You don’t need to earn God’s favor because Jesus already did. Dr. Stanley explains the difference between the Old and the New Covenant, what Jesus accomplished for you at Calvary, and how grace changes everything. Jesus' sacrifice for you paid for the grace needed for your life.
Sermon Outline
Performance-based thinking can create a terrible burden if we apply it to our life in Christ. We’ll constantly wonder if we’ve prayed enough, served enough, or measured up to some arbitrary standard. This week, Dr. Stanley explains how grace transforms our relationship with the Lord from anxious striving into confident rest.
Key Passage: Luke 22:19-20
Supporting Passages: John 15:5; Ephesians 2:6-9; Hebrews 4:16
When Jesus went to the cross, He established a new way of living—one based in a personal relationship with Him.
► “We have been saved by the grace of God—His unmerited, undeserved favor.”
A lifestyle of grace is ...
Acceptance.
Our standing is based on our spiritual condition, not conduct.
It has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with the finished work of Christ.
Assurance.
Our salvation is secured, not by our performance but by the undeserved favor of God through Christ (Eph. 2:8-9).
Availability.
We can come boldly to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16), where we find a loving, tender heavenly Father.
Adequacy.
The Holy Spirit lives within us, providing everything we need.
Abundance.
By grace, God can and sometimes does give wealth to the poor, power to the weak, purity to the unclean, or healing to the sick. He has given us everything we will ever need.
Abiding.
A branch depends on the vine for everything. In the same way, the Lord is not part of your life; He is your life (John 15:5).
Accountability.
We answer to a loving Father who views us as trophies of His grace (Eph. 2:6-7).
At the judgment seat of Christ, believers will become shining, eternal evidence of His transforming power.
►“Pray to God and ask Him, ‘Father, would You guide my schedule today? Would You live Your life through me today?’”
How can you receive God’s grace?
Acknowledge your sinfulness and the fact that you cannot save yourself.
Recognize that Jesus’ death at Calvary paid your sin debt in full.
Receive Him by faith as your Savior—based not on what you’ve done but on what He did.
Begin the journey hand in hand with your heavenly Father.
After Watching
Where in your spiritual life are you currently “keeping score”? Name that specific area and ask the Lord to help you release it: God, I’ve been striving and measuring instead of resting in what Jesus already finished. Help me stop performing for Your approval and start living from the acceptance I already have. Teach me what it means to depend on You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dr. Stanley outlines seven aspects of grace: acceptance, assurance, availability, adequacy, abundance, abiding, and accountability. Which one feels hardest for you to believe right now? Why do you think that is the case?
