OceanSide church of Christ




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GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY EXPLAINED

A sermon prepared by Aaron Cameron

To be presented at OceanSide church of Christ

 

I.                 INTRODUCTION

a.      What is the definition of mercy?

b.      What is the definition of grace?

                                                    i.     That is something we will explore as we move forward

c.      I John 2:1-2

                                                    i.     Man’s problems – accepting the mercy and grace, and forgiving himself

                                                   ii.     James 5:11b

II.               THE FATHER’S DELEGATION OF MERCY AND GRACE IS SOVEREIGN

a.      Sovereign – without the influence of outsiders; whatever God wills is inherently correct

b.      Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23

c.      Grace compared to justice

                                                    i.     Justice is the antithesis (opposite) of grace

1.      Justice – we receive what we deserve

2.      Mercy – we do not receive what we deserve

3.      Grace – We receive what we do not deserve

d.      I Peter 4:18

e.      Free gift – unearned – God distributes as He sees fit

III.              GRACE DOES NOT EXCLUDE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN

a.      The story of David and Bathsheba – 2 Samuel 11 and 12

b.      2 Samuel 12:1-7

                                                    i.     Called “a man after God’s own heart”

                                                   ii.     Still regarded as one of the great men of the Bible

                                                  iii.     Sinned – just like we do – paid the price

c.      Proverbs 28:13

IV.              GRACE AND MERCY HAVE A GREAT COST

a.      The cost is Jesus Christ, the Son of God

                                                    i.     Isaiah 53:4-6, 12

                                                   ii.     2 Corinthians 5:21

b.      Grace does not eliminate our responsibility, but instead emphasizes it

                                                    i.     Galatians 2:20-21

c.      Grace makes us more responsible

                                                    i.     Romans 6:1-2

d.      Not mutually exclusive

                                                    i.     Romans 6:14

                                                   ii.     Law not vs. grace, but rather living under law and being obedience, obedience brings grace

V.               SAVED THROUGH GRACE

a.      Salvation by atonement, not attainment

                                                    i.     2 Corinthians 5:19

                                                   ii.     I Peter 1:18-19

b.      God has promised mercy and grace for those who:

                                                    i.     Believe in His Son – John 3:16

                                                   ii.     Repent of sins – Luke 13:3

                                                  iii.     Have sins washed away via baptism – Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16

c.      By refusing to extend mercy to Jesus on the Cross, God extends mercy to us… IF we submit in obedience to His commands

d.      Romans 3:24-26

e.      Because sinners are redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ, and not their own righteousness, they are sanctified by the mercy and grace of God.

VI.              HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO GRACE AND MERCY?

a.      Matthew 5:7

                                                    i.     Unless we extend mercy, we cannot benefit from mercy ourselves

b.      Mercy and grace call for action from us

                                                    i.     The publican’s prayer, Luke 18:13

c.      Luke 9:23 – Nothing should take precedence over our Savior; He has commanded that we take up our cross and follow Him

VII.            CONCLUSION

a.      The Prodigal Son saw grace extended to him from his father

                                                    i.     Luke 15:19-20

b.      He did not receive what he deserved, he received what he did not deserve

c.      The same can be said for us when we sin

d.      Invitation