Theme: Evangelism/Grace/Salvation (Sept.

24, 2017)

Devotion: Acts 20:24 Colossians 1:13-14/ Rom. 3:23-24

Title: The Good News of Grace

Introduction:
Good morning to everyone. Before we continue let us first have a moment of prayer…
The gospel, broadly speaking, is the whole of scripture: The divine revelation of God that has
been given to us people. Specifically, it pertains to the good news concerning Jesus Christ and
the way of salvation. To fully understand the gospel is to know why it is good news in the first
place. Why was it needed? Its contrast to the bad news reveals to us why it is truly good. The
bible gives us a clear picture on all of these things so that we would know and understand just
how important this is. The bible tells us that none of us are good, and none of us are righteous.
Even with the best of intentions, and the greatest works of charity, we would still come up
lacking. That is where grace comes in. What man cannot achieve God gives freely through His
grace, His unmerited favor. It is why we are here, and it is why we continue. Grace is central in
the Christian Doctrine, it is the essence of the gospel, of salvation, and of everything that we
do. That is why the title of our message today is: The Good News of Grace

Exegetical Idea: God’s grace has been revealed and all people have an opportunity to be saved.
Those who are saved are also being trained by God to be Godly, to be pleasing to Him.

Proposition: God’s free gift of salvation has already been given. It is the only way for man to be
saved. Those who reject it have no other means of entering eternal life, while those who do
accept it, find that God’s grace brings more than just salvation, and is abundant in every aspect
of the life of a Christian.

I. The righteousness of God

Everything important begins with God: His character, His attributes; even His will. It is
what His word reveals to us, because it is through understanding these things that we will
understand what is truly important in relation to everything. The righteousness of God dictates
then the standard with which we are to measure our own lives. God is morally right and
justifiable. This is no issue with regards to the side of God, but a big problem when it comes to
us.

A. God’s righteousness demands perfect obedience – Ja.2:10-11; Rom.3:19-20; 1:18

Because God is righteous, everything that comes from Him is righteous, and that
any that would come to Him should be righteous as well. The problem is that since the
Garden of Eden, mankind has failed to meet the requirements of the righteousness of
God. In the OT, God gave the Israelites the law, not as something attainable, but to
emphasize just how much man cannot do anything on his own power. Rom.3:19-20 In
futility however, many still think that obedience to the law would save them, when in
truth, no one of us would pass the test. God demands not just obedience, but perfect
obedience. Ja.2:10-11 Fail even in the smallest one and you have failed the whole. But
still it does not end there. Righteousness also demands justice to be done. Justice
demands wrongdoings to be righted, and for sinfulness and lawlessness to be punished.
God cannot just “let it be” or “let it go” because He is loving and kind. His holiness will
not tolerate any kind of wrongdoing in His presence. His wrath is poured out from
heaven against all kinds of sin and evil. Rom.1:18 His wrath and anger are motivated by
His holiness. He is on the side of right, while all who are under His wrath are in the
wrong. Many will be surprised in the last day, for many today think that God will either
give them a “pass” just because, or that they would escape from the scrutiny of God.

B. We are justified by God’s grace – Rom.3:21-26

In all these, one thing has been made very clear: we cannot do anything on our
own. No matter the intelligence, the moral uprightness, and even hard work would ever
bring us righteousness. This is where God’s love and mercy enters the picture. Again, the
keyword to be remembered and taken to heart is “grace”. If Jesus is what brought us
salvation, it is grace that brought Jesus Christ to us. Rom.3:21-26 That is what
propitiation means and why it is important in our salvation: what we could not do, Jesus
did for our sake. What was required of us, He fulfilled perfectly and completely. He
satisfied the righteousness of God. The same is also true the other way around: what we
should have received because of our sins, He accepted as well. He swapped places with
us, and in effect, swapped the consequences. 2Cor.5:21 This is the whole reason for the
cross: He had to suffer and He also had to die. Why? Because we should have been the
ones to suffer and die as the consequence for our sins. In Christ, the righteousness,
justice, and holiness of God would be satisfied and fulfilled forever more. He came, He
died, and He rose again, all for our sake. We are declared righteous by faith in Jesus
Christ and what He has done for all.

C. By faith in Jesus Christ

God’s saving grace is Jesus Christ Himself. And apart from Christ, there can be no
salvation. Acts4:11-12 Yes, salvation is available for all, but only effective for those who
put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. From this comes the urgent reality: there are
those who are saved and there are those who are not. There are those who are in
Christ, and there are those who are not in Christ. It is not membership or attendance in
the church that saves, it is not our religiosity, nor our traditions, it is only believing in the
Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:36 to those who do not believe and trust in Jesus, God’s wrath
lies waiting for them. We must be reminded then that knowing God is not enough.
Knowing Jesus is not enough. What do I mean? Many people have read the bible, many
people know scripture, and many more people know who Jesus Christ is, and what He
has done. They know His parables, His teachings, His miracles, many know Jesus’ birth
and even His death. But knowledge alone does not save. It is what you do with what you
know. Rom.10:17 the key is faith in Jesus Christ. Even if you listen and listen and listen
to the word of God, if you do not respond with faith, it is useless. Even if you read and
read and read the bible, having a big collection of all the translations and versions, it is
meaningless without having faith. This is the sad truth. Many who will go into
 destruction will have heard about the gospel. Many who will perish have knowledge of
Jesus, but without faith in Jesus.

Application:
2Cor.6:2b God’s grace has brought us salvation, all we need to do is believe. The first
step in accepting this grace is the realization of the need for salvation. People immediately
reject offers they deem that has nothing to do with them. People reject because they do not
accept their sinfulness. Remember: Christ came for sinners. Luke5:31-32 we see the value of
grace when we look upon our own sinful condition. We appreciate this grace when we realize
just how undeserving and unworthy we all really are. But because of God’s grace, we are saved!

II. God’s grace transforms those who are saved

The great thing about God’s grace is that it does not stop at saving us. This is where
many people make the error about the grace of God. They think that grace ends at salvation,
and that once you are saved, that’s it. But in reality, salvation is just the beginning. As Paul
writes in Titus, grace not only saves us, but it also changes us in our thinking, our being, and our
way of life. Grace continues even after our salvation. Titus2:11-14

A. It enables us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires – v.12a

Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and to worldly desires. When you
experience God’s unmerited favor in Jesus Christ, it motivates you to want to please
Him in everything that you do. As you read God’s Word, you begin to realize that there
is much in your life that displeases the Lord, who gave Himself on the cross to save you
from God’s judgment. So, you begin walking on the path that Jesus described as denying
yourself daily, taking up your cross, and following Him.Luke9:23 1) Ungodliness refers to
a person who does not respect nor revere God, and thus lives separate from God. At
once our thoughts turn to people who are openly immoral and evil, but in reality this
covers all of us, even if you are not as evil or as bad as other people, all our life we have
been ignoring and denying God, living a life that is against the righteousness of
God.Rom1:21 2) Worldly desires on the other hand, refers to the desires that are the
characteristics of this world system that is opposed to God. John accurately describes
the as “lust of the flesh, eyes, and the pride of life”.1John2:15-16 All of the worldly
desires fall into these categories: selfishness, pride, seeking after status and power,
greed, lust, living for sinful pleasure rather than finding pleasure in living for God. Grace
now tells us to say no to such things. But more than teaching us, remember that it is
grace that enables us. All of us at some point in our life wanted to do the right thing,
wanted to live the right way, but we could not. It was not in our ability or power to do
so. But with grace, now we have been enabled by God to reject sin in our lives.

B. It teaches us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives – v.12b

It is not enough to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly desires. You must also
say yes to self-controlled, upright, godly living. In the present age emphasizes that we
do not need to isolate ourselves from this evil world in monasteries or Christian
communes. Rather, in the midst of this present evil age, we are to live self-controlled,
 upright, godly lives, so that those in the world will be drawn to our Savior. Grace trains
us to say “yes” in 3 areas: 1) Self – words that are repeated all throughout Titus; we are
to have self-control. We are not to succumb to worldly passions, temptations, and
impulses. Rom.6:14 With God’s grace we can do this through the Holy Spirit who is in
us. 2) Others – upright. This refers to a life of integrity and uprightness in your dealings
with others. It means conforming to God’s standards of conduct, as revealed in the
commandments of His Word. Rom.12:14-21 as Christians, we are held to a higher
standard than just of ourselves. Our standard now is the word of God, and we strive to
live uprightly in the sight of men. 3) God – Godly. This refers to holiness and devotion to
God, beginning on the heart level. It means to live a God-ward life, knowing that He
examines your heart. You confess sinful thoughts to Him and live in the love and fear of
God. Our whole life and goal is to be able to please God, and give Him the
Glory.1Cor.10:31

C. It reminds us to wait for our blessed hope – v.13

God’s grace trains us to wait “for the blessed hope and the appearing of the
glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Christ’s first appearing was in grace,
bringing salvation. During His first coming, His glory was mostly veiled. But His second
appearing will be in glory, bringing salvation to His people, but terrifying judgment to
those who have not believed in Him. His second coming is a “blessed hope” for those
who know Him, because then we will fully experience all of the blessings of His
salvation. If your focus is set on the hope of Christ’s return, you will purify your life from
sin.1John3:3 We do our duties while our master is still away.Mark13:35-37 we wait for
this hope eagerly, because we know that we are members of God’s family. We wait with
anticipation: with excitement, not with anxiety or with dread. (illustrate deans lister;
excited and anxious)

Application:
Grace trains us to reject sin, because we know where that road ends. Grace trains us to
choose what is pleasing to God, because we know that God and His grace are far sweeter than
anything the world can offer. Remember that the keyword here is process: this needs time,
effort, discipline, instruction, and a whole lot of prayer. No one becomes the ideal person
overnight: we have to let ourselves be transformed by the grace of God. Living under grace
does not mean that we have license and freedom to sin. We know that this is a lie and
abomination to God.Titus1:16 we are to reject sin, continue in godliness, all the while waiting
for Jesus Christ’s return: our blessed hope.

III. We are to preach the good news – Acts 20:21-27

We have heard the good news of God by its proclamation through the ages. Devout
men and women of God gave their time and effort to share to others what Jesus Christ had
done in order to accomplish salvation for all. Looking forward however, brings this important
task into our hands. We who are presently enjoying the full benefit of the grace of God are the
ones who are responsible in bringing this good news to other people. This God given purpose is
a great privilege that has been given to all of us believers, and is worth giving our full attention.
The apostle Paul understood fully what had happened to him by the grace of God, and gave
himself up fully to do this work that he had been given. Acts 20:21-27 Can we honestly say, as
we are currently living right now, that we have done our duty for the sake of the gospel? I
believe we are not there yet. We must continue still, for many have not yet heard the good
news.

A. The gospel is for all people no matter their background or culture – Acts 1:6-8
Jesus final words on this earth before His ascension were simple: His disciples
were to become the agents of the gospel, being the firsthand witnesses of all the things
that had happened during Jesus’ life and ministry. More than that, power will come for
their witness through the coming of the Holy Spirit, the promised helper that Jesus had
told them about. Acts 1:6-8 an important aspect of Jesus command was in the places He
had mentioned to them. Being Jews, it came as no surprise to them to go into Jerusalem
and Judea. But Samaria? That was a different story. Samaritans were despised as a
whole by the Jewish people. They were notoriously known for being half-breeds and
idolaters. They regarded them as the worst of the human race, and wanted nothing to
do with them. Those coming and going from Galilee and Judea would rather circle
around the entirety of the Jordan river, rather than pass through the land of Samaria.
Yet Jesus broke down all the barriers through the gospel. The good news of the grace of
God had now come and is made available for all people. Consider the fact that the Jews
themselves were no better: they were the ones who crucified the Christ and rejected His
message, yet the gospel was still to be preached to them. While the Samaritans who
were idol worshippers got the same grace as well. The gospel was given for all people,
regardless of race, background, culture, or history.

B. The gospel is powerful to save even the worst of sinners – Rom.1:16; 1Pet.3:18
God displays the immeasurable power He possesses in the saving grace of the
gospel. Rom.1:16 No one is outside the reach of the finished work of Jesus Christ, no
matter how heavy or enormous the sins committed. Christ’s blood is able to cleanse us
of all unrighteousness. Consider the failings of Peter: He had denied Jesus three times,
yet was forgiven, becoming an important figure during the life of the early church. Look
at the christians found all over the new testament. More epistles were written
addressed to gentile people: pagans, idolaters, sexually immoral, and evil people. Most
of all remember Paul, who terrorized the early church, putting early christians to prison,
and worse, putting them to death. Acts 26:10-11 No one could have thought or even
imagined that Saul of tarsus would change his views and outlook as a Pharisee. To think
that He could be an ally of Christianity would have been just wishful thinking for the
believers. But he became more than that. He became an apostle, an agent used by God
to deliver the gospel to more and more people. He established churches, taught the
truth of the gospel, and discipled others to become ministers as well. Many would
consider the early life of Paul as truly evil in the sight of God. And yet, the gospel saved
him and transformed him. We must not look down on others as well as ourselves as
outside the reach of God: By His grace even the worst of sinners are saved. 1Tim.1:15-
16
 C. Jesus Christ is the heart of our message – 1 Cor.15:1-4
The center of the gospel is the person of Jesus Christ. you would think that it
would be easy to remember, but often, the good news gets diluted or constrained by
things that are not in line with the word of God. The gospel is not about finding our
personal happiness. It is not about being rich or getting out of poverty. It is not about
following a path of good works to get to heaven. It is not about making new friends and
expanding our connection with other people. it is not about our enjoyment or pleasure.
The gospel is all about who Jesus is, and what He has done for the sake of sinful people,
who do not deserve a second glance from a Holy God. 1Cor.15:1-4 Let us not soil the
pure gospel with our own additives or extenders. It does not need such things in order
to be effective or powerful. What God has done needs no garnish or touching up.
1Cor.2:1-5 Paul avoided such things so that people would put their faith in Jesus Christ
who was crucified rather than the ability of the messenger. Would we rather people
believe wholeheartedly in the gospel? or be amazed at the preacher? When we
proclaim the gospel, stay focused on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Tell people
who He is, God in human flesh. Tell them why He came to earth, to offer Himself as the
sacrifice that God’s justice requires as the penalty for our sins. Show people from
Scripture that we cannot add our good works to what Christ accomplished on the cross.
We can only receive His salvation from our sins by faith in Jesus Christ.

Application: Acts 8:1-8

1. We proclaim the gospel even in the midst of trials. – In reality, these trials gave way
for the further expansion of the gospel because of christians being scattered in the midst of
terrible persecution.
2. Every Christian should make proclaiming Jesus Christ their aim. – The people did not
wait for the apostles to do the preaching while they went about their lives. There was no
worker/member division. Every Christian was involved in this great work.
3. The Good News brings great joy to the people who receive it. – No greater joy can be
had when one sinner realizes that He has been saved by God. A person who receives
forgiveness and freedom from sin will rejoice in his/her newfound life in Christ.

Conclusion:
For my conclusion, the good news of grace has been proclaimed to us all: Jesus Christ
came, He suffered and died, and He rose again so that all who would have faith in Him would
be saved from hell. We are reminded to “not receive the grace of God in vain.” What we have
heard we must believe and what we now believe we must practice and proclaim. God’s grace
for salvation is more than enough for our greatest needs.. I exhort each one of us to rely upon
this grace, to obey God in whatever we do, and share this great news to others while we still
have the opportunity. To God be the glory.