiding from God and begin walking with Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can bring our weakness into the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can receive forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can receive cleansing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can receive mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And then we can get up and keep walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame wants to imprison you in what happened.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you freedom to walk into what God is doing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is how the power of shame begins to break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER FOUR<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES THE WAY YOU SEE GOD<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    GOD IS NOT YOUR ENEMY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 5:1\u20132<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTherefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes more than the way you understand salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way you see God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many believers have been taught to approach God as though He is constantly standing over them with a measuring stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If they perform well, God is pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If they fail, God is angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If they pray enough, God listens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If they don’t pray enough, perhaps He turns away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If they obey, they have access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If they fail, they lose access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That creates a relationship built around fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Paul says something radically different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWe have peace with God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And then he says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWe have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer doesn’t stand outside God’s presence trying to earn his way inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace has brought us into access.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes how we approach God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE GOD WHO INVITES YOU TO COME<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Think about the language Scripture uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Come.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Boldly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Throne of grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Obtain mercy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Find grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This isn’t the language of a God who is trying to keep His people away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is the language of invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI need to get myself together before I approach God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI’m too unworthy to approach Him.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome boldly.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI’ve failed, so I need to stay away until I’ve proven myself again.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome to the throne of grace in your time of need.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your need is not a reason to stay away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your need is the reason you need grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    PEACE WITH GOD<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 5:8\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us… For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look at where God’s love was demonstrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhile we were yet sinners.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God did not wait until we became impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He did not wait until we had cleaned ourselves up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He did not wait until our performance qualified us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ died for us while we were still in the condition that required redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That tells us something about the character of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s grace moves toward need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t wait for human perfection before it begins its work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The gospel is not the story of humanity climbing upward until we finally reach God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is the story of God reaching toward humanity with provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes how we see Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is not merely the judge we are trying to convince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is the God who provided reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is not waiting for us to manufacture a reason for Him to love us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He demonstrated His love.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GOD’S LOVE IS NOT A WAGE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 John 4:9\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIn this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John gives us a remarkable definition of divine love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cNot that we loved God, but that he loved us.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Again, the direction begins with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the pattern of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God sent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God reconciled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God gave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mentality reverses the order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf I love God enough, perhaps God will love me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Scripture says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHe loved us.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s love is not a wage we earn by performing correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is revealed in what He has done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means we don’t have to spend our lives trying to convince God that we are worthy of His love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The cross is already God’s demonstration of His love.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GOD DOES NOT MEASURE YOU BY YOUR WORST MOMENT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Psalm 103:8\u201314<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThe Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy… For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This passage gives us a glimpse into the character of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Merciful.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gracious.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Slow to anger.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Plenteous in mercy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And then Scripture says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHe knoweth our frame.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God knows what we are made of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He knows our weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He knows our limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He knows our failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He knows what we have done before we ever confess it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And yet His answer is mercy and grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean God ignores sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means that God is not shocked by the weakness He already knows exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes we imagine that God is constantly discovering new reasons to reject us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But God already knows us completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace operates in the presence of complete knowledge.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God doesn’t love an imaginary version of you who never makes mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He knows you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And His grace is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE FATHER RUNS TOWARD THE SON<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Luke 15:20\u201324<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him… For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus gives us one of the clearest pictures of restoration in Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The son had left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The son had wasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The son had failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when he returned, the father did not stand at the door with a list of everything the son had done wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The father ran toward him.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the picture Jesus gives us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The son prepared his speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He planned what he would say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He was ready to become a servant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the father was thinking about something else:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMy son.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The father’s response was restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A robe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This doesn’t mean the son’s actions didn’t matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means his failure did not erase his identity as a son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace restores relationship rather than making rejection the final word.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GOD’S MERCY IS NOT A RELUCTANT MERCY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Lamentations 3:22\u201323<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIt is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The mercy of God is not running out because you woke up needing it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThey are new every morning.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean we use grace as an excuse to repeat the same destructive patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means that God’s mercy is not exhausted by the fact that we continue to need Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Every morning brings another opportunity to walk with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another opportunity to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another opportunity to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another opportunity to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another opportunity to experience the faithfulness of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer doesn’t wake up each morning wondering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWill God still be gracious today?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer is already established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His compassions fail not.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES YOUR VIEW OF GOD’S PRESENCE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Psalm 16:11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIn thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    What happens when we stop seeing God’s presence as a place of condemnation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can begin to see it as a place of life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shame tells you to hide from God’s presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches you to come into God’s presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fear says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod is waiting to deal with you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod has opened access.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Condemnation says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou don’t belong here.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome boldly.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes how we read Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes how we respond when we fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes our entire relationship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop treating Him as though He is perpetually angry and begin discovering the God who has made a way for us to come near.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    SEE GOD THROUGH CHRIST<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John 14:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cHe that hath seen me hath seen the Father.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If we want to understand the heart of God, we must look at Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus did not come to reveal a Father who was fundamentally different from Himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHe that hath seen me hath seen the Father.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look at Jesus touching the leper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look at Jesus receiving the broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look at Jesus forgiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look at Jesus restoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look at Jesus seeking the lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look at Jesus giving Himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not a strange idea introduced into God’s character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace reveals the heart of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The more clearly we see Christ, the more clearly we begin to understand the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES THE WAY YOU APPROACH GOD<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 3:11\u201312<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAccording to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are three powerful words here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Boldness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Access.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Confidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is what grace does to our relationship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We no longer approach Him as strangers trying to gain entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We come with access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We come with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We come because God has made the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And notice that Paul connects this with the eternal purpose<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace isn’t an afterthought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It isn’t God improvising because humanity messed everything up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s purpose in Christ reaches into His eternal plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace we are learning to receive is connected to something much greater than our daily circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God has purposed something in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And grace brings us into the experience of what He has purposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    FROM FEAR TO ACCESS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 8:15<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is the great transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bondage to adoption.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fear to relationship.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Distance to access.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mentality keeps asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAm I good enough?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWho is my Father?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is a completely different foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t approach God merely as someone trying to pass an examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You approach Him as a child who has been given access to the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when grace changes the way you see God, something else begins to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to see yourself differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You stop defining yourself entirely by your failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You stop approaching God from condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You stop measuring His love by your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to understand that the God who called you is the God who provides the grace by which you walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way you see God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when you see God differently, you begin to walk differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to come boldly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And you discover that the throne you were afraid to approach is called the throne of grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER FIVE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES THE WAY YOU SEE YOURSELF<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    YOU ARE NOT YOUR FAILURE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 5:17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTherefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the greatest things grace does in a believer’s life is change the way he sees himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before grace becomes established in our understanding, we often allow our history to become our identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We remember what we did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We remember what we said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We remember where we failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We remember the opportunities we missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We remember the times we disappointed God, disappointed ourselves, or disappointed somebody else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then we take those experiences and build an identity around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThat’s just who I am.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice that Scripture doesn’t say he has merely received a new opportunity to improve the old man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHe is a new creature.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives us a new foundation for identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are not required to spend the rest of your life introducing yourself by your worst failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your past may explain something about where you have been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not have the authority to determine where God is taking you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GOD’S ACCEPTANCE IS NOT BASED ON YOUR PERFORMANCE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 1:6\u20137<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTo the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look at the language of Paul:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMade us accepted.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWe made ourselves accepted.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWe worked ourselves into acceptance.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says God made us accepted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf I perform well enough, perhaps I will become acceptable.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod has provided acceptance in Christ.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes the way you see yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You no longer have to wake up every morning wondering whether you have earned your place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your confidence is not supposed to rest in your ability to perform perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It rests in what God has provided in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t make your life irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It gives your life a different foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can grow without trying to earn acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can repent without believing you have been permanently rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can be corrected without believing you have lost your identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can mature without living under condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you a place to stand while you grow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    STOP MEASURING YOURSELF BY YOUR PAST<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 3:13\u201314<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThis one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul had a history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had religious accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had religious failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had persecuted the church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had made decisions that he could never erase from history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Paul refused to allow his past to become the boundary of his future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cForgetting those things which are behind.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is not denial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a difference between remembering what God has brought you through and allowing your past to become your prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are believers who have been forgiven but have never learned to walk as forgiven people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They know God forgives them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But they continue punishing themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They know the past is covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But they continue living as though they are permanently disqualified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get up.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep walking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Press forward.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The past is not your destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU DID<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 8:1\u20132<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus\u2026 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Condemnation attempts to turn behavior into identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You failed, so condemnation says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou are a failure.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You sinned, so condemnation says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou are hopeless.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You stumbled, so condemnation says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou’ll always be this way.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the gospel speaks another word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThere is therefore now no condemnation.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer must learn to separate what happened<\/strong> from who he is<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may have done something wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That does not mean you must agree with the accusation that you are nothing but wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may need correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That does not mean you need condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may need to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That does not mean you have no identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace allows us to face the truth without destroying ourselves with the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can acknowledge what needs to change because grace gives us a place from which to change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GOD’S GRACE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOU TO PRETEND<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Psalm 51:6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBehold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t require you to pretend that everything is perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In fact, grace gives you freedom to be honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance system requires an image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLook spiritual.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cDon’t let anybody see your weakness.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cDon’t admit you struggle.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cDon’t let anybody know you failed.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because performance depends upon appearing worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace allows truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to hide from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to pretend before God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to construct a false spiritual identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God already knows what is in the inward parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bring the truth into the light.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you stop spending all your energy protecting an image, you have more energy available for actual transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE ESTABLISHES A NEW IDENTITY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 Peter 2:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Peter doesn’t describe believers according to their former failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He describes them according to what God has called them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Chosen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Royal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Holy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s own people.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is important because identity determines how we walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you believe you are rejected, you will approach God as a rejected person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you believe you are condemned, you will live defensively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you believe you are permanently disqualified, you will stop expecting God to work through you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But if you understand what God has called you, your posture changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to live from identity rather than constantly trying to create identity through performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to manufacture who you are.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You need to discover what God has already said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    YOUR WORTH IS NOT DETERMINED BY YOUR WORST DAY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 8:31\u201332<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIf God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There will be days when you don’t feel spiritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be days when you don’t feel strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be days when you look at yourself and see everything that still needs to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But your worst day does not cancel God’s purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf God be for us, who can be against us?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer is not that nothing difficult will ever happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer is that God’s purpose is not defeated by our weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look at the foundation Paul gives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHe that spared not his own Son\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Again, the foundation is what God has done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not what you have done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not what you will accomplish tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not how impressive you feel today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s provision is the foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is where grace teaches us to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE FREES YOU TO GROW<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Peter 3:18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of the most beautiful commands concerning grace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGrow in grace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice that grace and growth are not enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some people think that if you preach grace, people will stop growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Peter tells us to grow in grace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t eliminate growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace provides the environment for growth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A child who knows he is loved can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A believer who knows he is accepted can face his weaknesses without running away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A person who knows there is forgiveness can repent honestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A person who knows there is grace can keep walking when he stumbles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why identity matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If every mistake threatens your entire relationship with God, you will spend your energy hiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But if you know grace has provided your foundation, you can face your weaknesses and continue growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    FROM SELF-CONDEMNATION TO CHRIST-CONSCIOUSNESS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 12:1\u20132<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice where Scripture tells us to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Looking unto Jesus.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is the great answer to self-condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The more you constantly stare at yourself, the more you will find things you don’t like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You will find weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You will find inconsistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You will find areas that still need growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the gospel doesn’t tell us to run the race by staring at ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Look unto Jesus.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mind is self-conscious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace makes us Christ-conscious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mind asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHow am I doing?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhat has Christ done?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mind measures itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace looks to Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when we look to Jesus, we begin to understand ourselves according to what He has accomplished rather than according to our worst moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO BECOME<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 1:6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBeing confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    God is not finished with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is an important truth for anyone who has allowed shame to define his identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If God has begun a work, He is still working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to pretend that you have already arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to become discouraged because you still see things in yourself that need to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growth means there are things you have not yet become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you room to grow into what God is working in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI am not where I need to be, but I am not where I used to be.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can acknowledge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThere are still things God is dealing with in me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And at the same time declare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHis grace is sufficient.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is not weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    SEE YOURSELF THROUGH THE EYES OF GRACE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 2:10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You are not an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are not merely the collection of your mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are not defined by your worst moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Scripture says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWe are his workmanship.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means God is doing something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same grace that saves also establishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same grace that forgives also teaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same grace that removes condemnation also gives us a new way to see ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And notice that good works are still present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But look at their position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are not saved by<\/strong> good works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are created in Christ unto<\/strong> good works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the proper order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace first.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Identity established.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then the life begins to flow from that foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t perform to become God’s workmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are His workmanship, and therefore we can walk in what He has prepared.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    YOUR IDENTITY IS NOT FOR SALE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 2:20<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cI am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The deepest freedom of grace is discovering that your identity is no longer something you have to build through human performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ is your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ is your righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ is your foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when you understand that, you can stop trying to prove your worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can stop competing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can stop comparing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can stop allowing yesterday to determine tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can stop making every failure a verdict against yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you another foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ in you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why grace changes the way you see yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to see yourself not as someone trying to earn God’s favor, but as someone learning to live from what God has already provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin to understand that you can grow without condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can repent without rejection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can be corrected without losing your identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can stumble without surrendering your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can continue walking because God’s grace has given you a place to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are not your failure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are not your past.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are not your worst day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Learn to see yourself through the revelation of God’s grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t merely change what God gives you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes how you see the person who receives it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER SIX<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    RECEIVING GRACE EVERY DAY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS SOMETHING YOU RECEIVE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John 1:16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not merely something we believe happened two thousand years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is something we receive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    John says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cOf his fulness have all we received.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That word received<\/strong> is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The provision is God’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fullness is God’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace is God’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our position is to receive what He has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many believers understand that salvation is by grace, but then they begin living their daily lives as though everything after salvation depends entirely upon their own ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They received Christ by grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then they try to maintain themselves by performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They received forgiveness by grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then they try to earn God’s favor every morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They began in faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then they return to striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace doesn’t belong only to the beginning of the Christian life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is the environment in which we learn to walk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    COME TO THE THRONE EVERY DAY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice that Scripture doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome to the throne of grace when you have finally become strong.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome… in time of need.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Every believer has times of need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are moments when your faith feels weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are moments when you don’t know what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are moments when temptation is strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are moments when you have failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are moments when circumstances are beyond your ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And Scripture gives us the same answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Come.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not merely a theological concept to discuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is a throne to which we come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is provision we receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is help we find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The daily Christian life is not designed to be lived independently of God’s grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We need grace today just as surely as we needed grace when we first believed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE FOR TODAY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 6:34<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTake therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the ways performance exhausts us is by making us live tomorrow before tomorrow arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We worry about whether we will be strong enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether we will make the right decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether we will overcome the next temptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether we will be good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But God gives grace in the present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t need tomorrow’s grace today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You need today’s grace today<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When tomorrow arrives, God will still be God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His grace will still be sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His provision will still be available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means we don’t have to carry tomorrow’s burden with today’s strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace meets us where we are.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when tomorrow becomes today, grace will meet us there too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS SUFFICIENT IN WEAKNESS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 12:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cMy grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul wanted the weakness removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God answered by revealing the sufficiency of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is a powerful lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes we think the only evidence that God is helping us is that He removes every weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But sometimes God’s grace is revealed by sustaining us while He works through the weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer was not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cPaul, you are strong enough.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMy grace is sufficient.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes the way we look at our limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead of saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI cannot do this, therefore God cannot use me,\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    we learn to say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI cannot do this in myself, but His grace is sufficient.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t require us to pretend that we are stronger than we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to depend upon the strength of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    RECEIVE BEFORE YOU STRIVE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 11:28\u201330<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cCome unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus begins with an invitation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Come unto me.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGo work harder.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cProve that you deserve rest.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the posture of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have been trained by religious thinking to begin with activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What must I do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What must I change?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What must I accomplish?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace teaches us to begin with receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What has God already provided?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What has Christ already accomplished?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What grace is available to me right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t eliminate action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes the source of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop working for<\/strong> acceptance and begin working from<\/strong> acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop striving for<\/strong> grace and begin walking in<\/strong> grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE MEETS YOU IN YOUR NEED<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 4:19<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    God’s provision is not measured by your resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul points us to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHis riches in glory by Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is a completely different measuring system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We measure our ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God measures His provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We look at what we have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God looks at what He has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We look at the size of the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God looks at the sufficiency of His grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean every circumstance changes instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means our confidence doesn’t have to depend upon circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives us a greater place from which to face the circumstance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE TEACHES YOU HOW TO WALK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Titus 2:11\u201312<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is a teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means grace isn’t passive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t simply say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cEverything is forgiven, so nothing matters.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI will teach you how to live.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace appears.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then grace teaches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then grace produces a different way of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is critical because some people misunderstand grace as the absence of responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace doesn’t remove responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the source of our life.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead of obeying because we are terrified of rejection, we learn to obey because we are responding to grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead of trying to become worthy, we learn to live from what God has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead of being driven by condemnation, we are taught by grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    RECEIVE GRACE WHEN YOU FAIL<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 John 1:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the most important moments to learn how to receive grace is after failure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anybody can talk about grace when everything is going well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The real test comes when we stumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What do you do then?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you hide?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you condemn yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you withdraw?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you decide that God must be angry with you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Or do you come into the light?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Scripture says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf we confess…\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives us a place to tell the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And God responds with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    forgiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    cleansing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means failure doesn’t have to send you back into the performance system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to punish yourself to prove that you are sorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to earn your way back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You come to God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You confess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You receive forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You receive cleansing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And you keep walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    RECEIVE GRACE WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL WORTHY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 2:4\u20135<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us… hath quickened us together with Christ\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There will be times when your feelings argue against grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may feel unworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may feel distant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may feel that God could not possibly want to deal with you after what you have done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace is not measured by feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is measured by God’s provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod loved us because we felt worthy.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod, who is rich in mercy…\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The supply is in God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The mercy is in God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The love is in God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The provision is in God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So when your feelings say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI am not worthy,\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    you don’t have to answer by pretending that you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You answer by looking at Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace was never based upon your worthiness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s why it can reach you in your unworthiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    RECEIVE GRACE BEFORE YOU FACE THE DAY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Psalm 90:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cO satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is wisdom in beginning the day with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before the pressures of the day begin speaking, remember where your provision comes from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before you begin measuring yourself by what you accomplish, remember that your identity isn’t established by productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before you encounter people who frustrate you, remember the grace that has been extended toward you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before you face temptation, remember that grace is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before you face failure, remember that there is a throne of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The purpose isn’t to perform a religious ritual every morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The purpose is to establish your heart in the right foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t wake up asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHow can I earn God’s favor today?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You wake up knowing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod’s grace is already my foundation.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then you walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE BECOMES A DAILY WAY OF LIFE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Acts 20:32<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look at what the word of His grace<\/strong> does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It builds you up.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not merely something that rescues you from the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace builds you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It establishes you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It strengthens you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It teaches you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes the way you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes the way you walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means grace is not something we should visit occasionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is something we should live in continually.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Every day brings another opportunity to receive what God provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you’re strong, receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you’re weak, receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you’re succeeding, receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you’re struggling, receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you’ve obeyed, receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you’ve failed, receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not because failure doesn’t matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But because grace is greater than your ability to make yourself worthy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    RECEIVE AND THEN WALK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Colossians 2:6\u20137<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAs ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is the pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Receive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Walk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The order matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t walk in order to become accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You walk because you have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t strive to become rooted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You become rooted in Christ and then walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t perform to establish your foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You become established in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is what it means to live from grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t make you passive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you the right foundation for action.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And through it all, the foundation remains the same:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His work.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE FOR EVERY STEP<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Proverbs 4:18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The path doesn’t have to reveal everything at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are things you understand today that you didn’t understand yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are things God will reveal tomorrow that you cannot see today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean you are lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means you are walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t demand that you know everything before you take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace provides what you need for the step you’re taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The light shines more and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The understanding increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The walk continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And as you learn to receive grace every day, you discover that God’s grace isn’t merely waiting for you at the beginning of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is sufficient for every step of the journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to earn tomorrow’s grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to preserve today’s grace by your own performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You simply continue to come, receive, believe, and walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not merely something God gave you once.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is the provision in which He teaches you to live.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER SEVEN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    REST: THE OPPOSITE OF RELIGIOUS STRIVING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    THERE REMAINS A REST<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:9\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThere remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is a rest that belongs to the people of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That statement is powerful because so much of religious Christianity has been built around activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pray more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Work harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Try harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Prove yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when you have finally done everything you believe you should have done, perhaps you can rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Scripture gives us another picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is not the reward for finally performing well enough.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is a provision of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews says that the person who enters God’s rest ceases from his own works<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That does not mean the believer becomes inactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means something much deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop trying to accomplish through ourselves what God has already provided through Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are works we can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are responsibilities we have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is obedience in the Christian walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But there is also a work that human performance cannot accomplish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Righteousness cannot be manufactured by the flesh.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Acceptance cannot be purchased by religious activity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace cannot be earned by works.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when we understand that, we begin to enter into rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    JESUS INVITES THE WEARY TO REST<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 11:28\u201330<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cCome unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus didn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome unto me after you have worked hard enough.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCome unto me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The invitation comes before the achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The weary person is not told to become less weary before coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The burdened person is not told to carry the burden farther until he proves his strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Come.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is the language of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are believers who are exhausted not because they are doing too much of what God called them to do, but because they are trying to accomplish spiritually what God never intended them to accomplish through human strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They are carrying the weight of proving themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They are carrying the weight of condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They are carrying the weight of trying to maintain God’s acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They are carrying the weight of comparing themselves with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And Jesus says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Come unto Me.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest begins when we stop believing that everything depends upon us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    REST DOES NOT MEAN DOING NOTHING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    James 2:17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cEven so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    We need to rightly divide this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not an excuse for laziness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is not spiritual inactivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Bible teaches both faith and works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is not whether there will be works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is where the works come from<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a tremendous difference between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    working to establish righteousness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    working because righteousness has already been provided.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One is striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The other is fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One is trying to become accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The other is living from acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One is attempting to build a foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The other is building upon a foundation that already exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why grace doesn’t produce laziness when it is properly understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces the right kind of work from the right foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    CEASING FROM OUR OWN WORKS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    What does it mean to cease from our own works?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means we stop trying to make ourselves the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI will establish myself.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI will make myself righteous.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI will earn God’s favor.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI will become worthy.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead, we begin with what God has already done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of the great transitions of grace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    FROM SELF-PROVISION \u2192 TO GOD’S PROVISION.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The natural mind wants to provide everything for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The natural mind says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI must make this happen.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhat has God already provided?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That question changes the entire posture of the believer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    REST IS FAITH IN GOD’S PROVISION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:2\u20133<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it\u2026 For we which have believed do enter into rest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the connection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Believed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Enter into rest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is not produced by having no problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is produced by believing God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can have circumstances around you that have not changed and still have a different foundation within you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is sufficient.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ is sufficient.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is sufficient.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I don’t have to manufacture what God has promised.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why rest is not weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is confidence in God’s provision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The person who rests in God is not saying nothing needs to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI know where the source is.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    STRIVING CANNOT PRODUCE WHAT GRACE GIVES<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 2:21<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cI do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul presents the issue in its strongest possible terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If righteousness can be produced by the law, then Christ’s work is unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s the problem with religious striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It attempts to accomplish through human effort something that required the provision of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is not whether we should live righteously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where does our righteousness come from?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If we believe our righteousness ultimately depends upon our performance, we will always be striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But if we understand that Christ is our righteousness, we can begin to live from that provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t lower the standard of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace reveals God’s provision for meeting what we could never establish ourselves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE YOKE OF RELIGIOUS STRIVING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 5:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cStand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul calls the return to a works-based system a yoke of bondage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is exactly what religious striving does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At first, performance can feel like devotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are sacrificing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are trying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You are determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But eventually, the system begins demanding more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You did this yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now do it again today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You prayed yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now you have to pray more today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You succeeded yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now you have to maintain that success tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance system never lets you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is always another measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another accusation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Christ calls us into liberty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not put a heavier yoke on you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches you how to live from Christ rather than from yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    ABIDE IN THE SOURCE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John 15:4\u20135<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAbide in me, and I in you\u2026 for without me ye can do nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus gives us another picture of rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Abide.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A branch doesn’t strain to produce life independently from the vine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It receives life from the vine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It remains connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It draws from the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And fruit comes from that relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is a beautiful picture of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t become spiritual by disconnecting from Christ and trying harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We become fruitful by abiding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The branch doesn’t boast:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLook how hard I worked to become a branch.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The branch lives from its connection to the vine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And Jesus says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWithout me ye can do nothing.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t destroy responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It establishes dependence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I need the Source.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    REST DOES NOT MEAN THE END OF THE JOURNEY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 2:12\u201313<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cWork out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of those passages that can confuse the believer if he doesn’t understand the difference between the foundation and the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWork out your own salvation.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then he immediately says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cFor it is God which worketh in you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is something already provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And there is something being worked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The provision does not eliminate the working out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the working out does not mean we are creating the provision ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is working in you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why the Christian life can involve both rest and activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We rest in God’s provision while God works His purpose into our experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t rest because nothing is happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We rest because we know Who is working.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    REST ALLOWS GOD TO WORK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Psalm 46:10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBe still, and know that I am God\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are times when our greatest problem is that we are trying to help God by becoming the source ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We think everything depends upon our effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But God says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBe still.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stillness is not unbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stillness can be confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a time to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a time to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a time to speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is also a time to stop striving and recognize that God is God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to discern the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to manufacture God’s purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to force God’s timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to manipulate God’s provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can trust Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is not inactivity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is confidence in God’s activity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    RESTING IN THE FINISHED WORK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John 19:30<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIt is finished.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Those three words reach to the foundation of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is finished.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ did not say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI have started it; now you must finish the foundation.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIt is finished.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The finished work establishes the foundation upon which we stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why grace can produce rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If everything depended upon us completing what Christ failed to complete, there would be no rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the foundation is settled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The provision has been made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The work has been accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now the believer learns how to walk in what God has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is where we must understand the difference between what God has settled<\/strong> and what God is working into experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The finished work does not mean there is nothing left for God to manifest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means the foundation of what He is accomplishing is already established in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The legal provision is settled.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The plan unfolds through the ages.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The vital experience is worked into us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And grace is the foundation of all three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    RESTING DOES NOT MEAN STOPPING THE PURPOSE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 1:9\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cHaving made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    God has a purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He has a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is working according to the counsel of His own will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest does not mean God’s purpose has stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest means we stop trying to become the author of the purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is bringing things together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is manifesting what He purposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our responsibility is not to replace God’s work with our own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our responsibility is to follow Him<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is the freedom of rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to force the kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to manufacture revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to create the life of God through human effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We obey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And we trust the God who is working all things according to His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE TEACHES YOU TO STOP CARRYING WHAT GOD NEVER GAVE YOU<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 Peter 5:7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cCasting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Some burdens belong to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other burdens were never assigned to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We often carry things because we believe everything depends upon us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We carry tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We carry everybody else’s opinions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We carry our past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We carry our failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We carry the need to prove ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We carry the fear that if we don’t perform perfectly, everything will collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Scripture says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cCasting all your care upon him.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cFor he careth for you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God cares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God sustains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t have to carry what God has invited us to cast upon Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    ENTERING THE REST OF GRACE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is an interesting phrase here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLabour\u2026 to enter into that rest.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why would we have to labor to rest?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because the natural mind doesn’t want to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It wants control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It wants credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It wants measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It wants to know that it accomplished something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Trust God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The flesh says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Prove yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Receive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The flesh says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Earn.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The flesh says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Strive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So sometimes the hardest work we have to do is to stop trying to become the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have to believe that God’s provision is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have to believe that Christ is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have to believe that grace is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have to believe that God is working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when we do, we begin to enter the rest that belongs to the people of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    FROM STRIVING TO ABIDING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John 15:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAs the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus doesn’t tell us to manufacture His love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He tells us to continue in it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the language of abiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t create the vine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t create the life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t create the love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You abide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And from that place, life produces fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is what grace teaches us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t spend our lives trying to become worthy enough to enter God’s love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We learn to continue in the love that has already been revealed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE REST OF GOD IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF MOVEMENT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Isaiah 30:21<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Rest doesn’t mean we stop walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means we stop striving to create the path ourselves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThis is the way, walk ye in it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the believer who rests in grace doesn’t have to manufacture the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He listens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He discerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why rest and following the Spirit are not opposites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest gives us the ability to hear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When the heart is consumed with performance, we are constantly looking at ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When the heart is established in grace, we can look toward God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can move when He says move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can stop when He says stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can rest when He says rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE GIVES YOU A PLACE TO REST<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 4:14\u201316<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cSeeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God\u2026 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The answer to religious striving is not another religious system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer is Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have a High Priest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have a finished foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And because of that, we don’t have to spend our lives trying to earn a place before God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have a place to stand.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have a place to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have a place to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have a place from which to walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the freedom of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer who learns to rest in grace is not giving up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is giving up trying to be his own savior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is giving up the exhausting attempt to establish his acceptance through human performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is giving up the need to prove himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And he is learning to trust the One who has already done what he could never do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not call you to stop walking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace calls you to stop striving.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then, from the place of rest, you can walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    From the place of rest, you can obey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    From the place of rest, you can serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    From the place of rest, you can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    From the place of rest, you can follow the Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And from the place of rest, you can discover that God’s strength is sufficient for every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is not the end of the journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rest is the foundation from which the journey continues.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER EIGHT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    EXTENDING GRACE TO OTHERS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    YOU HAVE RECEIVED GRACE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 4:32<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is never intended to stop with the person who receives it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s grace changes us, and then that grace begins to affect the way we treat other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul gives us the foundation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cEven as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God forgave you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then you learn to forgive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God showed kindness to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then you learn to show kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God extended grace toward you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then you learn to extend grace toward others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t forgive people because they have earned our forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We forgive from the revelation of what we ourselves have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace received becomes grace extended.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE MEASURE YOU USE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 7:1\u20132<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cJudge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus teaches us something about measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The way we measure other people eventually becomes a measurement we are willing to apply to ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If we demand perfection from everybody else, we create a world in which nobody is allowed to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If we demand mercy for ourselves but judgment for everybody else, we have misunderstood grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us another way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It doesn’t tell us that right and wrong no longer matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It teaches us that we are not the final judge of another person’s worth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same God who has been patient with us is teaching us patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same God who has forgiven us is teaching us forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same God who has dealt mercifully with our weakness is teaching us how to deal with the weakness of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    FORGIVE AS YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Colossians 3:12\u201313<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cPut on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another\u2026 even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look at the words Paul uses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mercies.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kindness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Humbleness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Meekness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Longsuffering.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Forbearing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Forgiving.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These are not merely religious characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They are expressions of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And Paul says we are to forgive \u201ceven as Christ forgave you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That gives us the standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cForgive them when they deserve it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cForgive them when they apologize perfectly.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cForgive them after they have suffered enough.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cEven as Christ forgave you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace reminds us that we ourselves are standing on mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore we learn to extend mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE DOES NOT MEAN APPROVING WRONG<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 5:11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Extending grace does not mean calling evil good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not mean abandoning discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not mean allowing destructive behavior to continue without boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It does not mean that every decision another person makes should be approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace and truth belong together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus was full of grace and truth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t require blindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In fact, grace allows us to see truth without hatred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can disagree without despising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can correct without condemning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can establish boundaries without bitterness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can tell the truth without destroying a person’s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is mature grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE GOOD SAMARITAN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Luke 10:30\u201337<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus told the story of a man who had been beaten, robbed, and left wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Others saw him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the Samaritan had compassion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Compassion moved him beyond observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He helped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He treated the man’s wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He carried him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He provided for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is what grace does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t merely say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThat’s unfortunate.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace moves toward need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have received a God who moved toward our need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now we learn to move toward the needs of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace looks like forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace looks like patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace looks like helping somebody who cannot repay you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace looks like refusing to give up on somebody who is struggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace looks like telling the truth because you genuinely want to see someone restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace has hands.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace has feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    DON’T FORGET WHAT YOU WERE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Titus 3:3\u20135<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived\u2026 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWe ourselves also were sometimes\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In other words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remember where you came from.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean live in your past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means let the revelation of mercy keep you humble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is easy to become harsh toward people who struggle with something we have already overcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We forget that somebody else may be standing where we once stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We forget the patience God had with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We forget the years it took us to learn things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We forget how many times God forgave us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And then we become impatient with somebody else because they haven’t learned as quickly as we did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remember mercy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The person who understands how much he has been forgiven has less reason to boast and more reason to extend forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE BREAKS THE CYCLE OF OFFENSE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Proverbs 19:11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThe discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Not every offense requires a reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not every word requires an answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not every insult requires retaliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not every disagreement needs to become a war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us restraint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is strength in being able to stop before responding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is wisdom in refusing to let somebody else’s anger become your anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The natural reaction is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou hurt me, so I’m going to hurt you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI have received mercy, so I will respond differently.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This doesn’t mean that we become passive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means we refuse to allow offense to govern our behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace breaks cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One person gets angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The other gets angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then the first person responds again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the conflict grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But somebody can stop the cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace can stop the cycle.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    LOVE YOUR ENEMIES<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 5:44\u201345<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLove your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus takes grace beyond easy relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is easy to show grace to someone we love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is much harder to show grace to someone who has hurt us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Jesus says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Love your enemies.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bless them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do good.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pray.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is not natural behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is kingdom behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives us the ability to respond from another realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The natural man responds according to what somebody deserves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhat response reflects the character of God?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is a higher standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It doesn’t mean we deny what happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means what happened to us does not have to determine what comes out of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE RELEASES THE DEBT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 18:21\u201322<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, Until seventy times seven.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Peter wanted a number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How many times?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How much forgiveness is enough?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus destroyed the measuring system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The point wasn’t mathematical calculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The point was that forgiveness isn’t supposed to become a bookkeeping system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The performance mind keeps records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They did this.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They said that.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They hurt me here.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They failed me there.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the record grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us another way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It doesn’t pretend the offense didn’t happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It refuses to allow the offense to become the master of the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Forgiveness doesn’t always mean immediate restoration of trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It doesn’t mean ignoring wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It doesn’t mean removing every boundary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But forgiveness means we refuse to become prisoners of the debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace releases what bitterness keeps demanding.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    SPEAK GRACE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 4:29<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says our words should minister grace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Think about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your mouth can become an instrument through which grace reaches another person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can destroy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can condemn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can discourage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But words can also build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can strengthen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can restore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can give hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Words can minister grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This doesn’t mean we flatter people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means our speech should have a redemptive purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before we speak, we can ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Will these words build or destroy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Will they help or merely wound?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Am I correcting because I love, or attacking because I am angry?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes our speech because grace has changed our heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    BE PATIENT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE GROWING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 Thessalonians 5:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cSupport the weak, be patient toward all men.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice that Paul doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBe patient toward the people who deserve patience.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBe patient toward all men.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because growth takes time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    People don’t all mature at the same speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some understand quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some have strong areas and weak areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some have years of religious thinking that must be dismantled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some have lived under condemnation so long that it takes time for grace to become established in their thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And we need to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God has been patient with us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not because everybody is right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But because everybody is still being dealt with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE RECEIVED BECOMES GRACE GIVEN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 1:3\u20134<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThe God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is a purpose in what God does in us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We receive comfort so that we can comfort others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We receive mercy so that we can extend mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We receive grace so that grace can flow through us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What God works into us can become a ministry to somebody else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your testimony of forgiveness can help somebody who believes they are beyond forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your experience with God’s patience can teach you how to be patient with someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your freedom from condemnation can help someone else escape the same prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your understanding of grace can become a doorway through which another person encounters the goodness of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is never intended to terminate in us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is meant to flow through us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    DON’T MAKE YOURSELF THE MEASUREMENT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Luke 6:36\u201337<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBe ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus points us back to the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAs your Father also is merciful.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t manufacture mercy out of human goodness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We learn mercy by seeing the mercy of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t learn forgiveness merely by forcing ourselves to forgive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We learn forgiveness by understanding how much we ourselves have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace turns our eyes upward before it turns our hands outward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First we see what God has done.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then we learn to do likewise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the kingdom pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE AND TRUTH WALK TOGETHER<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John 1:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us\u2026 full of grace and truth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus was not half grace and half truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He was full of grace and truth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We need both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Truth without grace can become a weapon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace without truth can become sentimental permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace and truth together reveal Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t make us afraid of truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Truth doesn’t make us abandon grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can tell the truth while keeping our heart free from hatred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can establish boundaries without bitterness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can correct without humiliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can disagree without becoming enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can stand firmly without becoming cruel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is what happens when grace matures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE WORLD NEEDS WHAT GRACE PRODUCES<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 5:16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The purpose of grace is not merely to make us feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace makes something visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLet your light so shine.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    People should be able to see something different in the way we live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not religious superiority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Christ.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They should see forgiveness where bitterness would have been easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Patience where anger would have been easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mercy where judgment would have been easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Truth where compromise would have been easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Love where hatred would have been easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is grace becoming visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when grace becomes visible, the glory doesn’t belong to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus said they would:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cglorify your Father.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE GRACE THAT FLOWS THROUGH YOU<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 Peter 4:10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAs every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is where grace becomes ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAs every man hath received\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There it is again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Received.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Minister.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You cannot give what you have never received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But when grace becomes established in you, it becomes something you can minister to somebody else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Peter calls it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cthe manifold grace of God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many-sided grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace has many expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace forgives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace restores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace strengthens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace corrects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace comforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace waits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace speaks truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace serves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And God wants that grace to move through His people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The kingdom is not merely built by what we know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The kingdom becomes visible through what God has worked into us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    FROM RECEIVING TO RELEASING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 10:8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFreely ye have received, freely give.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is the principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Freely received.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Freely given.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t hoard grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t turn it into a weapon against people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI received mercy, but you don’t deserve it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod forgave me, but I’ll never forgive you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace breaks that contradiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore we give.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We were forgiven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore we learn forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We were shown mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore we learn mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We were loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore we learn to love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We were received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore we learn to receive others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is what grace does when it becomes mature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It stops being merely something we talk about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It becomes something that flows through us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    LET GRACE BECOME YOUR RESPONSE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Colossians 4:6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace should eventually become more than a doctrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It should become our response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When somebody hurts us, grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When somebody disagrees with us, grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When somebody fails, grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When somebody needs correction, grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When somebody needs encouragement, grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When somebody needs truth, grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When somebody needs forgiveness, grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not because grace means everything is acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But because grace means Christ is becoming visible through us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have spent these chapters learning to receive grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now we begin learning what happens when the grace we have received starts flowing outward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace received becomes grace released.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when that happens, the grace of God is no longer merely something we know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It becomes something people can encounter through us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER NINE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE THAT CHANGES THE WAY YOU LIVE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS NOT A LICENSE TO STAY THE SAME<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Titus 2:11\u201312<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    We have spent this book looking at grace as God’s unearned favor, God’s provision, God’s forgiveness, God’s acceptance, and God’s rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But now we must understand something equally important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the way we live.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not permission to remain the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not an excuse for disobedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIt doesn’t matter how you live.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBecause God has done so much for you, you can now learn to live from a different foundation.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says grace itself is a teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThe grace of God\u2026 teaching us.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means grace doesn’t merely remove condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace instructs us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace trains us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace disciplines our thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes our desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes our responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes our walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE ORDER MATTERS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ephesians 2:8\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor by grace are ye saved through faith\u2026 Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look carefully at the order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faith.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Salvation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Workmanship.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Good works.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God never intended us to reverse that order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t perform good works so that God will save us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t perform good works so that God will accept us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t perform good works so that grace will become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace comes first.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then the life begins to flow from what grace has established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the difference between religion and the life of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Religion says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cDo this so you can become acceptable.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou have received God’s provision; now learn to walk in it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The work comes out of the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fruit comes from the life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The obedience comes from the foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE PRODUCES FRUIT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 5:22\u201323<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Scripture doesn’t call these the works of human determination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It calls them the fruit of the Spirit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fruit grows from life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t stand beside a tree every morning screaming at it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cProduce fruit!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fruit comes because there is life in the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the same way, grace teaches us to stop trying to manufacture spiritual fruit through human effort and begin abiding in the Source of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When grace becomes established in the heart, something begins to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Love begins to replace bitterness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Peace begins to replace anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Patience begins to replace reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gentleness begins to replace harshness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Self-control begins to replace impulsiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The change is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the source is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The life of God produces what human performance cannot manufacture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES YOUR MOTIVATION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 5:14\u201315<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor the love of Christ constraineth us\u2026 that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There is a tremendous difference between doing something because you are afraid and doing something because you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fear says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI have to.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI want to.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fear says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf I don’t, God will reject me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod has loved me, and I want my life to respond to that love.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThe love of Christ constraineth us.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is a different kind of motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t merely change what we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes why we do it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We pray because we want fellowship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We study because we want to know Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We serve because we want to bless others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We obey because we love Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We forgive because we have received forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We give because grace has changed our heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The outward action may sometimes look similar to religious performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the source is completely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    OBEDIENCE WITHOUT CONDEMNATION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    John 14:15<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIf ye love me, keep my commandments.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus connected love and obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not eliminate obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It establishes the right reason for obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer does not have to live under the constant fear that one mistake will cause God to abandon him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean obedience is unimportant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means obedience becomes the response of relationship rather than the payment for acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Think about the difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI obey because I must earn God’s favor.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    versus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI obey because I love the One who has already shown me grace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first produces anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The second produces relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t lower the call to obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the heart from which obedience comes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE TEACHES YOU TO SAY NO<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Titus 2:12<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTeaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice something about grace that is often overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t merely teach us what to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us what to refuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are things we must say no<\/strong> to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No to bitterness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No to hatred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No to pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No to unforgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No to destructive desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No to the old patterns that once controlled us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the motivation is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are not saying no because we are terrified that God won’t love us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are learning to say no because grace has shown us a better way to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t imprison you under a list of rules.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches you to recognize what no longer belongs in the life you have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SIN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 6:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul gives us a remarkable statement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cSin shall not have dominion over you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou are not under the law, but under grace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t empower sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace breaks sin’s dominion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The religious mind often believes that if we remove condemnation, people will simply do whatever they want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul teaches the opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace moves us out from under the dominion of sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you understand that you are no longer living under condemnation, you don’t have to surrender to the thing that once controlled you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can resist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because grace isn’t weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is God’s provision for a different kind of life.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    WALK IN THE SPIRIT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 5:16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThis I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul doesn’t tell us merely to fight the flesh harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWalk in the Spirit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is an important distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes the believer becomes so focused on what he must stop doing that he forgets where he is supposed to walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The answer isn’t simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cDon’t do this.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The greater answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWalk in the Spirit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When the Spirit becomes our guide, the life begins to move in another direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To discern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To obey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Christian life isn’t merely a battle against everything wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is a walk with Someone who is right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The more clearly we follow the Spirit, the less room we give the flesh to govern us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE PRODUCES HUMILITY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 Corinthians 15:10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul understood the source of his life and ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBy the grace of God I am what I am.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That statement destroys boasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul had accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul had revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul had ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul had sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But he traced the source back to grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBy the grace of God\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why genuine grace produces humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you understand that everything you have received ultimately comes from God, you don’t have to build your identity by being superior to someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to prove that you’re the most spiritual person in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to boast about your accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can simply say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBy the grace of God, I am what I am.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives God the glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES HOW YOU HANDLE SUCCESS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Deuteronomy 8:17\u201318<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Failure isn’t the only place where we need grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Success can test us too.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When things begin working, when people begin recognizing us, when opportunities increase, when our ministry grows, when our prayers are answered, we can begin taking credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can quietly begin saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLook what I have built.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace keeps pointing us back to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whatever ability we have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whatever opportunity has opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whatever understanding has come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whatever fruit has developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We remember the Source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace protects us from making ourselves the source of what God has provided.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE CHANGES HOW YOU HANDLE CORRECTION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Proverbs 12:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cWhoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A person who lives under performance often cannot handle correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because correction feels like rejection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If my identity depends upon being right, then being corrected threatens my identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace gives us another foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I can be wrong without becoming worthless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I can be corrected without becoming rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I can learn without being humiliated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I can change without being condemned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace allows the truth to come into our lives without destroying us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A secure identity can receive correction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And a believer who understands grace can say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIf I am wrong, I want to know it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not because he hates himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because he wants to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE MAKES YOU A BETTER SERVANT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1 Peter 4:10\u201311<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAs every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Peter says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAs every man hath received\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMinister the same one to another.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace received becomes grace served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace received becomes ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace received becomes generosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace received becomes service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you know that what you have came from God, you don’t have to protect it as though you manufactured it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can give.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can encourage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can pour into somebody else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace of God is manifold<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It has many expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And God wants His grace to become visible through His people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE MAKES YOU A DIFFERENT PERSON IN THE WORLD<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 2:14\u201315<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cDo all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless\u2026 among whom ye shine as lights in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace eventually becomes visible in the ordinary places of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you respond when somebody irritates you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you speak when you’re angry?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you handle somebody who disagrees with you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you respond when you don’t get your way?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you treat somebody who cannot benefit you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you respond when nobody is watching?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is where grace becomes practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is easy to talk about grace in a book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is another thing to carry grace into the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Into the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Into the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Into the church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Into the marketplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Into difficult relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Into disappointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace becomes real when it becomes our way of living.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    DON’T RETURN TO THE OLD FOUNDATION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galatians 3:3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cHaving begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This warning belongs here because it is possible to understand grace and then slowly drift back into performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We begin with grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then we become serious about growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then we begin measuring our growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then we begin measuring ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then we begin measuring others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And before long, the freedom of grace has quietly become another performance system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAre ye now made perfect by the flesh?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t go back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t turn spiritual growth into another way of proving yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t turn obedience into a payment for God’s love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t turn ministry into a measurement of your worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t turn knowledge into superiority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t turn holiness into condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stay in grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    LIVE FROM WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Colossians 3:1\u20133<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIf ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above\u2026 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Christian life is not merely an attempt to improve the old life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYour life is hid with Christ in God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That changes our direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We seek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We set our affection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We put off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We put on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But everything begins with a life that is already connected to Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is grace in operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are not trying to become alive enough for God to work with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have received life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now we learn to walk in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes the source, and when the source changes, the life changes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    LET GRACE HAVE ITS FULL WORK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 9:8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Look at the progression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace abounds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sufficiency abounds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Good works abound.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s the order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God doesn’t say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cPerform enough good works and perhaps I will give you grace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says that His grace can abound toward you so that you have sufficiency and can abound in good works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces capacity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces sufficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces generosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace produces a life that can overflow into the lives of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is what happens when grace is no longer merely a doctrine we believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It becomes a life we live.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE LIFE OF GRACE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 4:13<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cI can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The grace life is not the life of a person who says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI can do everything myself.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is the life of a person who knows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMy strength comes from Christ.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not make us independent of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace makes us dependent upon God without shame<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can admit our need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can receive His strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can walk in His provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can obey His voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can serve His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can forgive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can persevere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not because we have become our own source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because Christ is our source.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE HAS BECOME A WAY OF LIFE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 13:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is where we want to arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not merely knowing about grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Having the heart established with grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Settled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rooted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When grace is established in the heart, you don’t have to return to the performance system every time something goes wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to return to condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to return to comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to return to fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You know where you stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And because you know where you stand, you can walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can obey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can forgive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can receive correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can face failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can handle success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can extend mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can follow the Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can continue moving toward the purpose of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace has changed more than your doctrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace has changed your way of living.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And that is the great lesson of this chapter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We don’t live better so that God will give us grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We receive grace, and grace teaches us how to live.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CHAPTER TEN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    LIVING IN GRACE UNLIMITED<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS MORE THAN A BEGINNING<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 12:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cMy grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    We have come to the final chapter, but grace does not end here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not merely how you began your walk with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you recover when you fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you forgive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you face weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you approach God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is how you keep moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul had already walked with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had already preached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had already suffered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He had already received tremendous revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yet when he came to a place of weakness, God’s answer remained:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cMy grace is sufficient.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That tells us something profound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You never outgrow your need for grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is unlimited because God is not exhausted by your need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE GRACE THAT BROUGHT YOU IN WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 1:6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBeing confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    God is not merely interested in beginning something in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is interested in bringing it forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same God who began the work is still working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means you don’t have to live every day wondering whether you are going to make it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can trust the One who began the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be things you don’t understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be seasons when you don’t know what God is doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be moments when the path seems unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace doesn’t require you to understand everything before you continue walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you confidence in the One who is leading you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You may not know every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But you can know the One who holds the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE FOR THE JOURNEY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 12:1\u20132<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cLet us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Christian life is described as a race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But notice where our eyes are directed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLooking unto Jesus.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is one of the great secrets of living in grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you constantly look at yourself, you will constantly find something that needs improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you constantly look at others, you will constantly find somebody to compare yourself with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But when you look unto Jesus, you see the foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You see the author.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You see the finisher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You see the One who began the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us to keep our eyes on Christ rather than making ourselves the center of our spiritual life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR EVERY SEASON<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ecclesiastes 3:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cTo every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Life has seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are seasons of beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seasons of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seasons of transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seasons of increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seasons of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seasons of revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seasons when God seems to be moving quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And seasons when we seem to be waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But God’s grace is not limited to one season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace that sustained you yesterday is not exhausted today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace that meets you today will not be unavailable tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s provision is greater than the season you are in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why we don’t have to panic every time something changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can discern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can move when God says move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can remain when God says remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And we can trust His grace in both places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE TEACHES YOU TO FOLLOW<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Isaiah 30:21<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace does not make us independent of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us dependence upon Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be times when God says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stay.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be times when He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Move.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be times when He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wait.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be times when He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Go forward.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The important thing is not merely knowing that God has a path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The important thing is learning to hear and follow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That requires discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires knowing His voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires knowing His Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires understanding His ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires becoming familiar with His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Word becomes a lamp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Spirit becomes our guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And grace gives us confidence that we don’t have to manufacture the path ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can follow the One who knows the way.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE AND INCREASE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Proverbs 4:18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The path of the just is not described as becoming darker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It shines more and more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is a powerful picture of spiritual increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God brings revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Understanding increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Discernment increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Maturity increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The light becomes clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You see things you could not see before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You understand things you did not understand before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin recognizing God’s movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin discerning His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You begin understanding the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when God begins moving you into greater territory, grace provides what you need for the movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The God who establishes also expands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The God who plants also moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The God who builds also increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when the Spirit begins saying, \u201cMove,\u201d<\/strong> grace teaches us not to become so attached to the previous season that we miss the next one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    DON’T BUILD A HOUSE AROUND YESTERDAY’S MOVE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Isaiah 43:18\u201319<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cRemember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are times when God does something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The danger is becoming so comfortable with what God did yesterday that we cannot recognize what He is doing today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can build a tent around a previous move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThis is where God met me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And because God met us there, we assume He must remain there forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But God is living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God has purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the believer must learn to discern the movement of the Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace means staying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace means moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace means beginning again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes grace means expanding what has already been built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The key is not the location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The key is following God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE GIVES YOU COURAGE TO MOVE FORWARD<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Joshua 1:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBe strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Moving into something new can produce fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What if it doesn’t work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What if we fail?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What if people don’t understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What if we have to learn something we’ve never learned before?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What if the new territory is bigger than our present ability?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But God’s answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI am with thee.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The confidence isn’t:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cYou are strong enough.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The confidence is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGod is with you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t require us to know everything before we move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It gives us confidence to move while trusting God to teach us along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are things you learn only because you move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are doors you discover only because you walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are territories you never enter because you are afraid to leave the familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace gives courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace says you can move forward without having every answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO BEGIN AGAIN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Lamentations 3:22\u201323<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cIt is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Every morning carries a testimony:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His mercy is still here.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There may be things yesterday did not accomplish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There may be mistakes you made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There may be opportunities you missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There may be things you wish you had done differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But God’s mercy is new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means yesterday doesn’t have to become the prison of today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you the ability to begin again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not because the past didn’t happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But because the past doesn’t have the final word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s faithfulness is greater than yesterday’s failure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE GIVES YOU STRENGTH TO FINISH<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Timothy 4:7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cI have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul didn’t merely begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He finished his course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is the goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not just about getting started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is about continuing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There will be seasons of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But grace teaches us perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We keep walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We keep believing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We keep following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We keep learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We keep serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We keep moving toward the purpose of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The believer doesn’t finish because he was perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He finishes because God’s grace sustained him.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE DOES NOT MAKE YOU WEAK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 12:10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cFor when I am weak, then am I strong.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Grace changes our understanding of strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The world says strength means having no weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches us that weakness can become the place where God’s strength is revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean we celebrate weakness for its own sake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means we stop pretending that we don’t need God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The mature believer isn’t the one who says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI don’t need help anymore.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The mature believer understands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI know where my help comes from.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t make you dependent upon yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace makes you increasingly dependent upon Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And there is great strength in knowing the Source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE PRODUCES GRATITUDE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Colossians 3:15\u201317<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd be ye thankful\u2026 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When we understand grace, gratitude becomes natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because we realize how much has been given that we could never earn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We stop saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLook what I accomplished.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And begin saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLook what God has done.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gratitude protects the heart from entitlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It protects us from pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It protects us from thinking everything we have is the product of our own strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace reminds us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I received.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I give thanks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And gratitude changes how we live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes how we see people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes how we see opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes how we see the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It changes how we respond when God increases our territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE MAKES ROOM FOR GREATER THINGS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    2 Corinthians 9:8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cAnd God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the word:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Abound.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God’s grace can abound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His sufficiency can abound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the believer can abound in good works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is not a small supply that God carefully rations because He is afraid we will use too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God is able to make all grace abound.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That means when God enlarges our assignment, He can enlarge our capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When He increases the territory, He can increase the grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When He opens a door, He can provide what is necessary to walk through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When He gives a greater assignment, He doesn’t expect us to accomplish it independently of Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace supplies what the assignment requires.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE FOR THE KINGDOM<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matthew 6:33<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The purpose of increase is not merely personal accumulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The kingdom is the purpose.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When God increases our territory, He is not simply giving us more to possess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He can give us more opportunity to serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More people to reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More places to teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More resources to distribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More books to put into people’s hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More ways to communicate the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More territory through which the Word can travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Increase becomes meaningful when it serves purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why grace and increase belong together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God gives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We steward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We multiply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the kingdom advances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    DON’T FEAR THE NEXT TERRITORY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Isaiah 54:2\u20133<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cEnlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There comes a time when the tent must become larger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What was sufficient for yesterday may not be sufficient for tomorrow’s assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The tent must expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The cords must stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The stakes must be strengthened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is a picture of increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And increase requires movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires adaptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes God has already blessed what you built, but He is saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThere is more territory.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That doesn’t mean what you built was wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It means the assignment has expanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t abandon the territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You enlarge the territory.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE SPIRIT LEADS INTO GREATER TERRITORY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Acts 16:6\u201310<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cThey were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia\u2026 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paul had a desire to go one direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Spirit redirected him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fact that Paul was doing something good did not mean it was the next thing God wanted him to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes the question isn’t:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIs this good?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIs this what God is saying now?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That requires ears to hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It requires the willingness to move when God redirects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can build something good and still be called to expand beyond it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can have a successful ministry in one territory and still hear God say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cNow go farther.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s not abandonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s expansion.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE LIGHT SHINES MORE AND MORE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Proverbs 4:18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is where we return to the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The path shines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then it shines more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The revelation increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The understanding increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The territory increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The responsibility increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The opportunity increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the grace increases to meet it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is not a journey of standing still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is a journey of increasing light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when the light reveals something new, we follow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When the Spirit says move, we move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When He says stay, we stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When He says enlarge, we enlarge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When He says release something, we release it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The key is not attachment to a particular place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The key is attachment to the Lord.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    GRACE IS ENOUGH FOR WHAT COMES NEXT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Philippians 4:19<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t know everything that is coming next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Neither do I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But we don’t have to know everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We need to know the Source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God knows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God opens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God closes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God redirects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God strengthens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why we can move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cDo I have everything necessary within myself?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIs God’s grace sufficient?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And the answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    LIVE IN GRACE UNLIMITED<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hebrews 13:8\u20139<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cJesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever\u2026 For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is where we want to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not merely knowing about grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not merely believing in grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not merely talking about grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Established with grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A heart established with grace can face yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A heart established with grace can face today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A heart established with grace can face tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because the foundation isn’t changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jesus Christ is the same.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His provision is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His grace is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His mercy is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His purpose is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And His grace can abound toward us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to return to performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to return to condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to return to shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to live afraid of failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You don’t have to become your own source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can forgive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can enter new territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And you can trust the grace of God through every season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE FINAL WORD: GRACE IS GREATER<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    PASSAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 5:20\u201321<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    \u201cBut where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    TEACHING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is the final word of this book:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace is greater.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than your failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than your weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than your past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than your condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than your fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than your inability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater than the place where you began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace doesn’t merely meet you at the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace accompanies you on the journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace teaches you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace establishes you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace corrects you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace restores you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace strengthens you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace enlarges you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace sends you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grace gives you the ability to keep walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when God begins moving you into greater territory, don’t be afraid of the movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Listen for His voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Know His Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Discern His ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Understand His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Follow His Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The path of the just shines more and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The tent can be enlarged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The cords can be stretched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The stakes can be strengthened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The territory can increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And through every movement, there is one foundation that never changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The grace of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You did not earn it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You cannot purchase it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You cannot manufacture it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You cannot exhaust it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You receive it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And then you live in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why we can call it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE UNLIMITED<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    God’s grace is greater than your need, greater than your weakness, greater than your past, and sufficient for everything He has called you to become.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Receive it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stand in it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Walk in it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Live in it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And let grace reign.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE-LIVING PLAN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    A DAILY PLAN FOR LIVING IN GOD’S GRACE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1. RECEIVE GRACE<\/strong>
    Begin the day by remembering that God’s favor is not something you have to earn. Receive what He has already provided through Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. REST IN GRACE<\/strong>
    Refuse to begin the day by striving to prove yourself. Rest in God’s provision and trust that His grace is sufficient for whatever the day brings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. RENEW YOUR MIND<\/strong>
    Take the Word of God and allow it to correct the way you see yourself, God, and your circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. FOLLOW THE SPIRIT<\/strong>
    Listen for God’s direction. Don’t force your own way. If the path becomes dark, stop, listen, and allow the Spirit to redirect you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. WALK IN GRACE<\/strong>
    Let grace become visible in your behavior\u2014your words, decisions, relationships, patience, forgiveness, and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. EXTEND GRACE<\/strong>
    Give others what you have received. Forgive. Be patient. Speak words that build. Show mercy without abandoning truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. RECEIVE GRACE WHEN YOU FAIL<\/strong>
    Don’t run from God when you stumble. Come into the light, confess what needs to be confessed, receive forgiveness, and keep walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. REFUSE CONDEMNATION<\/strong>
    Don’t allow your past, your failures, or somebody else’s judgment to become your identity. Remember who you are in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9. GROW IN GRACE<\/strong>
    Don’t confuse growth with earning acceptance. Grow because you are already standing in grace. Let God develop what He has begun in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    10. GIVE THANKS AND MOVE FORWARD<\/strong>
    End the day remembering God’s faithfulness. Thank Him for His grace, learn from the day, and get back on the path tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    THE GRACE-LIVING DECLARATION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    I receive God’s grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I rest in God’s provision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I trust the finished work of Christ.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I refuse condemnation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will follow the Spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will walk in truth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will extend grace to others.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will receive forgiveness when I fail.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will grow in grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will not return to religious striving.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will trust God with my future.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His grace is sufficient for me.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His grace is greater than my weakness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His grace is greater than my past.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His grace is greater than my need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I will receive it, stand in it, walk in it, and live in it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GRACE UNLIMITED<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Grace received.
    Grace lived.
    Grace released.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    GRACE UNLIMITED A Believer’s Guide to Receiving and Living in God’s Unearned Favor ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carl Timothy Wray Carl Timothy Wray is a Christian author and Bible teacher whose ministry represents more than four decades of studying, teaching, and writing the Word of God. His work extends far beyond a single book or platform…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-67","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/67","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=67"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/67\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68,"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/67\/revisions\/68"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealthandwellnessdirect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=67"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}