Points of Grace

July 28, 2013
Points of Grace
Luke 15:11-32
Charles Patton

How can you explain something that is inconceivable, incomprehensible to our finite and human minds?  I'm not sure we can really ever comprehend the depth of God's unending grace.

GRACE = God's favor given to undeserved people. 

God's Riches At Christ's Expense

We can see a beautiful picture of grace in the story of the Prodigal (or Lost) Son in Luke 15:11-32.

Three Points of Grace:
1.  God's grace is Free! --see also Romans 3:23-24, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

• This free gift is attained when we admit we are sinners and ask God for forgiveness.
• When we ask for this gift we are admitting our sinful state.

Point of Grace: Though it is free, it is not cheap.  Grace is a valuable gift.  To receive this gift of grace we must realize we are sinners and ask God to forgive us.  We cannot earn it and we don't deserve it, but that is the definition of a gift.

2.  God's grace is Huge!  Luke 15:21-24, "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son."  But the father said to his servants...'Let's have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"

• At his lowest point, when the son was lost, dirty, broke, starving, he realized there would be grace at his father's house, at least as a servant.  But he did not realize the depth of the grace he would receive after admitting his wrongs.

Point of Grace: There is no sin too big or too evil for God's grace to cover.  God's grace is bigger!

3.  God's grace is All Sufficient!  Luke 15:22, "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'"

• God's grace will dramatically change you.

Point of Grace: God will receive us "just as we are" but will not leave us in that condition.

Even when the son came home in dirty rags and no shoes, his father hugged him and accepted him.  Then he got him a clean (the best) robe, sandals, and a ring to show he was still given the riches of the family.

God will help us become His holy people.  "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." --Romans 6:14

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.  T'was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved, how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed." --John Newton