1 Timothy 1:2
January 22nd
2012 AM
Pastor Craig
Ledbetter
I.
Introduction (1 Tim
1:2; 2Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2Jn 1:3)
A.
I love the meanings of words –
especially Bible words!
B.
Three little words: Grace,
Mercy and Peace
C.
Paul and John are wishing for
grace mercy and peace to be in the lives of other believers. It is a distinctly
Christian wish from one believer for another
D.
The world wants peace and
love.
1.
The 60’s phrase was, “Peace
man!” and “Love!”
2.
And yet the 20th
century has seen more war and bloodshed in every city and town
E.
But the Bible believer knows
the world needs GRACE, and MERCY and PEACE!
F.
Did you notice in all the
scriptures there, that whatever Grace, Mercy and Peace are, they only come from
a relationship with Jesus Christ! You won’t find them in a Pharmacy, or in a
bottle of wine, or can of beer.
G.
Let’s learn what those three
words mean and start experiencing them ourselves!
II.
Message
A.
Grace
1.
Definition:
a.
It is when you honour someone
who does not deserve the honour!
b.
A Kindness, goodwill, giving
unearned attention towards someone, to lovingly put up with someone that should
be rejected!
c.
To do something for someone
when they don’t deserve it, and haven’t earned it
d.
Grace is BIG!
e.
Grace is the opposite of all
my best efforts, and abilities – it needs NONE of my help!
f.
It is an attitude that God has
towards sinners (Eph 2:8,9). And you received it when you got saved!
2.
Wrong ideas about Grace
a.
That it is a measure of
forgiveness – you can’t give forgiveness in small amounts. Yet the RC Church
teaches we earn grace in small amounts from Mary and the saints as we work out
our salvation!
b.
That you can earn it by your
good works (Rom 11:6)
3.
We are what we are only by the
grace of God (1Cor 15:10), not because of the abilities and strengths of
mankind!
4.
There is more Grace than there
is Sin (Rom 5:20,21)
5.
It is a internal, supernatural
response towards trouble (2Cor 12:7-10). Grace was given to us so that we could
handle troubles!
6.
Paul refers to it as a
strength in us equal to Christ’s might (2Tim 2:1)!
7.
It is ONLY given to the humble
(James 4:6), who go to JESUS (not Mary) for it (John 1:17)
a.
You have to humble yourself
b.
You have to have a connected,
active, loving relationship with Jesus to experience it (Eph 6:24)
8.
It is pretty important to have
(Heb 13:9) – anchor your life to this attitude
a.
It is something we should
constantly nurture and help to GROW in our hearts (2Pet 3:18)
b.
We need grace more than we
need anything in life (Heb 4:16)
c.
Towards one another (Heb
12:28)
d.
Towards trials and troubles –
not lashing back, or even giving up!
9.
Beware!
a.
It can be abused (Rom 6:1,15)
b.
It can be missed (Heb 12:15) –
not held on to when it was most needed, and let slip by - bitterness and
unforgiveness will always ruin grace in your life – take its place!
c.
Don’t let trouble rob you of
God’s grace and strength!
d.
It is something we should wish
and pray for others to have (2Thes 3:18)
10.
Thank God for His AMAZING
grace!
III.
Conclusion
A.
I love the meanings of words –
especially Bible words!
B.
Three little words: Grace,
Mercy and Peace
C.
What is Grace?
1.
Definition:
a.
It is when you honour someone
who does not deserve the honour!
b.
A Kindness, goodwill, giving
unearned attention towards someone, to lovingly put up with someone that should
be rejected!
c.
To do something for someone
when they don’t deserve it, and haven’t earned it
d.
It is a internal, supernatural
response towards trouble (2Cor 12:7-10). Grace was given to us so that we could
handle troubles!
2.
It is pretty important to have
(Heb 13:9) – anchor your life to this attitude
a.
We need grace more than we
need anything in life (Heb 4:16)
b.
Towards one another (Heb
12:28)
c.
Towards trials and troubles –
not lashing back, or even giving up!
3.
Aren’t you glad there is more
Grace than there is Sin!
4.
How do you GET grace?
a.
It is ONLY given to the humble
(James 4:6)
b.
Who go to JESUS (not Mary) for
it (John 1:17)
5.
Beware!
a.
It can be abused (Rom 3:8;
6:1,15)
b.
It can be missed (Heb 12:15) –
bitterness and unforgiveness will always ruin grace in your life