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A BEAUTIFUL day in the NEIGHBORHOOD – Living in Grace

We all need encouragement. Sometimes it just takes one person who continues to press us and show confidence in our abilities and extends love and support that keeps us on the path moving forward in life and in faith. Paul was determined to be that person for Timothy. His letters were sent to remind Timothy of what he received through grace. We need constant reminders of the grace God has given us. It is unmerited favor; favor that we don’t deserve, didn’t earn and can’t win, buy or attain. It is our avenue for salvation. When we could do nothing for ourselves, to save ourselves from sin, God extended grace and sent Jesus to die for our sin! Grace is available to all, but we only become recipients of grace when we accept Jesus Christ and receive the gift of salvation.

Scripture – 2 Ti 1:8, 2:1; 1 Ti 6:12; 2 Co 12:9-10

Verse
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 2:1) Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Ti 6:12)

Thought
Paul tells Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. We are favored by God because of Jesus. We have been adopted into the family of God and bear his name. We are in his care as his children and heirs. So what does it mean to be strong in grace? Grace is fuel. It is confidence in our relationship with God. It is confidence of who we are in Christ, our value and worth are wrapped up in our relationship with God. 1 Timothy 6:12 says, “Fight the good fight of faith.” We can keep on keeping on because we know who our father is. The creator and sustainer of the universe is with us, promoting us. We love others and extend grace because of what God has done for us and we want others to experience God’s grace too. Grace gives us perspective. Our world focuses on the here and now. We work hard to create our own heaven on earth. Grace calls us to go against the cultural norm and keep our eyes on eternity; we can see through a different lens because of grace. Paul says, “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Ti 6:12) It really is all about eternity, and influencing as many people as we can to receive God’s grace and join us in heaven one day. Our confession of Christ as Lord is the turning point. It should be our point of reference, as well! Remember, remember, remember what God has done for you. Hold to the joy of your salvation, your confession of faith. We want others to know the grace God has given us by sharing the story of how Christ has made all the difference in our lives.

Questions
Share your salvation experience. How did Christ change your life? How would you explain God’s grace to an unbeliever? What does it mean to you to live in grace? How well are you living with your perspective on eternity? Do you think it gets easier as you get older to have an eternal perspective? Explain.

Response
Write the story of your conversion experience. Explain what led up to that moment and how you felt. Describe how God changed your life when you asked Jesus to be your Savior. Ask God to create opportunities so you can share your story with those who don’t know Christ.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I so easily forget the magnitude of your love and grace, and fail to fully embrace the great privilege I have of being your child and calling you my Father. Forgive me! I am so thankful that your grace reached me. Guide me to stand in the strength of that grace and to be bold and confident in sharing my faith with others. Keep my eyes focused on the eternity you have prepared for all who receive you, and allow me to influence my friends, family and others so they, too, will share in eternal glory with you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

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