Abounding Grace: Mercy and Grace

Sunday we’re going to examine the heart of our text, “mercy and grace.” The author tells us that when we approach God, engaging him with our trials and temptations, we receive and discover something. We receive mercy. Literally, God’s compassion. That doesn’t seem all to surprising, but we receive mercy regardless of our situation. You gave into a besetting sin, but you receive compassion. You made poor financial decisions and now bear the consequences, but you receive compassion. The point is that God doesn’t greet you with disapproval, disappointment, or disdain. He greets you with compassion. He knows our weaknesses, the power of our flesh, and he greets us with tenderness.

Second, we discover or “find grace.” Grace has two-pronged meaning. Throughout the Scripture, grace refers to God’s favor toward us. We typically think of grace as “undeserved favor.” Here grace refers to our standing with God through Jesus Christ. Paul brings this out strongly in Ephesians when he talks about all that God has done for us, “in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). Because of Christ, my status has moved from fallen, sinful image-bearer to adopted child. God always favors his own children! That’s encouraging, but when I’m in crisis I need more than a hug and a reminder that God loves me. This is where “grace” has another meaning, referring to the gifts that God gives because of my standing with him. This requires discovery!

Sunday, we’ll explore God’s disposition to us and discover the gifts he gives to help us. Join us!