LIFEGROUP MEETING GUIDE
LIVING BY GOD’S AMAZING GRACE
GRACE FREELY GIVEN! Series – Part 1 of 8
Mike Prah – Week of March 31, 2019
Jesus: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)
SERMON OVERVIEW:
Over the next 2 months, we will be studying the gift of God’s grace given to believers. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9), forgiven (Isaiah 43:25), sustained (Philippians 2:13), healed (Psalm 147:3), liberated (Matthew 11:28–30), given talents (Romans 12:6), commissioned (Ephesians 3:7), kept saved (Jude 24), transformed (Romans 12:2) and matured (2 Peter 3:18), all by God’s grace. The grand finale is the eternal inheritance that awaits us in heaven. The bottom line is: everything God does in us, for us, and through us is by His grace. In light of that, it would be a tragedy if any of us live without receiving and living by God’s amazing grace. This week we’ll look at the question, “How do I get grace?”
A. OPEN YOUR SESSION WITH PRAYER.
B. ICE BREAKER:
- Take some time to share what’s going on in your life, testimonies and/or upcoming events. Recognize birthdays, anniversaries or special occasions of your group members
C. BIBLE DISCUSSION: PICK THE POINTS YOU WANT TO DISCUSS.
SECTION 1: REVIEWING SERMON MESSAGE
(a). What fresh insight did you learn from the sermon?
(b). What character or attributes of God were stated in or implied by the message?
(c). What Bible verse cited in the message stands out to you the most? Why?
SECTION 2: PERSONALIZING SERMON MESSAGE
(a). What did you hear that encouraged or reassured you?
(b). How did the message increase your appreciation for God or Jesus Christ?
(c). Who can share the positive results of obeying the message or the painful consequences of disregarding its truth?
SECTION 3: ENCOURAGING APPLICATION OF THE SERMON
(a). If we diligently apply the message, what effect would it have on your personal lives and your walk with Christ?
SECTION 4: DIGGING DEEPER
How Do I Receive God’s Grace? . . .
1. BY TRUSTING CHRIST.
Where does grace come from, according to John 1:17? What preceded grace, and who delivered it?
– As a group, discuss the difference between the law and grace. Why is this “good news”?
What does Romans 5:9–11 say Christ did for us? What do we have as a result of His sacrifice?
– Discuss how people related to God before grace came through Christ?
How can we know what genuine love is from 1 John 3:16. How should this love cause us to respond to God according to this verse?
– What did grace cost Christ? What does it cost us?
What does Paul urge us not to do in 2 Corinthians 6:1?
– What are some of the ways that a person can “let God’s grace be for nothing”
How does the truth from this section encourage you to live a devoted Christian life?
How Can I Show Gratitude for God’s Grace?
2. BY LIVING TO PLEASE GOD.
How does 1 Corinthians 6:20 say we should honor or glorify God? Why?
– How should knowing we are saved for a purpose affect our lives and our futures?
According to 1 Peter 4:10, what has each of us received? What are we to do with what we have received?
– What will others see about God when we use what He has given us?
– How should we want to live when we know Jesus died to give us purpose for living?
We can live to please God because of His grace by letting others see our good works. Share some of the ways you can live your life for the glory of God?
3. BY BECOMING A GENEROUS PERSON.
How are we to give, according to 2 Corinthians 9:7–8? What attitude of the heart do these verses say God loves? What will God do for us in return?
– Discuss with the group the generous nature of Christ. What would it look like for us to be like Him?
– Pastor Mike said, to measure how much you are grateful for grace, look at your giving. Grace-Living = Grace-Giving. How do you understand this message.
How should this truth affect our ability to trust God with what we have?
4. PRAYER TIME – PRAYER POINTS
– Pray for each LifeGroup member to respond positively to this message and to follow-through in application.
– Ask for prayer requests and pray for the individual needs of your group.
– Closing Prayer
PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANYONE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT TO YOUR MEETING. THANKS FOR COMING! INVITE FRIENDS & COME BACK NEXT WEEK! GOD BLESS YOU!
LIVING BY GOD’S AMAZING GRACE
GRACE FREELY GIVEN! Series – Part 1 of 8
Mike Prah – March 31, 2019
Jesus: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)
1. THE BENEFITS OF GOD’S GRACE
We are…
Saved by grace Eph. 2:8-9
Forgiven by grace Isa. 43:25
Sustained by grace Phil. 2:13
Healed by grace Ps. 147:3
Liberated by grace Mt. 11:28-30
Given talents by grace Rom. 12:6
Used by grace Eph. 3:7
Kept saved by grace Jude 1:24
Transformed by grace Rom. 12:2
Matured by grace 2 Peter 3:18
HOW DO I RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE?
BY TRUSTING CHRIST
“The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 (NCV)
“Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God ‑- all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying for our sins — making us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 (LB)
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.” 1 John 3:16 (NIV)
“You are familiar with the generosity of Jesus Christ. Rich as He was, He gave it all away for us — in one stroke, He became poor and we became rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 (Mes)
“So we beg you: DO NOT let the grace that you received from God be for nothing!” 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NCV)
– HOW CAN I SHOW GRATITUDE FOR GOD’S GRACE & LIVE BY HIS GRACE?
1. BY LIVING TO PLEASE GOD
“Don’t you see that you can’t keep on living however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? So let people see God in and through your body!“ 1 Corinthians 6:20 (Mes)
“I have a new sense that I was spared for a purpose and that all my time belonged to God after that.” – President Ronald Regan
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
2. BY BECOMING A GENEROUS PERSON
“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NIV)
Jesus: “Freely You have received, freely give” Matthew 10:8 (NIV)
3. BY SHARING THE GOOD NEWS OF GRACE.
“The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me — to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 (NCV)
“God … does not want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NCV)