Grace for Beginners
My Grace is Sufficient
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is to further our understanding of God’s amazing grace. Of special note in this lesson is how God’s grace empowered Paul to deal with issues in his life and how we are also empowered.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Comprehend the benefits to one’s life produced by God’s grace.
- Feel: Value the benefits produced by God’s grace.
- Do: Demonstrate our knowledge of grace by living faithfully and helping others discover the benefits produced by God’s grace.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. Discuss how your understanding of God's grace has changed from your previous understanding.
Answers will vary but look for responses that indicate God's grace is granted to us by the deep love of God. God's grace is the source of our salvation. There is nothing we can offer in exchange for it. We respond to God's grace by faith in Jesus expressed in repentance, baptism and faithfulness (Acts 2:38; Matthew 24:13).
2. Describe a time when everything seemed to be going well in your life but there was a hesitation or foreboding of something about to happen that would cause problems. What causes us to feel this way?
Look for this as a natural feeling experienced by many. Causes for these feelings might be that things are too good to be true. We often feel that we don't deserve good things to happen to us or that there is always a price to pay when good things happen.
3. What was the impact of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" as he states in II Corinthians 12?
Paul recognized that no matter how good or wonderful his experience as God's servant after witnessing a heavenly vision, he was brought to humility by personal suffering that God would not remove (II Corinthians 11:16-ff).
4. Paul's prayer in II Corinthians 12:8 and his request for prayer in Ephesians 6:18-20 and what does it teach us?
Although it is not specifically stated in II Corinthians 12:8, Paul desired relief from these situations so he could continue in his service to God. He states this as such in Ephesians 6:19. He doesn't pray to be released from prison but that he will be successful in his mission.
5. What was Paul's reaction to God's answer to his prayer for relief and what can we learn from this?
The answer was that God will grant relief that He deems sufficient and for His purposes. This is not to punish Paul, but to teach him and keep him from sin. Paul's reaction was total acceptance. From this we learn that although we might not get the immediate response from God we wish, we can learn humility in the face of suffering. God promises to answer the prayers of His children and, as our creator, knows what we need most. Paul's response teaches us submission to God in all things. This is shown by Paul's response in II Corinthians 12:10.
6. Explain the paradox that the weaker we are the stronger Christ becomes, and how this relates to grace.
When we rely solely on our own resources while ignoring God's power in our lives we are doomed to failure. In our prayers we ask for God's will in our lives, and wisdom in making decisions to deal with life's situations. God does not promise a life free from trials, storms or challenges, however, he does promise that He will be there to help us through them.
Grace is at work in situations when He does not have to grant our prayers but chooses to do so. We respond by recognizing God's answer and giving Him glory while maintaining faithfulness.
7. How does this lesson help you and others come to a greater relationship with Jesus and to grow spiritually?
Relying on God's grace in all aspects of our lives helps us grow spiritually. Spiritual growth is about becoming more focused on Jesus and less concerned with ourselves. Those seeking a relationship with God are often doing so to gain relief from life's difficult situations. We can help them understand the nature of God seen in His grace working to solve our greatest need, salvation.