Grace: Part 13

August 29, 2021

Grace and Peace

Ephesians 1:1-2

Part of becoming a follower of Jesus is the change that takes place in our hearts, minds, and lives.

Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Change that is brought about by the Holy Spirit will be life-altering.

Paul had experienced an incredible change in his life.

Once he was known as Saul the Pharisee.

They knew the Laws of Moses
They were totally sold out to righteousness and divine holiness
- To the point of having too many requirements and rules

Note: Matthew 23:3-4 NIV

This was where Paul came from.

His change or conversion radically changed his whole way of living, seeing God’s grace, relationships with a lost world, and his position with Gentiles in the Kingdom of God

Thought: Some of you have had quite a journey with God

Saul became Paul

The Pharisee now an Apostle
Once appointed by the Sanhedrin to fight against Jesus followers
Now called by Jesus to reach out to the lost and make them followers of Jesus

The group that Ephesians is written to are called, “Saints”

The faithful believers in Christ Jesus

Main theme for this letter? Grace and peace

Note: Titus 2:11-12 NIV

God’s grace helps us to say “No” to sin and “Yes” to doing life his way.

True grace is given when we do not deserve it.

None of us deserve God’s grace
None of us are worthy of his love and kindness
None of us deserve the peace that he has given to us through the work of the cross

The peace (eirene) of God

N.T. it meant to understand all that God did for us through Jesus’ death
The peace in our hearts that God has rescued us from hell’s grip upon our souls
Peace that God’s wrath is no longer upon us
The security of knowing that our eternal destiny is in the hands of a loving, compassionate God

Grace and peace

Two concepts that complement each other
Two aspects of God’s kindness bestowed upon us

Grace gives us our peace.

Peace teaches our hearts of God’s grace

To have peace is to know of God’s grace.

To be in the grace of God is to rest in his peace

Grace and peace is a state where we live as followers of Jesus.

Our position in Christ is afforded to us because of God’s grace and peace
Our walk is one that expresses our standing of being in the grace and peace of God

3 take a ways:

Change takes place in our lives when we encounter the saving grace of God
Peace settles our fears of tomorrow
Grace and peace are the driving forces that direct our lifestyle of walking in grace

To walk in grace is to have the peace of God truly in our lives.