Posted on July 18, 2010 - by Admin
Appreciating Grace
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
This week’s message will examine how we can know we are not taking lightly the kindness of God to us – and answer the question, “How can I know I am heading in the right direction in my relationship with God?” . . . During our recent children’s camp, we took the group one afternoon to a water park in LaGrange. On one of the water slides, some of the children were amazed by a little boy who, having started going down the slide a certain distance, decided he didn’t want to go down the slide by himself. So, mid slide he let go of his mat, reversed his direction and went against the flow of the water and the slope of the slide, crawling on his hands and knees back to his parent. Through his perseverance, and to the delight of all watching, he made his way safely back to his mom or dad. To me this child demonstrated what each of us are called to do at some point in our lives. Reverse the downward direction of rebellion against God and truth (Romans 1) and then turning back to our Father on the upward path- going against the flow of the world, the flesh, and the devil. God’s kindness and patience is to lead us to this very goal. Romans 2:1-10 this week will give us the marks which will be in our lives if we are indeed headed in the right direction. (See notes below)-
“The most important thing in life is to know that Jesus is able to save you from sin. The second most important thing is to know that you require it.” (James M. Boice)
*Pray especially for the Bulgaria missing team, leaving Wednesday. Scott Googe, Cassandra Davis, Lois McHan , and myself will be traveling to share the Gospel, prayer walk, and meet with other Christians there to determine what work God may have for Glenloch in fulfilling Acts 1:8.
Romans 2:1-10 Appreciating Grace
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
To think lightly: “to think down on, to despise”:
Do not presume or/take lightly the grace of God . . .
It is a sacred trust- do not waste the grace!
*Can you think of anything more dangerous relationally?
“But this kind of manipulative theologizing is to show contempt for God, not honour. It is not faith; it is presumption. For God’s kindness leads us towards repentance. That is its goal. It is intended to give us space in which to repent, not to give us an excuse for sinning.” (Stott) See also 2 Peter 3:9
To appreciate is to “grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of; to value or admire highly; to judge with heightened perception or understanding; to recognize with gratitude; to increase in number or value. Appreciation: “a sensitive awareness.”
Marks of Appreciation: Be a good steward of the Gospel – a sacred trust. (2 Cor. 6:1-12)
1. A repentant heart (v.5): A turning way from your sin to Christ.
Do you agree with God concerning the nature, weight and effect of your sin?
Psalm 32; Psalm 51:17; Acts 3:19
2. Good Works (v.6-7): these prove the genuineness of our faith.
Ephesians 2:10/ Gal. 5:6/ James 2:18-26/ Titus 2:14
“The presence or absence of saving faith in our hearts will be disclosed by the presence or absence of good works of love in our lives.”
3. Selfless attitude (v.8)
Phil. 2: 1-11/ Eph. 5:1-2/ Rev. 12:11
Give your life away: die daily to self.
4. Obedience to Truth (v.8)
Rather than suppressing the truth . . .1 Peter 2:8-9
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
The end result?
Disobedience leads to wrath, tribulation and distress. (v.7-10)
Obedience leads to glory, honor, immortality, eternal life (John 17:3), and peace. (See v. 7,10) John 5:29