The Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:22-32)
I. Paul’s definition of his ministry: “to testify the gospel of the grace of God (vs. 24).
A. Divine favor (Genesis 39:21; Exodus 3:21; I Samuel 2:26; Psalms 44:3)
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them (Psalm 44:3).
B. Completely free expression of the kindness of God, a gift unearned & unmerited.
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:1)?
C. It is a dynamic, power or energy to change what otherwise could not be changed.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).
II. How do you recognize & respond to the work of grace in your heart (Hebrews 13:9).
A. It produces joy and gratitude in the one receiving grace (Psalms 30:5; 35:27).
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
B. God’s grace teaches us to turn away from ungodliness (Titus 2:10-12).
For 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.
C. God’s grace operating in the soul is visible and identifiable to observers.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord (Acts 11:23).
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him (Luke 2:40).
D. God’s grace is powerfully displayed in those witnessing in the Holy Spirit.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33).
E God’s grace builds you up within your soul and gives you an inheritance in God.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
III. There is only one way to receive the grace of God (1 Peter 5:5-7).
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
He came to my desk with quivering lip;
The lesson was done.
“May I have a new sheet, dear teacher?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So I took his sheet all spoiled and blotted,
And gave him a new one – all unspotted,
Then into his tired heart I cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
I came to the Throne with quivering heart;
The day was done.
“May I have a new day, dear Master?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So He took my day, all spoiled and blotted,
And gave me a new one – all unspotted,’
Then into my tired heart He cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
Kathleen Wheeler
The Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:22-32)
I. Paul’s definition of his ministry: “to testify the gospel of the grace of God (vs. 24).
A. Divine favor (Genesis 39:21; Exodus 3:21; I Samuel 2:26; Psalms 44:3)
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them (Psalm 44:3).
B. Completely free expression of the kindness of God, a gift unearned & unmerited.
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:1)?
C. It is a dynamic, power or energy to change what otherwise could not be changed.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).
II. How do you recognize & respond to the work of grace in your heart (Hebrews 13:9).
A. It produces joy and gratitude in the one receiving grace (Psalms 30:5; 35:27).
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
B. God’s grace teaches us to turn away from ungodliness (Titus 2:10-12).
For 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.
C. God’s grace operating in the soul is visible and identifiable to observers.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord (Acts 11:23).
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him (Luke 2:40).
D. God’s grace is powerfully displayed in those witnessing in the Holy Spirit.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33).
E God’s grace builds you up within your soul and gives you an inheritance in God.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
III. There is only one way to receive the grace of God (1 Peter 5:5-7).
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
He came to my desk with quivering lip;
The lesson was done.
“May I have a new sheet, dear teacher?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So I took his sheet all spoiled and blotted,
And gave him a new one – all unspotted,
Then into his tired heart I cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
I came to the Throne with quivering heart;
The day was done.
“May I have a new day, dear Master?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
So He took my day, all spoiled and blotted,
And gave me a new one – all unspotted,’
Then into my tired heart He cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
Kathleen Wheeler
The Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:22-32)