Grace

Do we allow the Grace of God to overcome our struggles?

• Paul was so thankful for the grace God had shown him. He went through many struggles but this made him more thankful because he knew God had brought him out the other side.
• How thankful are we for the grace God has shown us?
• 1 Timothy 1 v 12-20
• Paul sees his past as a blasphemer, violent and persecuting man as horrible but he knows the grace of God has covered that sin and has filled him with hope and love.
• Paul doesn't want Timothy to get held back by the cage of guilt.
• Timothy may have done horrible things in the past, we don't know. But what we do know is Paul is encouraging him to focus on the grace of God, which filled Paul with faith and love.
• If the grace of God is put at the centre of the church and its heartbeat then they will regain their first love for God and their faith in Him.
• Paul encourages Timothy by saying that without the grace of God he wouldn't be where he is now.
• Acts 9 v 15-16 - "¹⁵ But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”"
• Paul was mightily used by God. All because the grace of God redeemed him.
• The saying Paul gives to Timothy is so powerful.
• 1 Timothy 1 v 15 - “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”
• Jesus hasn't come to save the people who are 'sorted' and full of pride in themselves for making something of themselves. But came for those who are weak and need Him.
• Mark 2 v 17 - “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
• God's grace is for all who are willing to accept it.
• As our relationship deepens with God our faith and love grow.
• Philippians 1 v 6 – “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
• The grace of God takes away all our past.
• God wants to continue the work in us that He has already started.
• God is moulding us and shaping us as we allow His will to be prevalent in our lives.
• What is God moulding you into?
• What is God’s purpose for your life?
• Timothy was working and pastoring people who had forgotten about the grace and their first love.
• He wanted them to re-light the fire within them and their passion for God and loving what He loves.
• Do we allow the grace of God to transform us?