The most powerful influence in the life of the believer is the transforming grace of God. Dr. Stanley shares how we can experience a changed life—and it’s not through good works. Find hope today in the knowledge that God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
Sermon Outline
There are countless things we can do to improve ourselves. The desire for positive change is a good thing and something that’s innately human. However, nothing in this world can transform us like the extraordinary grace of God. This week, Dr. Stanley explains how grace works in our life every day.
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11
Supporting Passages: Acts 26:9-11; Romans 6:16; Romans 6:20; 1 Corinthians 15:15; Ephesians 2:1-6; Ephesians 3:7-8; Philippians 3:4-7; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; 1 Timothy 4:6-7; 1 Peter 1:4
The Bible says God has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. (See Rom. 8:29.) That implies we will experience many changes.
► “We believers must never forget where we were before God came into our life.”
God’s grace is transformative.
It was not given to Paul in vain; it had an effect (1 Cor. 15:9-11)—namely, that he was changed from sinner to saint.
We were all dead in sin before God saved us (Eph. 2:1-6).
Grace moves us from darkness to light, from death to life.
Our character and nature are completely changed by grace.
Good works neither save us nor fundamentally change us (Phil. 3:4-7).
The only way we are made acceptable to God is by accepting the death of Jesus Christ as the full payment for our sins.
God can perform miraculous transformations.
We go from being slaves of sin to slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6:16; Rom. 6:20).
Those who are deep in deception can still be transformed (Acts 26:9-11).
Paul was shown grace and mercy despite his past sins (1 Tim. 1:12-16).
If God’s grace was able to transform someone like Paul—an enemy of the Lord—it can change anyone.
► “You have a message to share. You can’t keep the love of God to yourself.”
What is the proper attitude for a transformed saint?
Humility
Paul called himself “the least of the apostles” (1 Cor. 15:9) and “the very least of all saints” (Eph. 3:8).
He also said he was “foremost” among sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).
Someone who understands God’s grace isn’t prideful.
A sense of obligation
Paul labored more than anyone else out of an overwhelming sense of gratitude (1 Cor. 15:10).
When we grasp what God has done, we can’t help wanting to serve Him and share His love with others.
Dependence
Paul insisted that all he achieved was actually done by God (1 Cor. 15:10).
The same grace that saved us continues to empower our daily service. We don’t depend on our own wisdom or strength.
Confidence
Far from boasting about himself, Paul expressed quiet assurance in God’s faithfulness.
By means of His transforming grace, God can do extraordinary works through believers.
After Watching
Sometime this week, write down between one and three specific concrete ways you can express gratitude to God for His saving grace. It could be through actions, words, or practices, such as writing a prayer, creating a gratitude list, or serving others to share your joy.
Think about a moment in your life when God’s grace felt tangible to you. How did you respond then, and how do you feel today when you think back on that moment?
