Why do you serve God? Are you laboring to receive His favor and acceptance? Dr. Stanley explains that the grace of God means His undeserved forgiveness is already yours through faith. Don't serve out of fear or an obligation to be accepted, but out of love and with a joyful heart because you are accepted.
Sermon Outline
Grace is a gift that should motivate us to give our all for the gospel, and Paul’s life is a perfect example. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley shares words from the apostle’s letters to challenge us toward ever greater commitment.
Key Passage: Acts 20:16-24
Supporting Passages: Romans 1:1; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Galatians 1:15; Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:8
How would you answer if someone asked what the gospel means to you?
► “To fully understand the gospel of the grace of God, you must see it the way the apostle Paul saw it.”
For Paul, the gospel was everything. He …
Gave years to spreading it all over the known world.
Willingly passed by Ephesus, giving up time with close friends on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 20:16).
Endured trials and murderous plots (v. 19).
Proclaimed the gospel to large crowds and small groups (v. 20).
Risked his life on behalf of people of all backgrounds (v. 21).
Was not deterred by uncertainty or possible troubles ahead (vv. 22-23).
Considered his life nothing compared to the chance to testify (v. 24).
Began letters with the phrase “Grace to you” because he understood its importance: The underlying message of the gospel of God’s grace is the cross.
Put his full confidence in Christ and His atoning work on the cross (Gal. 6:14).
Explained the cross and justification—especially in his epistle to the Roman church. These truths are important to understand.
► “I repent because I have been saved by grace and want no junky trash in my heart.”
The grace of God …
Is His kindness toward humanity, despite it being undeserved.
Should motivate us to obedience.
Is a gift that cannot be earned by good works.
Rests on our responsibility to believe and receive what He offers.
Motivates us to serve Him gratefully.
Moves us to share the truth passionately.
Fuels us with His supernatural energy, strength, and power.
Gives us courage that the world cannot destroy (Acts 20:24).
► “If I’m committed to something, man, it’s got my heart! It’s got my soul! It’s got me way down inside.”
When it comes to responding to the gospel of God’s grace, are you committed enough to …
Study and search for truth? (This means doing more than just reading a few verses at night or looking for help in times of trouble.)
Share it? (This means not keeping it to yourself for fear of being judged.)
Suffer criticism? (This means being willing to speak even when you know others may disagree.)
Die for it? (This means holding resources and treasure loosely—even your life—because you value the Lord above all else.)
After Watching
There’s more than one way to share the gospel, and our actions are just as vital as our words. Is there someone in your life with whom you could share the Good News this week—whether through speech or an act of service?
Grace applies to God’s blessings on His people as well as the benevolence that believers are to extend to one another. Can you think of a person who is in need of grace right now? Ask God to help you know how to best express it to him or her.
