The Power of Grace

Key Takeaways

• The power of grace uncovers our manipulation

• The power of grace creates a new family

• The power of grace comes to us through repentance

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Pastor John mentioned that "all of life is either ministry or manipulation." How do you understand this statement? Can you think of examples from your own life?

• Question 2

  The sermon talks about our tendency to resort to self-protective strategies instead of vulnerability. How have you experienced this in your own relationships?

• Question 3

  How does the gospel challenge our natural inclination towards self-preservation and manipulation?

• Question 4

  The sermon highlights the importance of church unity. Why do you think God values unity so much? What are some challenges to unity that you've observed?

• Question 5

  Pastor John says, "Belief without repentance is not transformation." What does this mean to you? How can we ensure our faith leads to genuine transformation?

• Question 6

  Discuss the statement: "Grace doesn't flow towards strength. It flows towards weakness." How does this challenge our cultural values?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Exposing Our Manipulation

READING :

Genesis 3:1-13

DEVOTIONAL :

As we read about the fall of humanity, we see the root of our manipulative tendencies. The serpent's lie that God is withholding something good from us still echoes in our hearts today. How often do we, like Adam and Eve, try to grasp for control rather than trusting in God's goodness? Reflect on areas in your life where you might be manipulating others or circumstances to meet your own needs. Ask God to expose these areas gently and to help you trust in his grace rather than your own strategies.

APPLICATION :

Self-Reflection: Take some time this week to examine your relationships. Are there areas where you're prone to manipulation rather than ministry? Bring these before God in prayer.

Day 2 : Deceptive Self-Reliance

READING :

Acts 8:9-13

DEVOTIONAL :

Simon the magician amazed people with his powers, convincing them he was "someone great." How often do we try to present ourselves as more capable, more put-together, or more spiritual than we really are? Today, consider the ways you might be relying on your own strength or abilities rather than on God's grace. Pray for the humility to acknowledge your need for God in every area of your life.

APPLICATION :

Practice Vulnerability: Choose one trusted person this week with whom you can be more open and vulnerable.

Day 3 : The Unifying Power of God's Spirit

READING :

Ephesians 2:11-22

DEVOTIONAL :

The story of the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit reminds us of the unifying power of God's grace. In Christ, ancient hostilities are broken down. Today's passage speaks of how Jesus has made one new humanity out of two, destroying a dividing wall of hostility. Reflect on any prejudices or divisions you might be harboring. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see others as God sees them and to be an agent of unity in your church and community.

APPLICATION :

Unity Exercise: If there's someone in the church, at the office, or in your community you've had tension with, take a step towards reconciliation this week.

Day 4 : The Danger of Commodifying Grace

READING :

Acts 8:14-24

DEVOTIONAL :

Simon's attempt to buy the power of the Holy Spirit reveals how easy it is to misunderstand the nature of God's grace. We can't earn it, buy it, or manipulate it – we can only receive it. Consider areas in your life where you might be trying to "earn" God's favor or blessings. How might you open your hands to simply receive what God freely gives? Spend time in prayer, thanking God for his unmerited grace and asking for help to live in the freedom it provides.

APPLICATION :

Repentance Journal: Start a journal where you regularly confess areas of manipulation or self-protection to God, asking for his transforming grace.

Day 5 : The Path of Repentance and Renewal

READING :

Psalm 51:1-17

DEVOTIONAL :

Peter's call for Simon to repent reminds us of the ongoing need for repentance in our lives. David's psalm of repentance provides a beautiful model of turning back to God. As you read, let David's words become your own prayer. Acknowledge areas where you've tried to live independently from God, confess your need for his cleansing, and ask for the joy of his salvation to be restored. Remember, God's grace meets us in our weakness, not our strength.

APPLICATION :

Close your time by thanking God for his unfailing love and mercy.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

People: May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord!

Psalm 104:33-34

Confession of Faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Father, we confess that like Simon, we grave greatness more than grace. We seek power for ourselves, rather than surrender to your Holy Spirit. Our hearts are often not right before you. Cleanse us from pride, bitterness and bondage. Restore us in the grace of your Son that we might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name, Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:19

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 8:26-40