Sermon Outline

Our God of Grace:
How Grace Changes Everything, Part 1

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-11

I. Introduction: Many believers don’t have an accurate perception of the Lord. He’s not a distant, unloving judge, but a God of grace.  

1. All About Grace
   1. Grace can be defined as God’s undeserved, unearned favor, goodness, kindness, and love toward us. 
   2. Grace is a free gift that cannot be earned (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 11:6).
   3. God’s grace is mentioned 150 times in the New Testament. Paul opened and closed his letters by mentioning it. This means the Lord’s unearned favor is at the heart of Christianity.
   4. G-R-A-C-E is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Our sin-debt was paid in full through Jesus’ death on the cross. We have the privilege of coming to His throne with all our requests.
   5. Mercy is not getting what we deserve—namely, punishment for our sins. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve—that is, favor from God. 

2. Because of God’s grace…
   1. He has chosen and predestined us (Eph. 1:3-6).
   2. He has justified us (Rom. 3:23-26). Apart from grace, we would experience eternal death (Ezek. 18: 4, 20).
   3. He has given us an eternal position in heaven (Eph. 2:1-8). We are living examples of God’s grace.
   4. We can not only endure suffering but also profit from it (2 Cor. 12:8-9). His grace makes us able to face trials.
   5. We are called to serve Him (Gal. 1:1-6, 15-16).
   6. We have been given spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:6-8; 2 Cor. 9:6-8).
   7. He provides for all our needs (2 Cor. 9:8).

II. Closing: God’s grace is a gift offered to all humanity. However, each person must be willing to receive the gift before he or she can enjoy its benefits. This week, let God empower you to help someone come to know Jesus.