Sermon Outlines: The Grace of God

What does it mean to have the grace of God upon your life? Grace means unmerited or undeserved favor. In other words, there is nothing we can do to earn God's favor because it is freely given by Him. So, if we can't do anything to earn God's grace, is it possible to lose or fall short of it? Hebrews 12:15 says,

"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." (KJV)

Notice the verse says, "looking diligently" which means to be on guard or watch carefully. It's something the writer is warning us about, something we need to watch out for. Here are a few things that can cause us to fall short of God's grace or favor.

Depending Upon Works Rather Than Grace

The Bible makes it clear that attempting to be saved by works, rather than grace, is a a futile endeavor (Romans 11:6). Paul said that if we are "seeking to be justified by the law or works then we are severed from Christ and fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4)." The blessings of God apply to this as well. If we desire God's favor in our lives, we must receive it by faith knowing that we cannot do anything to be worthy of it.

Refusing to Exercise Faith (Hebrews 3:7-17 and 10:26)

As we read both of these passages, and the entire context surrounding them, we see clearly that they are talking about faith. In Chapter three Israel refused to trust God, and the result was fear dominated their lives instead of hope. Throughout the bible faith had to be exercised to receive anything from God; whether salvation or a promised blessing. The word preached has to be mixed with faith to profit the hearers (Hebrews 4:2).

Idolatry, Satisfying Our Flesh, and Spiritual Unfaithfulness

Idolatry is a major form of spiritual unfaithfulness (1 John 5:21). God wants to be first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). Hebrews 12:15-17 refers to Esau who traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. He was more concerned with immediate gratification of the flesh than his spiritual well-being. We must set our affection on spiritual things and not merely on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2).

Giving Up in the Midst of the Race (Hebrews 12:1-3)

The only way our enemy can defeat us is by causing us to give up. If we don't give up, God will see us through to a successful conclusion (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24). No matter how hard it gets, or how bad you mess up, don't quit! It really doesn't matter what you have done or what is happening in your life; stand on the fact that God loves you.

Failure to Yield to God's Discipline in Our Lives (Hebrews 12:4-10)

God loves us just like our earthly father, but much more so and in the purest of ways. We discipline our children for their good because we want to see them blessed and successful. God does the same for us. If you are going through a rough time, you may be thinking that God is disciplining you, and He may be. If it is Him, you can be sure He will let you know what you are doing wrong so you can correct it. He won't leave you in the dark.

Ingratitude and Negativity (Hebrews 12:28)

Complaining and not being thankful can definitely hinder the favor and blessings of God in our lives. That's why praise is so important. Paul said we are to "do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14)." For most of us it's easy to complain. We need to learn to replace negativity with thanksgiving and praise (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

Holding on to Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)

The word "bitter" has been thrown around quite a lot in political circles lately. Bitterness is a poison that can not only destroy your life, but it can also affect the lives of those around you (Ephesians 4:31-2). When we are bitter we often say or do things we normally wouldn't. We must not allow bitterness to control our lives (James 4:7).

Refusing to Listen to God (Hebrews 12:25a)

We must constantly be listening for God's voice. He is always speaking; we must simply tune in. He speaks to us so we can walk in the light of His favor and be blessed. When He speaks to us, whether it's through His Word, other people, or the Spirit, we must be willing to exercise faith and do what He is telling us to do (John 7:17; Matthew 25:29).

Rejecting the One Through Whom Grace is Bestowed

In our society we have many prominent people claiming that although Jesus was a good teacher, there are many paths to God. Oprah Winfrey has been very vocal on this issue. If we agree that Jesus was a good teacher, it would stand to reason that we would also agree that He taught the truth.

Jesus said that no one can come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6). Salvation comes by no other name but His (Acts 4:12). God's favor is bestowed upon our lives through His grace and that alone (2 Corinthians 8:9).

If we claim to be a Christian, and we don't believe this foundational principle, we make Jesus out to be a liar and a fraud (1 John 5:10). Christians can't have it both ways. If you reject Jesus and his teachings, you are not a Christian.

Conclusion

So how do we please God? All He requires is that we have faith in him. He wants us to put him first and trust that he will lead us in the right direction. He wants us to worship with a thankful heart, even when things are not going our way. Most of all, God wants us to understand that he will never give up on us!

Source: Ministrymaker Sermon Outlines