Posted on November 22, 2009 - by Admin

Guilt, Grace and Gratitude

One word says so much:  “Thanks”.  And I thank God for each of you and the place you have in my life. . . .only a few of you are getting the life needs salt this week.  It is a sad morning.  Jerry Nally suddenly passed away last night with a heart attack, and the family is in shocking grief.  They have suffered so much already, and pray especially for Chase and Adam Morgan, his grandsons.  They are now without their grandfather after their father’s passing two summers ago.

Guilt, Grace and Gratitude                        Romans 11:32-36

The progression to a thankful heart begins with understanding our guilt before God.  Then, once we recognize our guilt we receive the grace He offers in Jesus Christ.  This in turn leads to a life of gratitude and thanksgiving.

1.  Guilt:  (v.32)
Notice:  God has shut up all in disobedience.
Consider:  What is the evidence in your life that you are guilty of sin?  What has     your guilt merited you?
Related Scripture:  Isaiah 59:1-2;  Rom. 3:10, 23;  6:23

2.  Grace  (v.32)
Notice:  God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may be merciful to all.
Consider:  How has God’s mercy come to us?  How do we personally receive it?
Related Scripture:  Romans 5:8;  8:32;  2 Cor. 5:21;  8:9;

“Nobody can alter God’s decision . . . and nobody can produce new evidence of your depravity that will make God change His mind.  For God justified you with (so to speak) His eyes open.  He knew the worst about you at the time when He accepted you for Jesus’ sake;  and the verdict which He passed then was, and is, final.”  (J.I. Packer)

3.  Gratitude  (v.33-36)
Notice:  Paul shares a doxology of worship in which He gives God glory for from     Him are all things.
Consider:  How is it possible to give thanks in all things?
Related Scripture:  Psalm 136:1;   Luke 17:11-19;  Romans 1:21; 1 Thess. 5:18

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.”  (James 1:17)

“For who regards you as superior?  And what do you have that you did not receive? .. . .”  (1 Cor. 4:7)