This week is huge. If you don't get grace, then you don't get Jesus or the life He offers. It's just that big.
“Grace is a favor done without expectation of return.”
Author and philosopher Spiro Zodhiates defines it this way; “Grace is the absolutely free expression of the Love of God finding it’s only motive in the bounty and benevolence of God.”
As you head into this discussion, think through your members and pray. You know the ones that live by a cheap grace- letting it exist beautifully in the realm of idea, but allowing it to have no impact in their real life of pursued love and holiness. There's no gratitude. No worship. No humility. Similarly, there are those that know it's a wonderful concept, yet the evidence of their life proves that they live by rules, and so they live in constant fear of failing and condemnation. They hold others to the same. God is not someone to relate to- He's the rule giver, and we have broken those rules. Period. Now it's just a matter of getting Him off our backs with 51% goodness.
The difference between that and the real Jesus Christ are death and life!
Thaw
- Tell of a time where someone, seemingly at random, did something for you that you couldn't repay?
- have you ever done something for someone, and they didn't notice or make your efforts payoff? What went on inside your heart?
- What were the key points for you from Sunday?
- Have you ever heard or come across a similar teaching or idea? Have you ever been taught something that was contradictory?
Read
- 1 Peter 5:5-6
- Thoughts?
Leader note: It says young men because that was his specific audience- but lades are not off the hook!
- What does grace and humility have to do with each other?
- How does humility affect our view of God? other people?
Read
- “Grace is a favor done without expectation of return.”
- “Grace is the absolutely free expression of the Love of God finding it’s only motive in the bounty and benevolence of God.”
- Respond to these definitions.
- How does this definition affect how we view God? How we think God views us?
- How does it affect how we view others?
- Who do we not extend grace to, whether it's certain kinds of people, or individuals in our lives? Why?
Read
- Philippians 2:1-8
- Thoughts?
Application
- How does this change things for you? For the group? For your immediate family?
- What blocks this humble acceptance of grace from God, from others and toward others?
- How can the members of your group help you with humility?
Leader note: If your group "goes there" with this last question, be aware that certain less-than-humble members may be singled out. Balance that. That may be a good thing, but don't let it become about them only.
Additional texts
- Galatians 2:20-21
- Ephesians 4:1-3
- Genesis 2:4-7
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