Grace is the quality of God’s character by which he helps us without requiring anything in return. It's one of the most scandalous ideas in history.
Talking Points:
- We are in desperate need of God’s help. There’s a dark side in each one of us that no one but God can see. Ephesians 2:1-3
- When you embrace God’s help, it changes your destiny. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sins and made new life possible for us. Ephesians 1:6-7, Ephesians 2:8
- Most people struggle to believe God’s help is enough. But as soon as you mix any kind of merit into the equation, grace is completely nullified. Titus 3:5-7, Romans 11:5-6
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is the best Christmas or birthday gift you’ve ever received? What made it so great?
- Describe a time when you received a “gift” but it had strings attached. How did those conditions affect your thinking or attitude toward that gift?
- Grace can be defined as “God helps.” What are the strengths and weaknesses of that definition?
- Read Ephesians 2:1-3. How do these verses describe humanity’s desperate need for God’s help?
- What other evidence can you give to support the idea that people desperately need God’s help?
- Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Explain the relationship between grace and faith.
- Read Titus 2:5-7. Describe the two approaches to salvation mentioned there.
- Read Romans 11:5-6. Why is it impossible to combine the “grace” and “works” approaches to God?
- What are some reasons why people find it so difficult to embrace God’s free gift of grace?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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