Message: “Grace and Mercy Part 2” from Joe Summers

Joe Summers - October 6, 2024

Grace and Mercy Part 2

Mercy and Grace Part 2 Lesson Objective: By the end of this lesson, we will be able to understand the biblical concepts of mercy and grace, recognize their importance in God's relationship with humanity, and apply these principles in our daily lives by extending mercy and grace to others as a reflection of God's love. Main Scripture: Hebrews 4:16 (NIV): “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Introduction Definitions - Mercy is the withholding of deserved punishment, while grace is the giving of undeserved blessings. - Mercy is God not punishing us for our sins, while grace is God blessing us in ways we haven't earned. The Necessity for Mercy Romans 3: 23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord The Depth of Our Sin and the Need for Repentance Psalm 51:3-6 - “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me... Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight...” - Key Point: David recognizes that his sin is ultimately against God, despite the wrongs done to others. True repentance involves acknowledging sin before God, not just feeling guilty or ashamed. - Related Old Testament Scripture: - Leviticus 16:21 – The high priest would confess the sins of the people over a scapegoat, symbolizing that all sin must be acknowledged before God. - Related New Testament Scripture: - 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Application: True repentance requires us to confront the reality of our sin, confess it fully to God, and ask for His forgiveness. The Cleansing and Renewal from God Psalm 51:7-12 - “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow... Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” - Key Point: Forgiveness is not just the removal of guilt; it’s the restoration of purity and a renewed relationship with God. David prays for cleansing and a transformed heart. - Related Old Testament Scripture: - Ezekiel 36:25-26 – “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean... And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” - Related New Testament Scripture: - Titus 3:5 – “He saved us... by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” - Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Application: God's forgiveness not only cleanses us from sin but also renews us spiritually, giving us a fresh start and empowering us to live rightly before Him. The Joy of Salvation and the Impact of Forgiveness Psalm 51:12-13 - “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” - Key Point: The joy of salvation follows forgiveness. David longs to experience the full joy of his relationship with God, which is restored through forgiveness. Once forgiven, he is eager to lead others to repentance and forgiveness. - Related Old Testament Scripture: - Isaiah 12:1-3 – A song of thanksgiving for salvation, emphasizing joy and trust in God's forgiveness. - Related New Testament Scripture: - Romans 5:1-2 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” - Luke 15:7 – “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Application: Forgiveness brings joy and peace, and it should inspire us to share God's grace and mercy with others. 5. The Call to Live a Transformed Life Psalm 51:16-17 - “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it... The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” - Key Point: David realizes that true repentance is not about external rituals but a transformed heart. God desires humility and brokenness over formal sacrifices. - Related New Testament Scripture: - Matthew 5:3-4 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” - Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Application: Genuine repentance involves a change in our hearts and actions. We are called to live humbly and surrender to God's will, offering our lives as a living sacrifice. The Relationship Between Mercy and Grace Example: The Apostle Peter (Luke 22, John 21) - Mercy: Peter denies Jesus three times, deserving rejection. But Jesus, after His resurrection, extends mercy by restoring Peter, not condemning him for his failure. - Grace: Jesus goes beyond simply forgiving Peter; He entrusts him with leadership, calling Peter to “feed His sheep” and shepherd His people. Example: The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7) - Mercy: The shepherd seeks out the lost sheep, saving it from danger. The sheep deserves to be lost due to its own wandering. - Grace: The shepherd doesn’t just bring the sheep back; he joyfully carries it on his shoulders, celebrating its return. - Scripture Reference: *“And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’”* (Luke 15:5-6) Application - Living Out Mercy and Grace 1. Showing Mercy to Others - Practical Example: Forgiving someone who has wronged you deeply. Often, we want to respond with punishment or vengeance, but mercy calls us to withhold what they deserve. - Discussion: Can you think of a time when someone showed you mercy when you didn’t deserve it? 2. Extending Grace to Others - Practical Example: Offering help or a kind word to someone who hasn’t earned it, or perhaps to someone who has treated you poorly. - Discussion: How might showing grace to someone change their heart or perception of God’s love? 3. Relying on God's Mercy and Grace - Scripture Reference: *“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) - This verse shows how God invites us to come to Him for both mercy (when we’ve sinned) and grace (when we need help or strength).